Illinois 34, Western Illinois 14 POSTGAME

https://t.co/2wJONZMJ6B
Very impressed with MJ Rivers and outside the 1qrt play and (Targeting) on are "thinner everyday secondary"
Big round of applause for that guy and hoping for the best on "another WR"
Go Illini!! They definitely step it up late

Echoing the thoughts on Epstein. That kid just runs so dang hard everytime. And his speed is unmatched by the other two. Bonner and Corbin also both very legit. Epstein just adds that spark

TDCumm16 said:

Penalties were ugly.

Epstein has earned more of a workload - looked great today. North south running a threat to break it with each touch. I got the sense Lovie was slow playing things today - if this wasn’t WIU, I’d bet Bush would have returned and Epstein more carries

MJ Rivers was okay, but we’ll need Bush back to compete the rest of the way

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I'm okay with Epstein and work load keeps 'em fresh and healthy ..
He is a Beast and think he gets his carries going forward

MadSeason said:

I suppose we could lose the remaining games, but I wouldn't bet on it. Those holes on the D will fill up quickly with 2 starters and 1 contributor returning. Not to mention the guys learning on the job the first 2 weeks will be better prepared going forward. Injuries are definitely a concern at receiver so hopefully Dorsey and Green can return soon and become downfield threats.

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Add these guys back to the D: DT's Milan & Oladipo, DBs Williams, Hobbs (and Joseph and Watkins both ejected), and we're going to look a lot different. Remember, the guy who was playing NT today (Woods) will be playing DE when Milan and Oladipo return. That means a bigger push in the middle and a lot more weight on the edge to contain and put pressure on the QB. And once the secondary is back up to speed, there will be fewer receiving options open. I really don't think our D will look anything like today's once we get everyone back. There are a lot of game-changers still on the bench.

I'm not happy with the game plan, which was very pass-heavy in what was supposed to be a steady rain. But I guess if the OL continues to struggle making holes, passing is only choice. That's not good.

Rivers' performance was very encouraging. Not sure why we burned a game on Robinson in the last few minutes of a sure win, but okay.

Some decent competition at QB will be important next spring. Today was a good step in the right direction on that front.

Also, hats off to Edwin Carter. Hope he rehabs well. That kid is tough.

WeatherfordForMVP said:

Not sure why we burned a game on Robinson in the last few minutes of a sure win, but okay.

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.

Had Bush been healthy all game, it would have been Rivers that we burned a game on for a few minutes. WIU is the best game to get a frosh in there and get his feet wet. Not more than three games in the future that I expect to see Robinson in but need to have him ready in case of another injury.

WeatherfordForMVP said:

Not sure why we burned a game on Robinson in the last few minutes of a sure win, but okay.

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The rules for redshirting have changed this year, so Robinson or any other player can play in four games and still redshirt. This will allow the coaches to play players and see what they can do, without that player losing a year of eligibility.

Is Oliver hurt? I didn't notice him out there today. Nevermind. I see reports that he got hurt in the first half. If anyone recalls what happened or knows how he's doing, please share.

IlliniFanAtEIU1953 said:

The rules for redshirting have changed this year, so Robinson or any other player can play in four games and still redshirt. This will allow the coaches to play players and see what they can do, without that player losing a year of eligibility.

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Understood.

Still not sure what we gained by burning a game for Robinson where he did little but hand the ball off. (I'm working off memory...but I'm pretty confident the Illini didn't run a lot of quarterback-dependent plays with him...in the what...3 plays he ran?)

When you are +3 in turnovers, you'll win 95% of your games.

How Carter held onto that ball... that kid is a fighter. Carter had an amazing performance today and really helped the team. I hope he's healthy again soon. All the best to that kid.

