RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
He kinda reminds me of Toby from The Office.
Illini Football 2026
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He said this is what he had his Coordinators do at Montana. Whether or not you prefer it, I appreciate that there is consistency to his approach.
I have a feeling it’s self imposed for the press conferences to not give anything away for other teams that are watching.
He’s had what I would consider borderline arrogant comments sprinkled in. I think he can get pretty pointed and pretty direct in a hurry.
What will help more than anything, IMO, is Illinois finally has B1G level running backs. Finally. Valentine is only now ready. Bowl game Laughery is good but hasn't been able to stay on the field long enough to get in any rhythm. I *think* the two freshman are/will be B1G level backs. It's been a weakness for Illinois.
It took them a long time to get here after Brown.
Edit: Add Anderson as a short yardage back, he's good in this situation.
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Joel Goodson
- it's all ball bearings, nowadays
no idea if he wants to come back, but we'll find out soon:
Points per drive is more insightful than points per game.
Illinois gave up 2.56 points per drive last year, which was 100th in the nation. The year prior in 2024 — we gave up 2.22 which ranked 67th.
In 2022, we gave up 1.17 which was 2nd best in the country.
Man, if you insist. I certainly hope you're right.
RB was on my wish list for the portal and we got nothing out of it at that position even though there were plenty of players we could have grabbed.
That's actually been the only thing that's bothered me this offseason. But I'd love to be wrong!
BLJ knowledge and presentation continues to impress. Fortunate to have him.
RB is the one position , of all that get on the field, where a talented frosh can not only start , but get lots of carries if he doesn’t . OSO & scUM have been doing that for years . I’m not saying we have a frosh like that , but obviously the staff thinks we have a deep enough RB room that getting a guy out of the portal wasn’t a priority .
I am so ready for one of those BB type guys he had at Wiscy to dominate & get 1200 yards this year on 28 carries per game - thus eating lots of clock for us .
I believe this is the plan.
Win games 31-24, win in the margins, get more turnovers. Still just an overall talent ceiling to the roster, but Bret knows what will work.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Who’s going to have a better career: Will Vala or JC Anderson?
Realistically this late he will have limited options. He also knows the offense
hawiian_mike
Unkle Mike
- Here, There, and Everywhere
Based on their high school film Vala by far!
Joel Goodson
- it's all ball bearings, nowadays
missed it by that much
I would take a repeat of last year in a heartbeat and you can keep the extra possessions. Both because I think the offense will be very solid and because I'm not sold on the talent and depth in our front 6
Anderson, and its not close.
He'll have a pretty clear role as the 5th receiver.
I disagree and think Vala has a better career. I think JC will have to transfer down a level
I think we did fine signing Vala . played tough prep ball at DGN
hard to tell if Anderson was properly prepared for big time ball at TE where he played
no one knows yet . between Anderson & Vala , I like where we ended up . I also don’t think Anderson plays much at LSU & ends up transferring somewhere
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