Iowa 15, Illinois 13, Postgame

LvilleILL · Nov 19, 2023

Illini-Rule said:
I'm upset with all the crap that went on with the officiating, but the thing that really pissed me of was when the Iowa crowd booed our player who got hurt. What a bunch of classless a**holes.

Went to the game yesterday...was a super painful ending and one of the toughest walks out of a stadium that I have had.

With that being said, man Iowa fans were classless. Threw beer at our players after a penalty, booed blatant penalties, booed when our player went down. That doesn't even include the things that were said to not only me but other Illinois fans around me. When Iowa scored the go ahead touchdown, I had an Iowa fan wrap his arms around me and start hugging me. Really was surprised and haven't seen anything like that from opposing fans at an away stadium before

jjniner · Nov 19, 2023

Not sure if this was posted before or not… but on the catch late in the game by Isaiah, they marked it at the 11. It looked to be a bad placement. Followed by QB sneak into the pile and being forced outside resulting in a fg. Can you challenge this in college?

pvaughn8 · Nov 19, 2023

Old.Edgy said:
This is why a school for refs needs greater attention... and an increase in their salaries in order to attract better quality personnel....

Screw that, pay them less and let's use some technology

Illini in Italy · Nov 19, 2023

BZuppke said:
Who wants to see Iowa annihilated in the Big Ten championship game?

Me Me Me Choice GIF by The Voice Belgique

Battle89 · Nov 19, 2023

LvilleILL said:
Went to the game yesterday...was a super painful ending and one of the toughest walks out of a stadium that I have had.

With that being said, man Iowa fans were classless. Threw beer at our players after a penalty, booed blatant penalties, booed when our player went down. That doesn't even include the things that were said to not only me but other Illinois fans around me. When Iowa scored the go ahead touchdown, I had an Iowa fan wrap his arms around me and start hugging me. Really was surprised and haven't seen anything like that from opposing fans at an away stadium before

The extended booing got to me also, though the fans around me were not nearly as bad. Even gave me a pity fireball shooter at the end, and a drink was exactly what I needed at that moment.

Agree the walkout was beyond painful. Lots of commentary in the crowd.

bluemountain · Nov 19, 2023

I would have been okay punting with 2 TO's and just under 4 minutes left. More than likely we get the ball back around the same place with say 2 1/2 minutes left, which would have been plenty of time. Burning a TO there was just inexcusable.

Kendall Gill’s Uncle · Nov 19, 2023

I’m not sure how I feel about going with Paddock again. Is something still going on with Luke?

Illini2010-11 · Nov 19, 2023

bluemountain said:
I would have been okay punting with 2 TO's and just under 4 minutes left. More than likely we get the ball back around the same place with say 2 1/2 minutes left, which would have been plenty of time. Burning a TO there was just inexcusable.

Not sure I agree. The Illini defense looked gassed on the previous possession and gave up gashing runs, including the touchdown run. My gut tells me that the Illini were not getting the ball back if punting. The Illini still could have forced a field goal, and get the ball back with two minutes to work with. Instead a 12 yard run up the gut on 3rd and 8. That suggests a worn down defense that was so stout on the run all day.

I was perfectly fine with the timeout and going on 4th. It was a calculated risk that did not work out. I simply did not like the execution from Paddock looking down his receiver. It was an easy bat down. That is where the lack of being able to be run threat hurt, along with such a depleted running back group.

Indy Illini Fan · Nov 19, 2023

rtbritt said:
If I remember correctly, Wisconsin is paying his salary, as long as he isn't an on-field coach. Will it be the same this next year, or is the contract up? I would think he would be highly motivated to "do more" if it means making millions more.

Also, if it is the case that he will still be making D coordinator money being an analyst, and he turned USC down, do you think he'd only leave for a head coaching position? @Indy Illini Fan

Wisconsin owed him $1.4 million ... He agreed to let them pay $1 million ...

We are paying him a tad over $100,000 for his Analyst position ... I think it is something like $115,000 plus bonuses ... And he signed a deal that will take him through June of 2025 ...

I can't say for absolutely certain that Jimmy would turn down everything that came his way but I can say it would have to be a really unique opportunity that his wife, kids and family would all be on board with and I really do not think that is coming especially with him turning down USC's offer ...