I can't get down on our defense. Two ejections (Watkins plays HARD) and all the starters out - I thought the young kids being called on did a REALLY outstanding job answering when called upon. Not counting Robinson and Norwood I think at least 11 FR played today with meaningful time and contributions. I was afraid we'd need these kids to contribute as the year went on, but I never thought we'd see those kinds of numbers in the first two games. How many FR played total today? Rivers was great off the bench. He sailed a couple three passes way too high but he made some great throws and runs. Epstein was a MONSTER - what was his avg yards per carry? Anyone got a good site with the stats?

Just some of my thoughts...
QB: We have to roll with MJ Rivers out of the gate next game. Although, not as mobile as Bush, he can still run, has a great IQ for a true freshman, and is offering us more in the passing game. In 6 quarters of action against lower level talent AJ Bush has pieced together 4 or 5 good drives out of 15 which isn’t cutting it.
RB: Epstein. That is all. Corbin should be deployed on third downs, but Bonner (yes I know only a sophomore) hasn’t offered us ANYTHING. He has a big frame and could be a great bruise, but it seems like he barely ever gets YAC.
WR: Dudek, Smalling, Mays, Meadors, and Carter is a solid rotation! Oh wait. Trying to figure out who’s going to be our third wide receiver out there to Smalling’s flash and Mays reliability. We need a good slot receiver (looking at you Carlos Sandy, or Carmoni Green TBA return).
OL: Woof. We are going to get owned, especially on passing plays this season. Vederian Lowe looks promising, Alegretti is pretty solid, but too many holes
DL: Is this supposed to be our strong point? We have looked quite week against 2 star lineman back to back weeks. Despite saying that there is so much raw talent I see rushing the passer, and I think it’s good that they got to play two games like these before facing better competition.
LB: Arguably one of the best units in the big ten. Phillips and Hansen have draft potential, dele is a solid backup option when they roll out three. Sydney Brown hits hard at the nickel, but needs some time to get used to the playbook.
Secondary: Horrible atm, but when our suspensions and Tony Adams return this is an above average unit in the big ten made up of mostly sophomores. THATS SCARY.

I think if we fix some things we can go bowling this year. Everyone is scared the way we have performed against two inferior opponents, but if you look around the Big Ten almost everyone has had scares against weaker teams so far. Our first test will be this week against USF showing us whether we will have another abysmal year, or maybe pull out 5,6, maybe even 7 wins this season. Go Illini!

What is he supposed to do on that targeting? I am genuinely interested in how a coach is supposed to teach tackling. He went down low, didn't launch, and wrapped the guy. The receiver lowered his body bracing for impact and their heads collided. There is no other way to tackle him other than going all the way to the ground and grab his ankles (a good way to miss the tackle) or running up to him to him, stopping, and wait to see what kind of move the receiver makes.

Ever since this targeting stuff changed a few years ago players have been complaining that it would lead to more lower body injuries. I wonder if anyone has been tracking it to see if there has been an increase in lower body injuries and/or a decrease in concussions. If it was 10 years ago that safety certainly isn't going for Dudek's knees.

jrichisamazing said:

What is he supposed to do on that targeting? I am genuinely interested in how a coach is supposed to teach tackling. He went down low, didn't launch, and wrapped the guy. The receiver lowered his body bracing for impact and their heads collided. There is no other way to tackle him other than going all the way to the ground and grab his ankles (a good way to miss the tackle) or running up to him to him, stopping, and wait to see what kind of move the receiver makes.

Ever since this targeting stuff changed a few years ago players have been complaining that it would lead to more lower body injuries. I wonder if anyone has been tracking it to see if there has been an increase in lower body injuries and/or a decrease in concussions. If it was 10 years ago that safety certainly isn't going for Dudek's knees.

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Fully agree with this sentiment, and posted something similar in the game thread.

Caveat: I never played football at any sort of competitive level.

But I still don't see how Watkins both a) plays good football and b) avoids the penalty on that play. Seems to me like he played the best play he could play, and he still got penalized and ejected. Safety first, but also...that's not fair.

I don't know what it is about the Lovie era, but these games always have the feeling like this is just some dress rehearsal and the real thing isn't until tomorrow or something.

