mhuml32
Gesture of Northern Aggression
That is a startling number in the year 2026.
Pregame: Illinois vs Duke, Saturday, September 12th, 2:30pm CT, FS1
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That is a startling number in the year 2026.
Light day at the office for Robert Holcombe.
He should be OK.
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
I suspect Illinois would’ve lost to Oregon had it been a traditional B1G vs PAC Rose Bowl. But it still sucks to never know. Nebraska obviously did not deserve to play for the Natty after being blown out by Colorado.
Offense - 28 points
Didn't Jake go out? I saw McMillan playing center.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Man, we caught a break with Mensah leaving Duke this offseason. Duke goes from one of the best QB's to one of the worst (at least, according to week 1 data). Houser also one of the best.
Henderson went down. He got rolled up
He was playing right guard because Henderson went out
Ok. I saw it later on the replay
Gies Memorial Stadium Sellout Watch update for the Duke game:
First, a review of my UAB prediction: I guessed 52,000 and actual announced crowd was 52,673. There of course weren't that many people in the stadium, but it was still a good turnout for late, hot Thursday night. Compare it to our last Thursday night season opener: Eastern Illinois (2024). That night's announced crowd was 43,849 (also the last time we failed to break 50,000). This nearly 9,000 ticket increase is due to a higher season ticket base and much higher student ticket sales. The DIA says there were 12,000 students at the game Thursday. Both of these create a higher floor that all but guarantees games on non-optimal dates/times will still have a respectable attendance total.
For Duke, one of the DIA emails last week said there were "less than 2,500 tickets remaining." I put that estimate at less than 1,500 tickets remaining. We're close enough that I could see them making a push this week to make this game a sellout.
First, a review of my UAB prediction: I guessed 52,000 and actual announced crowd was 52,673. There of course weren't that many people in the stadium, but it was still a good turnout for late, hot Thursday night. Compare it to our last Thursday night season opener: Eastern Illinois (2024). That night's announced crowd was 43,849 (also the last time we failed to break 50,000). This nearly 9,000 ticket increase is due to a higher season ticket base and much higher student ticket sales. The DIA says there were 12,000 students at the game Thursday. Both of these create a higher floor that all but guarantees games on non-optimal dates/times will still have a respectable attendance total.
For Duke, one of the DIA emails last week said there were "less than 2,500 tickets remaining." I put that estimate at less than 1,500 tickets remaining. We're close enough that I could see them making a push this week to make this game a sellout.
chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
@IlliniInBuckeyeState Thank you for your efforts. As a 42 year season football ticket holder, I find the attendance guesses and stats very interesting and informative. 
-L-L
-L-Llstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Don’t love seeing this. DraftKings line opened at -8.5 Illinois. Now down to -6.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Comparing offensive efficiency week 1: (I’ve removed our defensive touchdown from the scoring stats)
Yards per play:
Illinois: 7.7
Duke: 4.9
Points per possession:
Illinois: 5
Duke: 1.55
Points per 100 yards of offense:
Illinois: 10.54
Duke: 4.46
Lots of empty calories (yards / possessions) on offense for Duke.
Yards per play:
Illinois: 7.7
Duke: 4.9
Points per possession:
Illinois: 5
Duke: 1.55
Points per 100 yards of offense:
Illinois: 10.54
Duke: 4.46
Lots of empty calories (yards / possessions) on offense for Duke.
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Illinivek23
- Gurnee
I saw that too. Was a little surprised they didn't play Hansen at RG after Henderson went out.
Hank Beatty had a monster day against Duke:
His production saw a heavy decrease after that Purdue game. Wonder just how much of that was BIG coaches having him #1 on the scouting report.
True teatimate of how good PB and IW were, to do it week in and week out.
Clement was our best receiver for the latter half of the year.
Illini show up- Illinois 35 Duke 14
Battle89
- Cary-Grove, the better Trojan team
Seven B1G teams in that quadrant, further supporting whoever said we were a 2010s Big 12 conference now.
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