Bret gives Jimmy something that very, very few guys get in the coaching world and that is all the family time the guy wants ... He gets to work with his buddy Bret ... He and Josh Whitman have a ton of respect for each other and Jimmy values that as well ... He knows our defensive staff extremely well ...

Jimmy has told me multiple times that there is just very little incentive for him to move unless it is a perfect opportunity ...

MustangWally · Nov 19, 2023

Indy Illini Fan said:
Wisconsin owed him $1.4 million ... He agreed to let them pay $1 million ...

We are paying him a tad over $100,000 for his Analyst position ... I think it is something like $115,000 plus bonuses ... And he signed a deal that will take him through June of 2025 ...

I can't say for absolutely certain that Jimmy would turn down everything that came his way but I can say it would have to be a really unique opportunity that his wife, kids and family would all be on board with and I really do not think that is coming especially with him turning down USC's offer ...

Bret gives Jimmy something that very, very few guys get in the coaching world and that is all the family time the guy wants ... He gets to work with his buddy Bret ... He and Josh Whitman have a ton of respect for each other and Jimmy values that as well ... He knows our defensive staff extremely well ...

Jimmy has told me multiple times that there is just very little incentive for him to move unless it is a perfect opportunity ...

Has he contributed anything of value to the team?

BZuppke · Nov 19, 2023

Respecting the AD is bigger than most people think. Nick Saban sad it years ago that it is one of the most important factors when taking a job.

Saturdaze · Nov 20, 2023

Indy Illini Fan said:
Wisconsin owed him $1.4 million ... He agreed to let them pay $1 million ...

We are paying him a tad over $100,000 for his Analyst position ... I think it is something like $115,000 plus bonuses ... And he signed a deal that will take him through June of 2025 ...

I can't say for absolutely certain that Jimmy would turn down everything that came his way but I can say it would have to be a really unique opportunity that his wife, kids and family would all be on board with and I really do not think that is coming especially with him turning down USC's offer ...

Bret gives Jimmy something that very, very few guys get in the coaching world and that is all the family time the guy wants ... He gets to work with his buddy Bret ... He and Josh Whitman have a ton of respect for each other and Jimmy values that as well ... He knows our defensive staff extremely well ...

Jimmy has told me multiple times that there is just very little incentive for him to move unless it is a perfect opportunity ...

I thought the benefit to him taking this position was he could be in Champaign Sun - Thurs and in Madison with his family Thurs night through Saturday? You saying his family moved to Champaign? BB himself called Jim’s role a stepping stone to something better when he was hired. His WI buyout prevents him from taking a DC or HC job this season only. No way Jim is not a DC or better next year. I’ll bet my beach house.

Orange Roughy · Nov 20, 2023

illinoistradition · Nov 20, 2023

Saturdaze said:
I thought the benefit to him taking this position was he could be in Champaign Sun - Thurs and in Madison with his family Thurs night through Saturday? You saying his family moved to Champaign? BB himself called Jim’s role a stepping stone to something better when he was hired. His WI buyout prevents him from taking a DC or HC job this season only. No way Jim is not a DC or better next year. I’ll bet my beach house.

I'm not sure you understand how close our two insiders on this board are to the program. I'll take their perspective on this--no offense.

IlliniKat91 · Nov 20, 2023

Saturdaze said:
I thought the benefit to him taking this position was he could be in Champaign Sun - Thurs and in Madison with his family Thurs night through Saturday? You saying his family moved to Champaign? BB himself called Jim’s role a stepping stone to something better when he was hired. His WI buyout prevents him from taking a DC or HC job this season only. No way Jim is not a DC or better next year. I’ll bet my beach house.

I didn't pick up on that in anything @Indy Illini Fan said.

To me it sounds like he gets to do a lot more telecommuting than we originally thought, and since he isn't a coach he's not hitting the recruiting trails, either. That means more time at home with the wife and kids while still getting paid by Wisconsin and pulling in an extra six figures from Illinois. That's what we call a big win on the home life front

FlotownIllini · Nov 20, 2023

LvilleILL said:
Went to the game yesterday...was a super painful ending and one of the toughest walks out of a stadium that I have had.

