Illini Football 2017

blmillini · Dec 14, 2016

HoustonIllini said:
I was lucky to start following Illinois football when I moved to Illinois in 1982 after finishing my first 7 years of military service. I was a fan from the minute I stepped on campus as a transfer student, and had the pleasure of watching the beloved during the White & Mackovic years, so I thought we ALWAYS had a rich tradition of winning football. Little did I konw . . . Only after I graduated in '85 did I learn of some of the history BMT (Before My Time) and figure out that we actually had a pretty poor winning football tradition. Since then, we've been pretty pathetic :frustrated:

I still love football, and yearn for the to come back and restore winning to our teams. I've earned to be patient with my kids, and I'll continue to be patient with Lovie.

I'm not sure this is completely true. Prior to the 80's, we certainly had some lean years but we did have some really good history as well. In fact, I thought we were on part with Michigan until about 50's/60's when each program went in different directions. The post 80's Illini have been pathetic and it would be really nice to get back to some level of competence as I simply love the game of football. Basketball is okay, but football is king in my mind.

WesterveltVictoryCigar · Dec 14, 2016

blmillini said:
In fact, I thought we were on part with Michigan until about 50's/60's when each program went in different directions.

i.e the Slush Fund fiasco. Awful timing since it killed our program right at the time college football started exploding and TV was expanding coverage.

Deleted member 29907 · Dec 14, 2016

BlueGuy27 said:
Lol...you realize the NFL and NCAA have different rules, right? If we could pay free agents to play for us next year, then this trend may hold true, but we can't.

Oh, but we can. They are called JUCO transfers..

Not to make a BB excuse but losing your first and second string QBs during the season is a tough run. Assuming we can keep one of the two healthy next year, i think we improve. The underclassmen got a ton of time last year.

ItsFootballTime · Dec 14, 2016

mhuml32 said:
2017 Illini Football
Sat, Sep 02___Ball State
Sat, Sep 09___Western Kentucky
Sat, Sep 16___@South Florida
Sat, Sep 23___---bye---
Fri, Sep 29___Nebraska
Sat, Oct 07___@Iowa
Sat, Oct 14___Rutgers
Sat, Oct 21___@Minnesota
Sat, Oct 28___Wisconsin (Homecoming)
Sat, Nov 04___@Purdue
Sat, Nov 11___Indiana
Sat, Nov 18___@Ohio State
Sat, Nov 25___Northwestern

Theres some winnable games there boys.

FatGreg · Dec 15, 2016

It's unlikely, but if the following happens, couldn't we have a pretty darn good offense? Like, top-6 in the league?

-Dwayne Lawson turns out to be a stud, stays on the straight and narrow, and gives us a top athletic talent at QB for the first time in several years

-The offensive line improves considerably as DiLauro, Allegretti, Megginson, and Darta Lee all mature physically and learn the system more thoroughly

-At least two of Foster, Corbin, and Vaughn stick around and one of Tre Nation, Dre Brown, Mike Epstein, and Ra'Von Bonner can produce if/when necessary

-Mikey Dudek comes back at (near) full strength. I know it sounds unlikely to some, but honestly ACL injuries are usually not a huge deal anymore. There's no reason he can't return to form in 2017

-Malik Turner stays healthy and continues to improve

-MJ McGriff and/or Sam Mays can function as reliable #3/#4 targets

-We get a commitment from Jeff Thomas and he's miraculously eligible. Thomas and one of Smalling and Carmoni Green are ready for prime time Day #1

Will all of that happen? Probably not, but it doesn't seem too far fetched. I feel like we'd be at least slightly above average by B1G standards across the board offensively if it all came together. I'm hoping for 5 wins and genuine signs of improvement. Is that way too optimistic?

Hoppy2105 · Dec 15, 2016

FatGreg said:
It's unlikely, but if the following happens, couldn't we have a pretty darn good offense? Like, top-6 in the league?

-Dwayne Lawson turns out to be a stud, stays on the straight and narrow, and gives us a top athletic talent at QB for the first time in several years

-The offensive line improves considerably as DiLauro, Allegretti, Megginson, and Darta Lee all mature physically and learn the system more thoroughly

-At least two of Foster, Corbin, and Vaughn stick around and one of Tre Nation, Dre Brown, Mike Epstein, and Ra'Von Bonner can produce if/when necessary

-Mikey Dudek comes back at (near) full strength. I know it sounds unlikely to some, but honestly ACL injuries are usually not a huge deal anymore. There's no reason he can't return to form in 2017

-Malik Turner stays healthy and continues to improve

-MJ McGriff and/or Sam Mays can function as reliable #3/#4 targets

-We get a commitment from Jeff Thomas and he's miraculously eligible. Thomas and one of Smalling and Carmoni Green are ready for prime time Day #1

Will all of that happen? Probably not, but it doesn't seem too far fetched. I feel like we'd be at least slightly above average by B1G standards across the board offensively if it all came together. I'm hoping for 5 wins and genuine signs of improvement. Is that way too optimistic?

