Illinois 34, Wisconsin 10 Postgame

mhuml32 said:

I don't get to do these as often as I want but I made sure to bring it back for the great performance:

The Good:
- Devito with the perfect game while understanding the context. On the road against an opponent that has owned you for 25ish years. No turnover worthy passes. Excellent movement in the pocket to extend plays. Worked through his progressions. Dream first half of the season from him. Undoubtedly an upgrade at the QB position since ....... Lunt's best season?
- Hightower with his best CFB of his career. Huge first catch of the game that established the offense was willing to go deep. Moved the chains a number of times. No idea if Bryant's injury is a long-term concern but Hightower would be an important solution.
- Avery is officially the guy we all hoped for when he committed. Just dominating the middle and raising the floor of Illinois rushing defense. Also gives lots of flexibility on defensive fronts/responsibilities. Both terrified and happy for all three that Newton, Avery, and Randolph could be in the NFL next year. Glad TeRah flashed yesterday because he might be needed a LOT next year.
- Wasn't needed a lot, but Love did fine in his carries. Alleviated the concern about no McCray for this game.
- That first punt from Robertson was massive. We all had concerns about the special teams for this game but Robertson was solid, Griffin made his longer FG (while injured).
- Five-for-Five in the Red Zone. Huge to see the offense answering those concerns.
- Happy for Nicholson. He's been picked on with DW31 on the other side but he held up well after the first possession. Interception was also great to put on film.


The Bad:
- Timing between DeVito and Tip Reiman needs to improve. There is one play a game where they are just off on space or time. Opportunities are there, gotta cash in.
- Hope the Bryant injury isn't long-term.
- PFF still isn't loving the linebackers play right now in pass rush or coverage, Hart especially. Probably still recovering from the ACL. The linebacker rushing defense scores are still excellent.

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IlliniKat91 said:

I'm glad you had a good experience! I cannot say the same of the 2019 game in Champaign. The female Bucky fan started screaming as time expired that we should all shut up since we weren't going to a bowl anyway.

She wasn't particularly amused when I pointed out they wouldn't be going to a good one after losing to us, either. Oh well

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pruman91 said:

LOL................Nice retort there Kat !!!!!!...........................It really really was.........................

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IlliniKat91 said:

I have my moments

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IllGuardU said:

I thought one pass to Riemann, he turned the wrong way. It would have been right on target.

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alaskaillini said:

Riemann is the mathematician; Reiman is the TE.

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Illwinsagain said:

This was my first trip to Camp Randall for a game. No Illini fans within 10 rows of me. I was completely surrounded! My best friend (UI undergrad, UW grad) has gone all Badger (still cheers for Illini, when not playing Bucky). He asked politely with about 6 minutes to go, if we could leave and he could buy me a beer. The UW fans were completely distraught, until they started drinking again. I almost (but not quite) felt guilty for the beating. And yes, the refs were exceedingly fair in the first half. Not what you expect on the road in the B1G. Overall, one of the most satisfying football games I have ever attended.

ps- Bucky fans were polite, even congratulated me on the victory.

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