Illini Football 2021

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#276      
So tell us about the locker room before the Ohio State game in 68.
I'm not positive about the year or the opponent. The biggest thing I remember is when Illinois decided to fire Jim Valek mid-season. He was a players' coach. So they sent in Ray Elliott to speak to the team to fire us up. We had a players' only meeting in the locker room. It was led by Doug Dieken, who on that team was a man among boys. He had us unite to refuse to play at all until Valek was reinstated. It worked. The moved Elliott aside and put things back for the rest of the season.
 
#277      
What year did we and alot of our peers start scheduling one or two Mac or similar schools to pad the W's ?
late 80's - early 90's ?
were we late to that party and schools like Minnesota start doing that first ?
Early 2000s IIRC, and yes, Guenther was late to that party.
 
#278      
Early 2000s IIRC, and yes, Guenther was late to that party.
We were definitely late - look at the non-con schedules in the 70's and 80's - absolutely brutal. If Blackman had been able to play the schedules we play today, he would have retired at Illinois
 
#279      
I'm not positive about the year or the opponent. The biggest thing I remember is when Illinois decided to fire Jim Valek mid-season. He was a players' coach. So they sent in Ray Elliott to speak to the team to fire us up. We had a players' only meeting in the locker room. It was led by Doug Dieken, who on that team was a man among boys. He had us unite to refuse to play at all until Valek was reinstated. It worked. The moved Elliott aside and put things back for the rest of the season.
DT was a tough position against Ohio State that year, if memory serves.
 
#284      

altenberger22

South Carolina
So if I heard Bielema correctly, we just might have a shot at hosting ESPN Game Day for the first time ever --- on August 28th. If that comes to fruition, I'm quite sure I'll be making the trip from South Carolina.

Sounds like we're the only Power 5 game being played that day.
 
#285      

Illwinsagain

Cary, IL
So if I heard Bielema correctly, we just might have a shot at hosting ESPN Game Day for the first time ever --- on August 28th. If that comes to fruition, I'm quite sure I'll be making the trip from South Carolina.

Sounds like we're the only Power 5 game being played that day.
While true, the only 2 P5 teams matching up, the big question, does Game Day even load up the truck for 2 unranked teams?
 
#286      

altenberger22

South Carolina
While true, the only 2 P5 teams matching up, the big question, does Game Day even load up the truck for 2 unranked teams?
Guess we'll test Josh Whitman and Bret Bielema's joint power of persuasion. Assuming BTN probably also wants the game, given the exclusivity.
 
#287      
Guess we'll test Josh Whitman and Bret Bielema's joint power of persuasion. Assuming BTN probably also wants the game, given the exclusivity.
Josh has had a helluva week, he also hired the next wrestling coach, and assistant basketball coaches....you know. He has navigated all situations strongly, directly, and let's hope we get fruition to our goals.
 
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