Illini Football 2017
Fighting Illini Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCyrHAOfwFU
for the folks that can't wait for next Saturday
[youtube]DCyrHAOfwFU[/youtube]
for the folks that can't wait for next Saturday
[youtube]DCyrHAOfwFU[/youtube]
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Just bought tickets for the Nebraska game! Can't wait!
Yikes, looks like the so called reporters were spot on. Three games in and O line play and QB accuracy are the two biggest issues on the offensive side of the ball.
Yep, they were. Jeremy Werner is pretty darn reliable.
We've got no experience on the lines or QB - of course we're not going to be good this year. I'm hoping they make the games more competitive and look a little better doing it, but signing day is the biggest game of the year. We need to perform just well enough to keep the commits and add a few more good players.
Every horse finds water occasionally.
The man crush "the so called reporters" have with Megs and Allegretti is laughable. They are not good....at all. They have to be some of the worst graded OL in the Bigten that start. Our issue is....we have no one better currently. But they are Illinois in state kids and they of course are going to sing there praises.
BTN2GO is a valuable tools to rewatch the games and it's just arrogance that they continue to say these guys are good. Heck I would guess the freshman Big Larry and Palcho probably are grading out better then them.
The amount of sugar coating that reporters use is a joke. We are fans. We want the truth not false hope. That's all I've been clamoring for since day one. Don't give me false hope, give me an unbiased opinion.
The man crush "the so called reporters" have with Megs and Allegretti is laughable. They are not good....at all. They have to be some of the worst graded OL in the Bigten that start. Our issue is....we have no one better currently. But they are Illinois in state kids and they of course are going to sing there praises.
BTN2GO is a valuable tools to rewatch the games and it's just arrogance that they continue to say these guys are good. Heck I would guess the freshman Big Larry and Palcho probably are grading out better then them.
The amount of sugar coating that reporters use is a joke. We are fans. We want the truth not false hope. That's all I've been clamoring for since day one. Don't give me false hope, give me an unbiased opinion.
I think Werner gave it to us, straight. The offensive line was not very good, and QB accuracy was a big issue.
Allegretti is good. And has played good. He's on the Remington watch list.
I haven't heard any of the reporters or whatever praising Megginson. I've heard them say he needs to take that next step because he isn't good yet. I've heard them say he's terrible at OT but serviceable at OG. Maybe someone is but I haven't heard anyone with a crush on Megginson. They believe he has the potential he showed being a 4 star recruit out of high school. Which I've heard them say he hasn't lived up to at all.
I haven't heard any of the reporters or whatever praising Megginson. I've heard them say he needs to take that next step because he isn't good yet. I've heard them say he's terrible at OT but serviceable at OG. Maybe someone is but I haven't heard anyone with a crush on Megginson. They believe he has the potential he showed being a 4 star recruit out of high school. Which I've heard them say he hasn't lived up to at all.
Stan, Stan, Stan. Werner gave you an unbiased opinion and you didn't like it. I suppose any news you don't agree with is just fake news or bad reporting.
I'm not sure who you're talking about with respect to the "man crush" on Megs - no reporters I listen to or read have said anything like that. On the contrary, the consensus is pretty clear - he's got a ways to go to be good.
Yep and he's an incredibly impressive guy too. I listened to an interview with him on WDWS and was super impressed. The kid is really smart, he's got grit, and he's clearly a leader. He's got a really bright future.
Stevegarbs
- Mokena, IL
Product of an outstanding Illinois high school, Lincoln-Way East.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
In my opinion, I think George is our best QB and it's not even close. Crouch might be athletic, but it's pretty obvious that he's a poor passer. Dinovo is a career backup and doesn't seem to be any better than Crouch.
Give George the majority of the reps and whatever feedback the coaches can in limiting picks.
Give George the majority of the reps and whatever feedback the coaches can in limiting picks.
Since CAHALL15 mentions his preference for George, I'll mention that I've been thinking we should run a two quarterback system. Start George and complete some downfield passes, get the running game going, and see where it takes us. If Crouch is the best guy to use in the red zone given his ability to run, fine, put him in.
I'm sure the coaches will know how to handle this and I'm guessing they are thinking about it.
I'm sure the coaches will know how to handle this and I'm guessing they are thinking about it.
I've mentioned this before, too.
Chris Leak/Tim Tebow worked out okay. We obviously don't have that kind of talent, but we're not competing for a conference title or national championship, either. Whatever can get us the most wins, I'm for. A two QB system could work, but if we are looking to stick with one guy, my preference is George.
Illiini
- In the land of the Nittany Lion
David Rouben's "power rankings" take a big hit, as far as I'm concerned, by the fact that he apparently doesn't know which team blocked kick in Friday's game. It appears that he looked at the stats and read a couple reports, and figured that we must have been the blockees and not the blockers.
As much as I (well, we) saw wrong with that game, there was a lot that was done right. I don't think we've won our last game. Our freshmen might have a lot of learning and growing to do, but even if they might rank last, the team doesn't deserve the dissing they got in these rankings.
As much as I (well, we) saw wrong with that game, there was a lot that was done right. I don't think we've won our last game. Our freshmen might have a lot of learning and growing to do, but even if they might rank last, the team doesn't deserve the dissing they got in these rankings.
USF game was a learning experience. All learned from a game we were not supposed to win. This year will have ups and downs, hopefully the coaches can keep our young people going in right direction.
The QB situation is the same thing, we have to use all tools we have to win. Defense got there toughest offensive challenge playing the Gizmo offense that Strong has. On the field 2/3 of game in a warm , humid conditions.
Nebraska is not going to be a mountain to overcome, we are prepared, and healthy, win 3 is in the cards.
kcib8130
- Parts Unknown
Ok. That's really a stretch. A pretty darn good college QB in Chris Leak, and one of the greatest college QB's of all time as a FR doesn't equate in our scenario.
Look at it this way, remember when we used to trot Aaron Bailey out on 3rd down and everyone and their dog knew we were running read option? How well did that work out?
Agreed.
I think this staff has to ultimately decide the offensive identity that will give them the best chance to win this year. Whatever the script was back in camp, it needs to be re-evaluated. Lovie and McGee certainly saying all the things that suggest this is happening.
Do you stick with Crouch and mainly running the ball, controlling the clock and hoping the O line can gel a little (a lot)? Defenses will load the box, and big plays may coming in the passing game off of play action. Epstein is a great asset to have back there.
Do you switch to George and employ a pass oriented attack, focusing on short passes to your skill guys, while also keeping Epstein involved? You don't ask the O line for much more than 1.5 seconds of protection, but you also are battling uphill if you think you're going to run for it on 3rd and short and have consistent success.
All of this is a short term band aid until these kids get more experience and more players fill up the roster.
Looking out the next three games, two are winnable. It ain't pretty, but I'd stick with Crouch and the running game first, and see how you do over these next three games, then re-evaluate again.
If the line cannot block better, then the latter is the only option.
kcib8130
- Parts Unknown
Screens on screens on screens! Then no one has to block!
Those worked well against USF too.