20 point win with 8 or 9 regulars out of the lineup, a ton of penalties, a true frosh quarterback, and we're unhappy. That's gotta be some small sign of progress, right?

TheOlafRules said:

20 point win with 8 or 9 regulars out of the lineup, a ton of penalties, a true frosh quarterback, and we're unhappy. That's gotta be some small sign of progress, right?

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This pretty much sums up how I feel about the game right now.

EJ33 said:

Wake me up when there's some evidence that Lovie can coach college football.

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I don't get comments like this at all. Where you coming from? We've got like 12 players out for various reasons on a team that can't afford to lose a single player. Rivers, Carter, Holmes, Martin, Brown, Hollins, Joseph, Hardge, Sandy, Tolson, & Wyatt all go in and step up. You can add Robinson and Norwood at the end. You want to add sophomores to that list? It gets a lot longer. We all knew this was likely to happen although I'm not sure anyone expected this many FR to play this quickly. We've tried rebuilding teams quickly with Juco's. We're 2-0 and some B1G teams can't say the same tomorrow. I expected 3 or 4 wins this season. The next game will give us a better idea of where we're at. If we get some players back, hopefully we can give them a game. The kids keep playing hard and they're learning. Maybe you can tell me what your expectations were and how they failed you?

Overall, I can’t complain too much. Not perfect but it gives these young guys something to work on. The announcers even said it, give these guys two more seasons in the weight room, they are gonna be able to break out of a lot of tackles. I think some of these young are gonna be special. Maybe it’s just me but I like the young kids.

Surprised there is not more hype about Rivers. Its not everyday a true freshman steps in and looks comfortable, and moves the offense as well as the senior he is replacing. Did he miss a throw? IMO he should be the guy moving forward.

IlliniGuy108 said:

Surprised there is not more hype about Rivers. Its not everyday a true freshman steps in and looks comfortable, and moves the offense as well as the senior he is replacing. Did he miss a throw? IMO he should be the guy moving forward.

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Rivers was, at worst, a very competent quarterback in his first game time as a true freshman. That's a great benchmark.

It makes for an interesting discussion this year. Potentially a lot more interesting of a discussion over the next few years.

I like Rivers. He performed well as a true freshman. Some posters who have seen him play suggested he'd be ready to step in and contribute. They were correct and should take a bow.

lexwaldez said:

I don't get comments like this at all. Where you coming from? We've got like 12 players out for various reasons on a team that can't afford to lose a single player. Rivers, Carter, Holmes, Martin, Brown, Hollins, Joseph, Hardge, Sandy, Tolson, & Wyatt all go in and step up. You can add Robinson and Norwood at the end. You want to add sophomores to that list? It gets a lot longer. We all knew this was likely to happen although I'm not sure anyone expected this many FR to play this quickly. We've tried rebuilding teams quickly with Juco's. We're 2-0 and some B1G teams can't say the same tomorrow. I expected 3 or 4 wins this season. The next game will give us a better idea of where we're at. If we get some players back, hopefully we can give them a game. The kids keep playing hard and they're learning. Maybe you can tell me what your expectations were and how they failed you?

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We also tripled the spread. Some people just like to complain.

jrichisamazing said:

What is he supposed to do on that targeting? I am genuinely interested in how a coach is supposed to teach tackling. He went down low, didn't launch, and wrapped the guy. The receiver lowered his body bracing for impact and their heads collided. There is no other way to tackle him other than going all the way to the ground and grab his ankles (a good way to miss the tackle) or running up to him to him, stopping, and wait to see what kind of move the receiver makes.

Ever since this targeting stuff changed a few years ago players have been complaining that it would lead to more lower body injuries. I wonder if anyone has been tracking it to see if there has been an increase in lower body injuries and/or a decrease in concussions. If it was 10 years ago that safety certainly isn't going for Dudek's knees.

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The reason why is was called targeting was because he lowered his head and hit him with the crown of his helmet. If he keeps his head up the whole way he probably doesn't get the penalty. Gotta see what you are hitting now.