Illinois vs Duke, Saturday, September 12th, 2:30pm CT, FS1

#57      
1) We haven’t had talented enough pass catchers for the position

2) when we do, they’re usually not good blockers (i.e. Cole Rusk)

3) if you can’t block, you’re probably not seeing the field, because the staff values blocking more than they do pass catching.

Agree with all of this.


I also continue to point out that this has been the best run of WR performance in Illinois history under Lunney. Under Lunney is Illinois' #4 (IW), #9 (Pat Bryant), #12 (Casey Washington), and #21 (Hank Beatty) in all-time career receiving yards. If Colin Dixon stays healthy, he's a lock for top-15. Clement has a healthy shot for top-20 too. Would you want a trade-off of getting less output from the WR group to get more from the tight ends?
 
#58      
Agree with all of this.


I also continue to point out that this has been the best run of WR performance in Illinois history under Lunney. Under Lunney is Illinois' #4 (IW), #9 (Pat Bryant), #12 (Casey Washington), and #21 (Hank Beatty) in all-time career receiving yards. If Colin Dixon stays healthy, he's a lock for top-15. Clement has a healthy shot for top-20 too. Would you want a trade-off of getting less output from the WR group to get more from the tight ends?
its obvious there are only so many times you can throw the ball - but my comment would be if you would throw to the TE more you either
- extend the drive and have more opportunities and plays to tun
- turn what end up being FG's into TD's on the play before

we all can agree we use our TE for targeted throws, just about less than anyone. It really need to change

case in point - for years the Bears has the same problem. They finally draft two TE's who can catch, and suddenly things change. yea, the Illini dont have that luxury, but it needs to start somewhere. If you were a really good receiving TE, would you really want to come play for us right now ?
 
#59      
its obvious there are only so many times you can throw the ball - but my comment would be if you would throw to the TE more you either
- extend the drive and have more opportunities and plays to tun
- turn what end up being FG's into TD's on the play before

we all can agree we use our TE for targeted throws, just about less than anyone. It really need to change

case in point - for years the Bears has the same problem. They finally draft two TE's who can catch, and suddenly things change. yea, the Illini dont have that luxury, but it needs to start somewhere. If you were a really good receiving TE, would you really want to come play for us right now ?

But Illinois scored a touchdown on every drive but 2 so whats the problem?
 
#61      
My guess is that we’ll definitely use Feagin in the passing game, but there was zero reason to show that off before Week 2.
Feagin caught 16 balls out of the backfield last year. Rusk was the only TE to catch more (19). Before that, you have to go back to Tip Reiman in 2023 who also caught 19.
 
#67      
Yesterday reminded me a lot of how I felt in 2023 watching us play Toledo. I felt like “man, we’re better than this right?” And then for like a week I tried to talk myself into us being off that day with a lot of turnover and that we’d be fine. Then Kansas took us to the woodshed.

Duke game will do a lot towards making me feel confident or pessimistic about a bowl game this year.
Yeah, I agree here. Watching Duke/Tulane, Duke passing game is paltry but they’ve got a big line and can run the ball. If we don’t tackle better it’s going to be a long day. Their defense is pretty good too. They have speed and athleticism. They’ll make us earn our yards.
 
#69      
Sheppard is good. but if you can't beat this QB rather easily at home. Idk.
I still remember Ohio State one year ran the ball like 75 times and only threw it like 5 times against us at home. I am not sold on the "if their HB is really good, but their QB is bad, we should have this" line. Granted, Duke is not a comparable team to OSU.
 
#70      
I still remember Ohio State one year ran the ball like 75 times and only threw it like 5 times against us at home. I am not sold on the "if their HB is really good, but their QB is bad, we should have this" line. Granted, Duke is not a comparable team to OSU.

this.

I would assume whatever OSU game you're alluding to was when we we're a much a worse program, and im assuming that OSU o-line is better than this duke o line.
 
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#73      
what is interesting about UAB is the box score is similar to Indiana’s today in their win. Yardage similar, TOP significantly in favor of the loser, etc. Also similar to our win at Duke last year with a similar score when Duke dominated both lines of scrimmage as I recall.
 
#75      
I do think we need to get Feagin involved more somehow. A lot of talent to only be a blocker.
 
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