I really don't know what to say, man. This defense is absolute garbage.
Duke 31, Illinois 27 Postgame
Lots of poor strategies, poor alignments, static play calling and not understanding who's on the field for both you and them. All out 11 person run blitz on 4th and 1 is only call.
That was one of the more unenjoyable games I have watched in a long time.
Is it our talent level, our defensive scheme, or a combination of both?
Is it our talent level, our defensive scheme, or a combination of both?
and only one really good wr
Reasons we lost: Offensive injuries and offensive defense
Is this a tony peterson level of ineptitude?
This is pretty clearly recency bias.
NOTHING about this game is worse than Michigan State 2022.
I wish I didn’t feel like this sets the program back years but I’m a pessimist I guess
illinidarrin
- from parts unknown
When you make the horrible decision to spend your NIL money on retaining players instead of going out and getting quality players, this is the result you get. We are doomed and everyone knows it at this point. We will be lucky to go 4-8 this year. I really thought those days were behind us.
looks that way to me, nothing we can do this season to fix it
Hereforit
- Littleton, CO
Such a winnable game if the O showed up in the 2nd half. The D was the issue in the first half but they weren’t as bad in the 2nd, albeit not great. Have no idea what happened to Barry and crew in that 2nd half but hope he tears it apart. Also, Katin has been a baller but he has to find other targets than Dixon.
Time for Bret and Bobby to have a meeting of the minds. Can’t have this for the whole year. Barry, just be you man. You absolutely sucked in the 2nd half but you are good at what you do. Reassert yourself immediately starting next week.
Time for Bret and Bobby to have a meeting of the minds. Can’t have this for the whole year. Barry, just be you man. You absolutely sucked in the 2nd half but you are good at what you do. Reassert yourself immediately starting next week.
Platt is hurt.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I have unwavering faith in Bret. I worry that we need infinitely more money for better talent and coordinators to the point where we’ll lose momentum.
That never happens. Until today.
NASchamp
- Atlanta
More depressed about how terrible we looked in the 2nd half vs just the loss. And the fact we had MULTIPLE chances to win it and just pissed them away.
This is going to be a longgggg season.
Didn’t we just have a question in a thread about why fans started dropping out late last season? Can guarantee you we will have a lot more open seats at games from here on out.
This is going to be a longgggg season.
Didn’t we just have a question in a thread about why fans started dropping out late last season? Can guarantee you we will have a lot more open seats at games from here on out.
I agree. The only other way to win without lot of money is like Iowa where they develop lineman thru years in the program. Bret’s been here for a full cycle of players and not much O or D Line development happening.
SuperMetroid
- Evanston
Wisconsin last year, NU 2023 to miss a bowl game come to mind too
I think it’s our talent level. In the front 7, we just don’t have pedigree.
Pedigree meaning proven pieces at this level. Lots of guys who were “meh” at the lower level OR guys who were backups, should still be backups, but being unnaturally thrusted into starting roles.
When you’re on a roster budget, you need to choose positions. We chose to prioritize Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Secondary, Running Backs, and Offensive Line.
Didn’t prioritize Defensive Line and Linebackers.
…..
JMO — I thought the defense was good at the end of the game. Our offense just plummeted, and going to Dixon became too predictable.
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Because we are heading towards a 4-8 season and if we don’t increase NIL then are cemented in the back half of BT moving forward.
Injury timeouts wasted, running the ball with no timeouts, lack of proper tackling technique, not using the TEs, and just the lack of any beef in the trenches on both sides of the ball, yadda yadda..... I like Trimble and Dougherty, but seems like we just don't use them. The defense is scary bad!! Not surprised by the outcome today to be honest. We knew this was coming based on last weeks showing. A 6 win season will be a good year based on what we have witnessed so far.