As long as we keep scoring, we will be okay.
Hopefully the D starts playing better.
Hopefully the D starts playing better.
Game Thread: Illinois vs Duke
- Status
It’s going to be a long year, we’re going to give up a crazy amount of points.
Tackle
illinipioneer
- Richmond, VA
Well hey, we are up by 3 at least 
skyIdub
"I can't tell you. Secret."
This Duke team only scored 17pts against Tulane.
First half as expected. Solid offense. Horrid defense. Need to learn how to tackle at halftime and we can pull this out
might take them only a minute this time
Juuust a bit outside...
At least
Bret needs to get involved in this play calling
Men… take a breath and look around this locker room.
This isn’t just orange and blue on your shoulders — it’s every player who came before you, every fan who drove hours to be here, every kid in Illinois who believes in you because you wear the I.
Duke came in here expecting you to fold.
They expected you to doubt yourselves.
They expected you to forget who you are.
But you didn’t.
You fought every snap.
You hit every block.
You stood toe‑to‑toe with a team that thought they had this game won before it even started.
Now listen closely.
There comes a moment in every season when a team decides what it’s going to be.
Not what the rankings say.
Not what the analysts say.
What you say.
And that moment is right now.
When you walk back onto that field, I want you to remember every rep you’ve taken, every sprint you’ve run, every weight you’ve lifted, every sacrifice you’ve made to wear this jersey.
You earned this.
You belong here.
And you’re not done.
So I’m asking you — as brothers, as Illini — to finish what you started.
Go out there and play with heart.
Play with pride.
Play with the fire that brought you to Champaign in the first place.
And when Duke looks across the line and sees you coming, I want them to feel it.
I want them to know that Illinois doesn’t back down, doesn’t fade, doesn’t quit.
Men…
Go out there and win this one for the Illini.
Dixon with 9 catches, 135 yards, 3 TDs.
That’s the best first half Ive seen from an Illinois receiver in a while.
That’s the best first half Ive seen from an Illinois receiver in a while.
Need to learn how to generate turnovers. This defense only works if you steal possessions we are not doing anything to make anyone turn the ball over.
Truly believe this is going to come down to turnover margin. I’ve seen nothing to think this defense can get more than MAYBE one stop.
On a semi side note Nate Sheppard is the best ACC running back. Might be best in the country.
On a semi side note Nate Sheppard is the best ACC running back. Might be best in the country.
How about 1 game and 2 quarters?
Unfortunately, I agree
Illinois: our defense produces Heisman candidates at running back...
This defense coach is no better than the one that left. The defense is worse than last year, poor tackling again.
- Status