I'd like to see a video of that message...
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Illinois 48, Southern Illinois 10 Postgame
We should have played him the last game when our offense stalled.Here’s the key with the JB love (and this is 100% typed with the same enthusiasm y’all have after seeing him run yesterday):
1. It was SIU’s backups, who he should definitely be able to run over.
2. Can he pass block yet? If not, he will be a “it’s a run” tipoff to the D every time he comes in.
#1 doesn’t concern me as much. He may not be able to trample the soul of a tOSU DB like he did the SIU kid on the last play…but that sort of tenacious running is a state of mind and will help him at least find ways to fall forward.
#2 is an unknown in live game reps and if he whiffs and Houser gets crushed, he’ll restrict our offensive playcalling options.
Here’s the key with the JB love (and this is 100% typed with the same enthusiasm y’all have after seeing him run yesterday):
1. It was SIU’s backups, who he should definitely be able to run over.
2. Can he pass block yet? If not, he will be a “it’s a run” tipoff to the D every time he comes in.
#1 doesn’t concern me as much. He may not be able to trample the soul of a tOSU DB like he did the SIU kid on the last play…but that sort of tenacious running is a state of mind and will help him at least find ways to fall forward.
#2 is an unknown in live game reps and if he whiffs and Houser gets crushed, he’ll restrict our offensive playcalling options.
This isn't about who he was playing. This is how he came as a recruit. 6'1, 235 with 21+ MPH speed. I'm sure he can get the hang of blocking but you're looking at the type of RB with that size/power/explosion they haven't had since Leshoure.
IMO Barnett was the best RB they've signed going back to Mendenhall (Alexis may be even better as a recruit). This OL has more size and power element to it than year's past. That's a perfect combination vs anybody, OSU or whoever. That translate to the next level. It will be interesting to see.
Kind of figured Bowick would blow up this year. He definitely flashed as an NFL type WR last year.
I was thinking BEFORE the game yesterday that what Bielema's Wisconsin teams were famous for were road grader offensive linemen and bull-rushing running backs. We've really had neither in his tenure here...until yesterday. I loved Chase Brown, but he was a darter, not a pounder.
The linemen are still MIA but Javari Barnett (6'1" 235) sure looked promising. I LOVE the way he runs and think he needs to have 15-20 carries each game. Pounding the rock will further establish the running game, use up the clock and keep our feeble defense off the field. It may be old school, but it's the way that the upper echelon of teams still win.
Now to find those road-graders....
I'm more in the mind that he's going to have Illinois style offenses that are explosive passing and running. The ceiling is much higher here than it ever was at Wisconsin or in Iowa.
It's why I always throw my two cents in when people try to compare. There's no comparison.
Illinois is a potential national brand that can go anywhere and get the absolute top players (As it has shown). Neither one of those places also has not shown the ability to get the type of QBs Illinois has had (Has either ever had a #1 overall pick at QB?). The floor is extremely high but if they can manage this year/next year keeping and building on the momentum they've already built, they're going to be at the top of the sport sooner than later. Basketball is (Back) there, football is coming.
And those OL are definitely here. They have it now. They just have to find the right combination. I'm putting Champ Smith in the starting lineup ASAP. Matelau and Renfro on the interior. Find the best combination of the other two (Henderson with whoever).