It's a lot of ifs so it's probably too optimistic but it's not out of the realm of possibility!

WesterveltVictoryCigar · Dec 16, 2016

Deon1987 said:
I think maybe we all know the writings on the wall that Lawson will be the guy for the next 2 YRS....

But crouch is a weapon... Maybe he can be the tight end h back /full back weapon we need???...he's gotta be on the field tho...

Crouch is not changing positions, we have no depth at QB.

FiveStar · Dec 16, 2016

WesterveltVictoryCigar said:
Crouch is not changing positions, we have no depth at QB.

Probably got to protect him a bit too. With a shoulder injury as rough as he had, probably don't want him crashing into a DL/LB to block.

WesterveltVictoryCigar · Dec 16, 2016

FiveStar said:
Probably got to protect him a bit too. With a shoulder injury as rough as he had, probably don't want him crashing into a DL/LB to block.

Yeah, I'm not sure he'll last an entire season at QB, much less playing a position where he'd have even more contact.

mhuml32 · Dec 16, 2016

mhuml32 said:
2017 Illini Football
Sat, Sep 02___Ball State
Sat, Sep 09___Western Kentucky
Sat, Sep 16___@South Florida
Sat, Sep 23___---bye---
Fri, Sep 29___Nebraska
Sat, Oct 07___@Iowa
Sat, Oct 14___Rutgers
Sat, Oct 21___@Minnesota
Sat, Oct 28___Wisconsin (Homecoming)
Sat, Nov 04___@Purdue
Sat, Nov 11___Indiana
Sat, Nov 18___@Ohio State
Sat, Nov 25___Northwestern

Seeing the issues at Indiana and Minnesota, plus home games against Rutgers and Northwestern, the schedule could help Illinois out.

Should win: Rutgers + Ball State
Could win: WKU + Purdue + Indiana + Northwestern + Minnesota
Should lose: USF + Nebraska + Iowa
Will lose: Ohio State + Wisconsin

I'll predict 4-8, but 5-7 would have me very optimistic about Lovie's coaching ability.

WesterveltVictoryCigar · Dec 16, 2016

Deon1987 said:
I can def see a position change

Again, all we have is Crouch, George Jr, Lawson and Thomas. So, no...not happening.

Ransom Stoddard · Dec 16, 2016

WesterveltVictoryCigar said:
Again, all we have is Crouch, George Jr, Lawson and Thomas. So, no...not happening.

I think Deon may actually be ThaKid101.

WesterveltVictoryCigar · Dec 16, 2016

Ransom Stoddard said:
I think Deon may actually be ThaKid101.

No, he hasn't predicted the Heisman for Lawson.

Ransom Stoddard · Dec 16, 2016

WesterveltVictoryCigar said:
No, he hasn't predicted the Heisman for Lawson.

He hasn't predicted that...so far....

WesterveltVictoryCigar · Dec 16, 2016

Deon1987 said:
Lawson
Crouch
George Jr
Miller
Davis
Thomas..... There's plenty of depth just no quality

Thanks for proving my point.

ItsFootballTime · Dec 17, 2016

FatGreg said:
It's unlikely, but if the following happens, couldn't we have a pretty darn good offense? Like, top-6 in the league?

-Dwayne Lawson turns out to be a stud, stays on the straight and narrow, and gives us a top athletic talent at QB for the first time in several years

-The offensive line improves considerably as DiLauro, Allegretti, Megginson, and Darta Lee all mature physically and learn the system more thoroughly

-At least two of Foster, Corbin, and Vaughn stick around and one of Tre Nation, Dre Brown, Mike Epstein, and Ra'Von Bonner can produce if/when necessary

-Mikey Dudek comes back at (near) full strength. I know it sounds unlikely to some, but honestly ACL injuries are usually not a huge deal anymore. There's no reason he can't return to form in 2017

-Malik Turner stays healthy and continues to improve

-MJ McGriff and/or Sam Mays can function as reliable #3/#4 targets

-We get a commitment from Jeff Thomas and he's miraculously eligible. Thomas and one of Smalling and Carmoni Green are ready for prime time Day #1

Will all of that happen? Probably not, but it doesn't seem too far fetched. I feel like we'd be at least slightly above average by B1G standards across the board offensively if it all came together. I'm hoping for 5 wins and genuine signs of improvement. Is that way too optimistic?

One or 2 of those things wont work out but we also usually have one or 2 surprises. We just cant have one or 2 seasin ending injuries to starters or key backups. Cuz We have a schedule thats not bad for us.

Think Lovie and the boys have a good year and we start seeing some reel potential for the program

:illinois:

ItsFootballTime · Dec 17, 2016

WesterveltVictoryCigar said:
No, he hasn't predicted the Heisman for Lawson.

I havnt predicted a Heisman trophy for Lawson yet but man I'm intrigued by this guy and think he couldnt have a better mentor in becoming a man or a football player than Lovie Smith.

He has to work hard and use this opportunity but gawd the talent is there

Plus I think back to Juice driving down the field on Ohio state and think " how was that possible "? I believe it was possible cuz we had a Qb who could throw a laser strike or way downfield and we had a group of receivers that had to be covered.

And another thing I believe we averaged about 2 yds per play in the disaster wildcat we had to run this past year ( against pretty good defenses ) and We didn't have anybody who could throw the ball, a young line and a receiving group that was injured and needed big time help.

Waiting to see how Dudek comes back but if he does and Turner keeps improving that alone is gonna be like an extra yard added to the average every time we run the ball.

:illinois:

Deon1987 · Dec 17, 2016

ItsFootballTime said:
I havnt predicted a Heisman trophy for Lawson yet but man I'm intrigued by this guy and think he couldnt have a better mentor in becoming a man or a football player than Lovie Smith.

He has to work hard and use this opportunity but gawd the talent is there

Plus I think back to Juice driving down the field on Ohio state and think " how was that possible "? I believe it was possible cuz we had a Qb who could throw a laser strike or way downfield and we had a group of receivers that had to be covered.

And another thing I believe we averaged about 2 yds per play in the disaster wildcat we had to run this past year ( against pretty good defenses ) and We didn't have anybody who could throw the ball, a young line and a receiving group that was injured and needed big time help.

Waiting to see how Dudek comes back but if he does and Turner keeps improving that alone is gonna be like an extra yard added to the average every time we run the ball.

I agree with you 100%

It would be crazy for someone not to be intrigued by Lawson's talent and ability.....

Gives US a threat a qb we haven't seen since juice/McGee

With smalling carmoni green and dudek turner mays he has a lot of passing weapons.....

Plus this type of offense made Vaughn unstoppable in high school....Vaughn Corbin and foster will have fun with Lawson being priority weapon for defenses

ItsFootballTime · Dec 18, 2016

Deon1987 said:
I agree with you 100%

It would be crazy for someone not to be intrigued by Lawson's talent and ability.....

Gives US a threat a qb we haven't seen since juice/McGee

With smalling carmoni green and dudek turner mays he has a lot of passing weapons.....

Plus this type of offense made Vaughn unstoppable in high school....Vaughn Corbin and foster will have fun with Lawson being priority weapon for defenses

We got some really good running backs to build around. Great point!

It has been quite a feet to win any games w/o threat wide receivers. No injuries and we upgrade that unit in a freaking hurry.

Don't know as much about the OL but get Fletcher the strength guy motivating them and pretty soon they can jump OVER the Ohio state defensive line while dunking the football

Deon1987 · Dec 20, 2016

...people think Boyd is a day one starter.... So would you go meggsinson Boyd algretti Lee dilauro??

WesterveltVictoryCigar · Dec 20, 2016

Mikey!

Enjoying every second of this boys comeback. #happytears #18�� @MDFlash_7 pic.twitter.com/6spZliK2Fz

Mike's Mom

Illini_1979 · Dec 20, 2016

WesterveltVictoryCigar said:
Mikey!

Oh, that is so good to see!

IllinoisFanAtFSU · Dec 20, 2016

WesterveltVictoryCigar said:
Mikey!

So hopeful that we get to see a lot of that in game action in 2017. He deserves the opportunity.

Joel Goodson · Dec 20, 2016

IllinoisFanAtFSU said:
So hopeful that we get to see a lot of that in game action in 2017. He deserves the opportunity.

That he does. Tracy's come back strong this season, hopefully Mike can too.

ItsFootballTime · Dec 21, 2016

chiefini said:
Talked to Mikey, and his mom and dad at Westend before the UC game, and they're excited and ready. Mikey's cleared to play and chomping at the bit. I think that every Illini fan should be pulling for this great kid and loyal Illini to make it back from his hell of a two year rehab. He's worked incredibly hard, and he's due for some good luck and positive breaks. I hope he can recover just as Tracy has and show exactly what exceptional athletes from Illinois are made of: HEART. We're pulling for you, Mikey! -L-L

Yes. Yes.

Love that twitter post with Dudek making the one handed grab. I played it so much in a row that the guy shouting " Mikey " sounded like my neighbors dog every time anything moves in his front yard.

Just putting in a healthy Dudek upgrades the heck outof our receiving corp.
:illinois:

Illini Football 2017

blmillini

WesterveltVictoryCigar

Deleted member 29907

Guest

ItsFootballTime

FatGreg

Hoppy2105

WesterveltVictoryCigar

FiveStar

WesterveltVictoryCigar

mhuml32

WesterveltVictoryCigar

Ransom Stoddard

Ordained Dudeist Priest

WesterveltVictoryCigar

Ransom Stoddard

Ordained Dudeist Priest

WesterveltVictoryCigar

ItsFootballTime

ItsFootballTime

Deon1987

ItsFootballTime

Deon1987

WesterveltVictoryCigar

Illini_1979

IllinoisFanAtFSU

Joel Goodson

ItsFootballTime