Illini Football 2022
- Status
mhuml32
- Cincinnati, OH
I'll provide a couple updates throughout the season but here are the 2022 offensive stats compared to the 2021 season
Offensive Plays Per Game
2021: 67.7 (93rd)
2022: 81.7 (15th) (!!)
Offensive Yards Per Game
2021: 326.9 (111th)
2022: 440.7 (42nd)
Offensive Yards Per Play
2021: 4.8 (109th)
2022: 5.4 (59th)
Yards per Pass Attempt
2021: 5.8 (121st)
2022: 6.4 (77th)
Average Time of Possession
2021: 29:19 (83rd)
2022: 35:40 (16th) (!!)
Third Down Conversion Percentage
2021: 37.99% (76th)
2022: 44.66% (41st)
The offensive plays number is startling to me compared to last year, but each of these has taken a massive leap forward. While it's one heck of a caveat but this offensive is just needing some positive regression on turnovers away from contending for best Illinois offense in 10 years.
Offensive Plays Per Game
2021: 67.7 (93rd)
2022: 81.7 (15th) (!!)
Offensive Yards Per Game
2021: 326.9 (111th)
2022: 440.7 (42nd)
Offensive Yards Per Play
2021: 4.8 (109th)
2022: 5.4 (59th)
Yards per Pass Attempt
2021: 5.8 (121st)
2022: 6.4 (77th)
Average Time of Possession
2021: 29:19 (83rd)
2022: 35:40 (16th) (!!)
Third Down Conversion Percentage
2021: 37.99% (76th)
2022: 44.66% (41st)
The offensive plays number is startling to me compared to last year, but each of these has taken a massive leap forward. While it's one heck of a caveat but this offensive is just needing some positive regression on turnovers away from contending for best Illinois offense in 10 years.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
It's easy to describe the way to play with a higher tempo but nonetheless in a ball-controlling, defense-resting way. It is extremely difficult to actually pull it off. Early days against weak opponents but thusfar Lunney & Co are pulling it off.
Thus far it has been exactly what I'd hoped for in style terms: basically the same as Petersen, just better.
Now, it's all for naught if we don't catch the ball and avoid turnovers and penalties, but the fear that tempo was going to ruin how we play has not been founded thus far.
mhuml32
- Cincinnati, OH
Above is SP+ preseason rankings, here are where things stand right now (green for better than preseason, red for worse):
Illinois: 63
Wyoming (home): 109 - WIN
Indiana (road): 81 - LOSS
Virginia (home): 75 - WIN
Chattanooga (home): NR
Wisconsin (road): 21
Iowa (home): 39
Minnesota (home): 20
Nebraska (road): 51
Michigan State (home): 13
Purdue (home): 29
Michigan (road): 4
Northwestern (road): 89 (no change)
Your B1G West SP+ rankings as of now:
Minnesota - 20 (
11)Wisconsin - 21 (
4)Purdue - 29 (
5)Iowa - 39 (
12)Nebraska - 51 (
7)Illinois - 63 (
16)Northwestern - 89 (no change)
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ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
As we mourn the impending loss of the B1G West, it would only be fitting for it to be laid to rest in the hands of Bret Bielema, the B1G West-est person who ever lived.
(Apologies to Kirk Ferentz but it's true)
MustangWally
- Mayfield
This program has taken big strides already in the short time BB has been here. We have given some games away but we are ahead of schedule on this program turning around.
Looked back 10 seasons and some of the losing streaks have been horrific......
2012-2014 (not typing his name)
2012 9 Game Losing Streak
2013 6 Game Losing Streak
2014 2 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak
2015 (Cubit)
2015 3 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak
2016-2020 (Lovie)
2016 2 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak and 4 Game Losing Streak
2017 10 Game Losing Streak
2018 2 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak
2019 4 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak
2020 3 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak (Lovie fired before that last game where Penn St blew us out was last game on streak)
2021-current (BB)
2021 3 Game Losing Streak
2022 TBD
Started 1-4, 6-4 since that time and we have not lost back to back games in almost a year of this post. Illinois is building an identity and culture change has taken place. JMO but I feel we have overachieved since BB has arrived. He has stated before we are paper thin at certain positions. He is adding recruits, transfers and depth. I am excited to see what he can do with this program given more time.
Looked back 10 seasons and some of the losing streaks have been horrific......
2012-2014 (not typing his name)
2012 9 Game Losing Streak
2013 6 Game Losing Streak
2014 2 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak
2015 (Cubit)
2015 3 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak
2016-2020 (Lovie)
2016 2 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak and 4 Game Losing Streak
2017 10 Game Losing Streak
2018 2 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak
2019 4 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak
2020 3 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak (Lovie fired before that last game where Penn St blew us out was last game on streak)
2021-current (BB)
2021 3 Game Losing Streak
2022 TBD
Started 1-4, 6-4 since that time and we have not lost back to back games in almost a year of this post. Illinois is building an identity and culture change has taken place. JMO but I feel we have overachieved since BB has arrived. He has stated before we are paper thin at certain positions. He is adding recruits, transfers and depth. I am excited to see what he can do with this program given more time.
redwingillini11
White and Sixth
- North Aurora
2023 College Football Bowl Predictions - NCAA Bowl Game Projections
CBS Sports bowl expert Jerry Palm picks the teams he feels will comprise the National Semi-final at the end of the season along with bowl projections for every single game.
www.cbssports.com
| Dec. 29 | Pinstripe |
North Carolina | vs.
Illinois | ACC vs. Big Ten | 2 p.m. | New York, N.Y. |
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Folks, Chase Brown leads the nation in rushing.
Chase Brown for Heisman, is what all the people are saying, you're hearing it more and more.
Funny thing about this is Kentucky RB Rodriguez Jr who hasn't played a game yet has odds around 125/1 to 250/1.
Will say I would be thrilled if Brown can keep this up and land on AA team. Same time will have to see if the carries can be managed more plus hopefully the return of McCray in few weeks can lighten his load.
mhuml32
- Cincinnati, OH
2023 College Football Bowl Predictions - NCAA Bowl Game Projections
CBS Sports bowl expert Jerry Palm picks the teams he feels will comprise the National Semi-final at the end of the season along with bowl projections for every single game.
Dec. 29 Pinstripe
North Carolinavs.
IllinoisACC vs. Big Ten 2 p.m. New York, N.Y.
Saw NIU v. UI in the Motor City Bowl from the ESPN prognosticators. I'm all for facing a team not as talented as UNC in a bowl but it's lose-lose to play NIU.
Epsilon
M tipping over
- Pdx
I was wondering when the Heisman watchlist would start circulating and if CB would be on it. He keeps this up and he has a legit shot.
Epsilon
M tipping over
- Pdx
For the record I know the original post was tongue in cheek, but at some point the numbers don’t lie. I know it’s early and we will be playing tougher competition but I think his utilization rate will stay high, especially when we run into situations when the run is the only thing working for us.
At this point, his name isn’t on the betting lists, but I think at some point he will get on the list. Just my fanboy opinion.
Heisman Watch 2024: Evaluating Heisman Trophy candidates, 2023 Heisman Trophy results
Who will win the Heisman Trophy in 2023? Evaluating the Heisman Watch candidates for the 2023 season and looks at the Heisman history.
sportsnaut.com
Playing a WHAT IF scenario....if he keeps pace with his yardage numbers for the rest of the season. Still would need Illinois to finish 8-4 or better likely plus he would have to add a TON of TD runs into it as well.For the record I know the original post was tongue in cheek, but at some point the numbers don’t lie. I know it’s early and we will be playing tougher competition but I think his utilization rate will stay high, especially when we run into situations when the run is the only thing working for us.
At this point, his name isn’t on the betting lists, but I think at some point he will get on the list. Just my fanboy opinion.
Heisman Watch 2024: Evaluating Heisman Trophy candidates, 2023 Heisman Trophy results
Who will win the Heisman Trophy in 2023? Evaluating the Heisman Watch candidates for the 2023 season and looks at the Heisman history.
Long season and bound to change but the first few leading rushers are from Illinois, Nebraska, UConn and Florida Atlantic. It is fun to think about but would be cool if he could finish at the top or near the top of the leading rushers in the nation. Only thing I want is for him to stay healthy or this offense will be in real trouble. Love the exposure he is getting and also brings to the school. Helps lure in more recruits and hopefully he can land on All American or All Big Ten with a full year schedule.
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
Extremely interesting. Great post! Periodic updates would be much appreciated.
Betting that our defensive improvement stats through 3 games this year would be equally as pronounced.
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
I believe I heard the announcers comment in one of our first two games (Indiana perhaps) that Bielema is a great coach and an outstanding College Football CEO.
I agree. He has a great organization with outstanding leaders working under him. He takes a personal interest in each of his players and their families. He knows what is required to win Power 5 football games. And he's personally knowledgable of what's going on throughout the entire program, with lots of breadth and depth. Very impressed!
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
IlliniFan85
- Colorado Springs, CO
Just need him to not run his mouth as much. We don't need an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. I love his swagger and confidence though. He just needs to ensure he isn't yapping into the opposing players face. It has looked like a few times he could have been flagged.
But of course we don't know what he is saying. He could be asking for grandma's chocolate chip cookie recipe or making dinner plans.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Spoon is a day 2 draft pick, for sure (barring injury). Quite possibly, early day 2. Kudos to him.
Augers very well for our DB room and Coach Henry. Several of the younger guys are promising. Hopefully, we land Hill and Karriem. We can sell Hill on potential immediate playing time, which should give us an edge.
Augers very well for our DB room and Coach Henry. Several of the younger guys are promising. Hopefully, we land Hill and Karriem. We can sell Hill on potential immediate playing time, which should give us an edge.
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Agree 100%: but then again I’m old and believe that if you are going to make an idiot out yourself celebrating a great play, be it a pass breakup, an interception, a sack, or a tackle for loss, the media ought to highlight and have large graphics and slo-mo replay pointing you out when you get absolutely toasted for a 90 yard touchdown reception, etc.
Now, GET OFF MY LAWN!
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Unfortunately Ezekiel Holmes is out for the season.
Champaign Toast
Fan since Kiwane Garris
When Bielema was hired, we knew his style (from Wisconsin) as stout defense and strong run game. Doing it against Wyoming, Indiana, and Virginia isn't the same as doing it against the top Big Ten programs; nevertheless, it's encouraging to see our team displaying those characteristics early this season.
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