Illinois 38, Michigan State 37 OT Postgame

#129      
TheodoreRex
Very happy to find a way to win- hopefully we can manufacture 2-3 more this season.

I'm the biggest fan of Bret in general- he resurrected this program but I have serious concerns moving forward:
-Barnett getting 3 carries is criminal- everyone can see his burst and toughness and our run game desperately needs that
-Lunney's play calling is so dang inconsistent. At times I think the guy is one of the best in the business, and other times I'm ready to pull my hair out
2 plays in particular drove me nuts: Running Anderson on the outside, our slowest back, while WAY too often running Aidan up the middle.
The QB sneak with a freshman who weighs maybe 165 lbs. soaking wet, while countless times this season refusing to run a stout Houser on 4th and short. I just don't understand it. The QB sneak is literally the worst call of Lunney's career at Illinois IMO.
-The defense, honestly, it's unfathomable how bad we are with the guys we have.
 
#132      
Se Il Illini
This is the type of game that so many Illini teams would have frittered away in the past. I am thankful for any win at this point in the season.
 
#135      
wncillini
Altgeld's Bells said:
I don't know that they are all MAC. I think a few of them show flashes, but I'm wondering if the coaches haven't taught them the schemes well? Or the scheme isn't intuitive and the players are trying to think about where they need to go instead of running on instinct? Yes, the talent could use an upgrade, but I'm blaming the coaches.

The footwork and tackling issues are a whole other issue that are puzzling since it didn't seem like huge issues last year or I have a short memory.
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Two things have always baffled me.

1) basketball players that cant shoot at all

2)football players that cant tackle

Those are first day i play the sport tasks and these guys are a decade or more in. I can understand getting run over by a bigger guy, outrun by a faster guy, and juked by a quicker guy. I cant understand constant and lazy arm tackles where the defense almost looks like every offensive player is wearing a red practice jersey.
 
#137      
jimbo72
Illinois_2_AZ said:
The blocking is the only thing I can think of as well. In my opinion, he's been one of the most exciting players on the team.
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I believe. He is still getting healthy and Coaches know what they have for future. Barnett Blew his leg, knee up junior year and either ankle or same knee last year of high school in game 1. This is why Alabama said who cares, bye. He gets healthy this year and rushes for 10 yards per carry He cost $1 million next season.
That's all I can come up with, for him not being on field Now!
 
#139      
xcatcher
Regarding Barnett, after his last carry you could see Bret talking to him about how he was carrying the ball off his body. Was lucky he didn’t fumble. My guess is ball security concerns are what’s holding him back.
 
#140      
Rebounding Dog
Very ugly win, but a win! This team looks like one to find a way to lose vs find a way to win. Looked like we were on the verge of curb stumping someone and nearly pissed it away. End result… a win is a win.
Bright spot! Clayton looks like next year’s future. Really jumped in under a tough spot and stepped up. Encouraging!
 
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