Illinois 20, Penn State 18 9OT Postgame

#151      
I've watched Illini football since 1983. I'm not quite 50, but acted like a 21 year old for the entire 4th quarter and OT (cheering, slamming things down, cheering, slamming things down, pacing, and repeated that several times....). My dog was shaking, and my wife had to tell me to calm down. I lost a bit of faith after the Wisconsin game in the players, and the coaches, but that faith was restored today in a big way. I told my wife to prepare for a beatdown today by PSU, and she said "I guarantee the Illini are going to win". This one time, I'm glad she was right! That was the most fun i've had watching an Illini football game since the Wisconsin game in 2019. I hope Art is ok, and Chase Brown is ok. Although Art did not have the greatest game, he played his heart out. And congrats to Brandon Peters for getting the game winning throw and Casey Washington for catching the game winning TD! Our offensive line, RBs, and defense all get A++++ today. Great win for the Orange and Blue! Go Illini!!!!
 
#152      

hooraybeer

Pittsburgh, PA
8A2CD966-B5FA-44EB-9198-9A45B0712FF5.jpeg
 
#160      
Yeah I’ve seen that narrative in some of the early national reporting, which had focused more on the OT rule than on the amazing drama and the outcome. They’ve called it a ”comical” 9OT game, etc. Would they call it comical if it was Alabama-LSU in 9 OT? No, they’d call it “dramatic” or “thrilling” or “epic.” Why would a sports reporter outside of Happy Valley characterize these highlights as “hard to watch?”

Sometimes I wonder if these Nancies even like sports.
If you were an Illinois or PSU fan (especially Illini fan) it was thrilling, but I can certainly see why the average fan or media person thought that two teams with 14 attempts to gain 3 yards only being successful three times was a bit underwhelming. I was texting with several friends during the OTs and the comments were more about can either of these teams score rather than how thrilling it was. I loved seeing the Illini win and am proud of the team and how they fought, but it wasn’t exactly stirring football excellence for the average fan.
 
#168      

Deleted member 747867

D
Guest
During the pre-game chat I said I hoped that every Illini player would "bring it" every play from scrimmage - that if they did that, they would improve as individual players and as a team and (win or lose) good things would happen. And they brought it - EVERY PLAY. And great things happened!

The Illini dominated the LOS on BOTH sides of the ball. Chase Brown and Josh McCray rumbled behind a MASSIVE PERFORMANCE BY THE O-LINE for 357 rushing yards! And the Defensive Front 7's domination of Penn State's offensive front allowed the DBs to keep #5 in check all game long.

Superlative effort boys! That game required mental, as well as physical toughness. Illini, you really showed your mettle! Way to go! Congrats!
 
#170      
Paid a visit to one of the PSU boards to see what they were thinking.

It was the refs fault.
Franklin should be fired. / Hope USC or LSU still wants him.
One of the worst losses ever.
Gonna end up 6-6 or 7-5.
Penn State tears are genuine
 
#173      
Great victory. These players can cherish this win after having just gone through such a rough stretch.

However, our shared new record for starting 9OT tied at 18...is not something either offense should be proud of.