With that being said, man Iowa fans were classless. Threw beer at our players after a penalty, booed blatant penalties, booed when our player went down. That doesn't even include the things that were said to not only me but other Illinois fans around me. When Iowa scored the go ahead touchdown, I had an Iowa fan wrap his arms around me and start hugging me. Really was surprised and haven't seen anything like that from opposing fans at an away stadium before

Funny...I don't find it at all surprising to receive further confirmation that Iowa fans are remarkably classless. Our fanbase certainly has its own issues, but Squawk fans have always struck me as particularly delusional and douche-y.

Mr. Tibbs · Nov 20, 2023

FlotownIllini said:
Funny...I don't find it at all surprising to receive further confirmation that Iowa fans are remarkably classless. Our fanbase certainly has its own issues, but Squawk fans have always struck me as particularly delusional and douche-y.

98% of the camera shots of the random fans at their games is proof enough
sometimes you can judge a book by the cover

mhuml32 · Nov 20, 2023

Ten Things:

1. Paddock was a gamer. Not surprising that the stats and PFF grades weren't impressive. It's a great defense. The safety early was the biggest sin. I'm still extremely grateful that he came to Illinois to walk-on and substantially lift the floor of the offense.
2. I've been really impressed with Lunney since Nebraska. Illinois has done pretty good against several of these good defenses. Most yards against Iowa in 6 weeks. Most yards against Indiana in over a year. Wore down Maryland at the end. He found ways to attack Iowa. The running game was a slugfest early (not surprised), but they found gaps to attack as the game continued.
3. Just really stinks that the running back room is completely decimated right now. McCray - Anderson - Laughery - Feagin are all out for the season. The backup right now was a guy playing defense in camp. Love has been banged up a lot last year but is playing great down the stretch. Just wish there was one guy you could trust to give him 15 snaps of rest.
4. Whitenack with his best pass blocking of the year (85.3 - 40 snaps). Adams was a masterclass: guy had been struggling all year while taking one for the team, playing out of position, and he put up the best run and pass blocking on the line. Last two games have been great.
5. Hot take: A double-digit sack year from Alec Bryant in 2024. He's just been so solid all year.
6. Jacas with his best game of the season. I'm not sure if he'll be back next year, but he's starting to come on in the new scheme.
7. Rosiek with his best game of his career. Could be some fun LB rotations next year, but he's really proving himself.
8. There's a few names I wouldn't be shocked if they moved on. On that note, was surprised to see Kaleb Patterson making his Illinois debut for 10ish snaps against Iowa.
9. Predicting a fake punt against Northwestern.
10. If you beat Iowa, you probably lean towards giving some freshman more reps this week as you ramp up for NW and a bowl game. Now? Rotations might be tighter than ever before this season.

Ramrod2010 · Nov 20, 2023

Indy Illini Fan said:
Wisconsin owed him $1.4 million ... He agreed to let them pay $1 million ...

We are paying him a tad over $100,000 for his Analyst position ... I think it is something like $115,000 plus bonuses ... And he signed a deal that will take him through June of 2025 ...

I can't say for absolutely certain that Jimmy would turn down everything that came his way but I can say it would have to be a really unique opportunity that his wife, kids and family would all be on board with and I really do not think that is coming especially with him turning down USC's offer ...

Bret gives Jimmy something that very, very few guys get in the coaching world and that is all the family time the guy wants ... He gets to work with his buddy Bret ... He and Josh Whitman have a ton of respect for each other and Jimmy values that as well ... He knows our defensive staff extremely well ...

Jimmy has told me multiple times that there is just very little incentive for him to move unless it is a perfect opportunity ...

Saturdaze · Nov 20, 2023

IlliniKat91 said:
I didn't pick up on that in anything @Indy Illini Fan said.

To me it sounds like he gets to do a lot more telecommuting than we originally thought, and since he isn't a coach he's not hitting the recruiting trails, either. That means more time at home with the wife and kids while still getting paid by Wisconsin and pulling in an extra six figures from Illinois. That's what we call a big win on the home life front

Either way… his agreement with Wisconsin ends Jan 2024. There are really only 3 options.
1. Illinois hires JL as DC and pays him close to $2 million
2. JL takes a job as DC at a high profile job in next 3 weeks as part of the coaching carousel that happens between regular season and bowl games
3. JL takes job as DC in February

There is no way JL will remain as an analyst or as AH’s mentor for another year. If JL is truly as tight with BB and JW and JL likes the Illini staff as much as @Indy Illini Fan says AND the Illini let him walk to another school then that is a total administration failure and the reason why this team will continue to be mired in mediocrity.