Illinois at UCLA, Friday, November 13th, 8:00pm CT, FOX
if they can pull this game out we could be playing with the big boys.....
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Why doesn't UCLA have any fans?
They're the most decorated basketball program in the country, the football team has often been good and plays in the freakin' Rose Bowl, it's a huge public school that kids all over dream of attending, they're in the most populous county in the country, USC football has tons of fans and has always been an attendance powerhouse (if a somewhat fickle one, admittedly), where the heck are all the UCLA fans?
Illini2010-11
- Sugar Grove
At first I read this as DMV, and could not agree more.
Point is still accurate though.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
As a single voice of college football this is absolutely true (I was referring to Verne & Raftery together on NCAA tournament games).
I will say to the board generally though, if you don't stand with me in opposing the destruction of the Grandaddy of 'em All and everything that concept stood for, you have forfeited your right to venerate Keith Jackson and the echoes of college football legend.
It's Keith Jackson vs Pat McAfee and Dave Portnoy. With us or against us.
37K views · 718 reactions | Keith Jackson was born on this day in 1928. We’re celebrating The Voice of College Football’s heavenly birthday with some of his opens 🎙️ | Big Ten Network
Keith Jackson was born on this day in 1928. We’re celebrating The Voice of College Football’s heavenly birthday with some of his opens 🎙️
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The rose bowl is almost 30 miles from campus and that’s Los Angeles traffic to add on. So students are - for the most part - dealing with a lot to get out there. Other people in and around LA care more about USC than UCLA.
LOTTA UIUC GRADS in socal. I genuinely think theres a good chance you hear some “I-L-L” chants on the broadcast.
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
This week's opponent is undefeated at 9-0; nationally ranked #4; and, they have sole possession of 1st place in the Big Ten Conference. Oh, and we have to play them on their home turf.
It seems daunting, but I'm confident this week that we can cover the 10-point spread. Just not certain we can win the game. But with that said, I'm not going to doubt Bret given the impressive 4-game streak we're on, as we ride this magnificent (and unanticipated) defensive turnaround.
23 ILL
20 UCLA
(9-0 vs the spread; 6-3 in projecting the winner. I've missed the Duke, Purdue and Michigan State games.)
I-L-L !!!!!
It seems daunting, but I'm confident this week that we can cover the 10-point spread. Just not certain we can win the game. But with that said, I'm not going to doubt Bret given the impressive 4-game streak we're on, as we ride this magnificent (and unanticipated) defensive turnaround.
23 ILL
20 UCLA
(9-0 vs the spread; 6-3 in projecting the winner. I've missed the Duke, Purdue and Michigan State games.)
I-L-L !!!!!
I thought Bret said that Platt was out for the year?
Hopefully Renfro and Holmes are able to go, but I'd almost rather have them healthy for Iowa.
TheFlyingIllini1317
- Chicago, IL
Stop me if you've heard this before but I'm feeling cautiously optimistic. Dieffenbach looks like the real deal and hits his deep balls, and obviously they have a good defense and run game, but I think KH will come to play. Cali kid playing in the Rose Bowl. Praying the rain holds off!!!
FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
Can I adopt this? I like it. I like it a lot
Rain is interesting. Generally it benefits the slower more physical team not reliant on quick strike offense. Rain might honestly be beneficial to us.
TheFlyingIllini1317
- Chicago, IL
We're so making the trip, so I want to see the San Gabriel's and the sunset. Probably last time we'll ever play here with a potential move to SoFi for UCLA.
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How we play the 1st half will completely decide this game in my opinion. If we can avoid getting rolled early and keep it within a possession at halftime, my gut feel is we win the game. The pressure will start feeling like a vice on UCLA the longer we stick around and Bret is one of the best coaches in the country when it comes to winning on the final possession.
In years past, our biggest problem during the Bret era in big games is getting blitzed early, compounding errors with turnovers, penalties, and miscommunication and we’re down multiple scores before we even have time to breathe. We avoid that in this one and I really think we can shock the world.
And what gives me more hope is that I feel that the two best games we’ve played this season were against Oregon and OSU, the 2 best teams we’ve played. Come out with fire and physicality, limit big plays, and let’s win a freakin Rose Bowl!
In years past, our biggest problem during the Bret era in big games is getting blitzed early, compounding errors with turnovers, penalties, and miscommunication and we’re down multiple scores before we even have time to breathe. We avoid that in this one and I really think we can shock the world.
And what gives me more hope is that I feel that the two best games we’ve played this season were against Oregon and OSU, the 2 best teams we’ve played. Come out with fire and physicality, limit big plays, and let’s win a freakin Rose Bowl!
Actually UCLA has been separating from other teams in the 4th quarter. I don't have the exact stats on-hand, but I believe they are #1 among Power 4 Teams in 4th quarter scoring differential versus their opponents. So better if Bret finds a way to build a good size lead early. Otherwise, likely win #10 for UCLA.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
I don't necessarily disagree with your point, but I'll add more context.
UCLA has +71 point differential on the season in the 4th quarter. I don't know where that ranks nationally, but likely towards the top.
However, that point differential is almost exclusively driven by turnovers. On the season, UCLA has forced 11 4th quarter turnovers (Connelly's formula has each turnover worth +5 points, so 11 turnovers is +55 of the +71 points). 11 turnovers in one quarter each game is incredible. We've forced 6 total so far.
So if we take care of the ball in the 4th quarter and we're within striking distance, I like our chances.
To add to that, turnovers are definitely something to watch. UCLA has forced 27, yet we've only given up 6.
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Have you ever driven to the Rose Bowl? That explains UCLA's attendance issues right there. Great place for a game, but they might as well play the game in Las Vegas... easier to get to.
But as has been well documented this year USC struggled to get fans at a lot of games. I think it’s a California or west coast thing. UCLA this season gives free tickets to all students that want them for basketball and football.
My wife and I bought our seats for Friday’s game about 6 weeks ago and the price was surprisingly low and on the 50 yard line and what I think is a perfect number of rows up. I was not shocked but still somewhat amazed they were available.
The main issue for UCLA folks who aren't in Pasadena or the surrounding areas is that going to a football game is an all-day commitment. Unless you get to Pasadena ridiculously early, driving a car into Pasadena with Rose Bowl traffic can take hours. Then there's the game. Then there's the amount of time it takes to get out of Pasadena after the game given the traffic situation. I have family in SoCal who are UCLA people. They used to go to every game decades ago, and they found they just couldn't keep it up given the commitment it involved. And while UCLA have made noise about moving to another stadium, they are under contract with the Rose Bowl until 2045. Nothing is changing anytime soon.