I’m fine playing them twice - home & home - but that’s it
Illini Football 2025
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skyIdub
"I can't tell you. Secret."
Hmmmm, not once in my 62 years.... What, are we moving the goal posts here? We were talking about a 1 hour difference in time zone, and football also, though that doesn't really matter I suppose. Most of the teams we play are within a 1 hour time difference. Why is anyone complaining? It's a non-factor to the team. I get it can be a factor to a fan/viewer, such is life.
You're on the Illini side.
They lost me quick with the dook prediction. My Koolaid won't allow me to go on.
Look i would be happy with a 10-2 finish but you’re telling me we blow almost everyone out except a loss to Duke, but we get a gentleman’s blowout from Ohio State? Same Ohio state that lost to Michigan?
I think we lose. I’m almost sure of it. But I think it will be closer than the Oregon game.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Ryllini
- Lombard
Great interview!
Illinois football is back and that is just the "bottom line"!
Krombopulos_Michael
- Aurora, Illinois (that’s a suburb of Chicago)
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
At this point, I feel we are almost crossing the line into the territory where your average casual will call us ~overrated~ constantly ... in other words, I feel we have gotten all of the hype we deserve, and people definitely see us coming.
With that said, I hope the gang is ready to get everyone's best shot. In the past, we weren't exactly a notable opponent for anyone besides maybe Northwestern or Iowa/Wisconsin with some Bielema history. Now?? Teams like Duke and Indiana, who likely feel disrespected and underrated themselves, will be chomping at the bit to make an early statement by beating a highly ranked Illini team at home. Teams like Wisconsin and Washington that are looking to get back on their feet to re-obtain past success will likely see must-win, late-season games vs. the Illini as a line in the sand to be drawn. Even our "marquee" home games vs. USC and especially Ohio State will not be scenarios where we catch them looking ahead to future weeks ... they'll be hyped up matchups where both teams come ready to play.
Bottom line? We have definitely arrived, and we will not be playing any type of Cinderella role. We need to live up to lofty expectations for the first time in several decades to really take that next step!!
MoCoMdIllini
- Montgomery County, Maryland
Illinois gets Luke Altmyer
Ole Miss gets: my nephew
It seems to have worked well for both sides as my nephew has graduated cum laude this year.
He said gently. We're coming this year! And we will give our hearts and competitions. He has made me a huge chapion of luke!
I do this intentionally
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Same, I feel like a lot of Illini fans have totally "reclaimed" the Bert nickname from bitter Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arkansas, etc. fans who originally called him that as an insult. Joke is on them, so the nickname has become an endearing one.I do this intentionally
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
this kid was a VG get:
Krombopulos_Michael
- Aurora, Illinois (that’s a suburb of Chicago)
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Well I wouldn’t say you’re supposed to, lol..
I do not look at it in this way at all! Doesn't make it the right way to refer to our coach who has lifted this program to heights it's not seen in a very very long time. He has my respect, and I'll respectfully use his correct name. Not a grade school level playground bastardization/taunt of a 'nickname'. It makes zero difference if you mean 'no disrespect' or not. If you use it because you've heard coaches on staff, any of his players, Josh Whitman, BB , his family, or others in the DIA refer to him this way, then I'd like to see some links to these instances. jmvho
Curious. Does he like to be called Bert?
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I’m assuming not, and I should clarify that I call him Bret 90%+ of the time … I just have made a habit of using it back to rival fans who say it, showing we don’t care.
Totally agree with Tony Ginardo, feel the same way. If Illinois is a top 12 team, we go there and beat Duke on the road. We are returning a ton of experience.
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