Illinois 38, Rutgers 10 POSTGAME

#51      
C56EE5B4-66ED-48F7-A80A-5FF41F7C809C.jpeg


Have we ever had stats like these before ?
 
#52      
Say what you want about Lovie, but takeaways really is his mantra, and it’s really coming together this year.

There are some real fixable things that if he’d lose a little of his stubbornness, would turn this defense into a real powerhouse.

He has a sellable niche, and I’d love to see him be able to recruit top talent consistently because of it.
 
#53      

redwingillini11

North Aurora
Guys on TV are saying the next three games are winnable. Would not be surprised to see us win all three. Nice to hear.

Can you guys believe the difference in perception from the beginning of the season to now? No one expected us to compete with anyone in the B1G not named Rutgers. I am SO GLAD all of them can eat the L on the whole "anyone can win the West except Illinois"!
 
#54      

Illiniaaron

Geneseo, IL
I have a rules/strategy question that pertains a little to today's game. Rutgers' punter used a rugby style that was allowing his coverage to get well downfield before he kicked. A lot of punters are doing this now. There is no ncaa rule against men downfield on a non-passing play. However, I think also then there is no running into or roughing penalty against a punter on a rugby-style kick. Isn't there some way to execute a special rush against a punter that is using this style of kick? It must be difficult because I haven't seen it in any games.
 
#58      
Greetings from Phoenix. I will predicate my contribution with an admission: more than once in the past few years I personally declared the Lovie Era to be a failed hire and dead experiment by our A.D. That being said, I do like watching the football being played by this team right now. In fact, I thoroughly enjoy watching a defense play game-breaking D, a quarterback making tough throws, and a team finding their identity. I am not about to "count my chickens before they are hatched" by being satisfied with five wins with three games to go, of which only one is need to become bowl eligible, but I do like what I see from this year's Lovie squad. I see some play-makers making plays and opportunities for those who do have skills to shine and score the football. I would guess that no matter what Coach keeps his job with more talent ready for next year. For that, I am proud of these kids and Smith's staff. They are showing some f'n heart for a change and I can seriously appreciate that. Please win one more game, boys! Please and thank you for allowing at least this fan to enjoy watching Fighting Illini football again. Damn, it's been awhile since I could!
 
#59      
Between the time we were deepest into the despair of the Coaching Carousel thread (probably after that dreadful defensive performance vs. Minnesota) and now (3.5 straight strong, sound, solid defensive performances and this kind of graphic being published)... I can't recall a team that, at the very least, *looks* so different so quick.

Seems to me Robert's "it kinda all of the sudden just clicks" preachment was only off by 1 week. Kudos to him.
 
#60      
And, lately, the ball has been bouncing right into our arms/hands. The Navaro catch (still have no clue what happened there), the Tony Adam TO on the fly, Dele interception, ........
 
#61      
I think we played a sluggish first half because we thought we’d walk all over them and we were playing a little too relaxed. Rutgers was ready to play though. Btw, what was up with that whole clapping thing? Lol. Anyway, it probably didn’t help doing that and getting Rutgers all fired up.
I love the fact that our defense has an identity now. This is what a good Lovie defense looks like. Better protect the ball from us because we will take it from you!
 
#62      
I read a stat somewhere that said Illinois is #1 in the country in points off of turnovers. IF we could limit some of the stupid big plays we give up, this defense would be so fun to watch always! As it is right now, it's still pretty much fun to watch.
 
#63      
I read a stat somewhere that said Illinois is #1 in the country in points off of turnovers. IF we could limit some of the stupid big plays we give up, this defense would be so fun to watch always! As it is right now, it's still pretty much fun to watch.
They are definitely fun to watch. I’ve been telling one of my co-workers to keep an eye on Milo Eifler, he hits so hard. I have some respect for Rutger’s quarterback, but that poor kid is going to be sore as hell tomorrow,
 
#67      

BananaShampoo

Captain 'Paign
Phoenix, AZ
Between the time we were deepest into the despair of the Coaching Carousel thread (probably after that dreadful defensive performance vs. Minnesota) and now (3.5 straight strong, sound, solid defensive performances and this kind of graphic being published)... I can't recall a team that, at the very least, *looks* so different so quick.

Seems to me Robert's "it kinda all of the sudden just clicks" preachment was only off by 1 week. Kudos to him.
Really he was only off by one half!
 
#68      
Regarding takeaways...how is it that Lovie is so good at teaching(?) this piece of the game? I mean other coaches must emphasize the value of turnovers right? And yet somehow Lovies teams routinely get turnovers at an absurd pace.
 
#70      

Deleted member 645583

D
Guest
Tackle: first and foremost. But by all means strip the ball away if you see the opportunity - my philosophy of defense. I'm such a genius.

Are Illini unis really that orange or is it just my TV? That orange is ... lewd. But I like it, especially after a win.

Beat the Spartans.
 
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#71      
Lovie even said this in his post game interview. So, that’s a good question. If all coaches preach it’s importance, why are Lovie’s teams always so good at it?
Because they practice it. First guy hits the ball carrier, and second guy’s job is to strip it. That and it’s preached over and over again. Eventually this becomes ingrained in them and becomes second nature. Every play they are trying to get the ball back whenever possible. Some of our players are better at it than others.
 
#73      
Greetings from Phoenix. I will predicate my contribution with an admission: more than once in the past few years I personally declared the Lovie Era to be a failed hire and dead experiment by our A.D. That being said, I do like watching the football being played by this team right now. In fact, I thoroughly enjoy watching a defense play game-breaking D, a quarterback making tough throws, and a team finding their identity. I am not about to "count my chickens before they are hatched" by being satisfied with five wins with three games to go, of which only one is need to become bowl eligible, but I do like what I see from this year's Lovie squad. I see some play-makers making plays and opportunities for those who do have skills to shine and score the football. I would guess that no matter what Coach keeps his job with more talent ready for next year. For that, I am proud of these kids and Smith's staff. They are showing some f'n heart for a change and I can seriously appreciate that. Please win one more game, boys! Please and thank you for allowing at least this fan to enjoy watching Fighting Illini football again. Damn, it's been awhile since I could!
And, my husband doesn't get sports at all unless I'm screaming Cardinals, Illini, Blues. Whatever, it's often enough he thinks he's always cheered everygoddamned winning midwestern sports team to a championship. My work on earth is done simply cuz I got a guy from Montana to swear Cardinals, Illini and Blues fooking fistpump rule.
 
#74      
C56EE5B4-66ED-48F7-A80A-5FF41F7C809C.jpeg


Have we ever had stats like these before ?

Definite improvement on defense. Going into next year would like to see more depth at safety and possibly a top tier transfer RB. Losing a lot with Corbin and Dre Brown leaving. Don't want to take a step back.
 
#75      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
I was awake for the entire first half. Fell asleep at halftime. Woke up to a 38-10 win.

You're welcome, everyone. :sleep:

For years I have watched the game on tv and listened to brian B. on the radio, but I changed after the first half of the scUM game....and since then we have had 3 1/2 games of " Big Boy " performance's...so I think since I have been listening to the tv announcers that I have had a hand in the turnaround of the beloved...
.Hey, it's been a long time since we have had this much fun following the Illini football team, so cut me some slack in my disillusioned existence here...
:cool::illinois::shield::chief::hailtotheorange::thumb::ah::ms: