I agree, especially based on the comments I was hearing in the stands. The only advantage the Memorial Stadium faraday cage for cell coverage brings is the inability to see the game thread and it's typical utter irrationality during both football and basketball games that aren't going our way.I have to admit, the responses on here to the loss have been much milder, measured and, dare I say, rational than I expected. Mind you I haven’t — nor do I plan to — read the game thread. I’m guessing there are plenty of unhinged comments in there. I said fairly early on in the game that it was getting a bad feeling as the game reminded me of the Indiana game. Then Robertson began punting and it was full on deja vu.
Just need to get ready for Purdue and take it to them. Season won’t quite be as special as we hoped, but can still be very impressive none the less. One of the worst parts of the loss is that it has pretty much ended my dreaming of beating Michigan — this year. It was probably a long shot — and sure it could still happen — but it was starting to feel more like a “medium shot” if I squinted just right when I closed my eyes.
Beat the Boilermakers!
If there is any evidence that players were being coached to fake injuries, MSU should have to vacate that win. With all of the attention and focus on player safety (and rightfully so), if MSU was found to be exploiting those rules then there must be consquences. If true -- if -- then Tucker and his garbage staff should never have a job in sports again.
I unfortunately didn't go today with my son, flu. Is it true we have ball 3x in 20yd line and went for it instead of kicking field goal? Was the wind that brutal that a 30 yard field go was not a option 3x?
I mentioned last week about our ignoring a few deep passes. It hurt us again this week. Against the wind I can understand, but with the wind it's just mind boggling. No deep threat? Isn't Williams touted as one of the fastest on the team. And they don't have to be world class sprinters. Bryant and Hightower have enough to at least make the effort. After we through a couple of passes in the second half, Chase had a couple of good runs. But sending him off tackle 35 times when they know it leads to what we saw. He got hard earned yards but no big gainers that he usually does.Just one more comment on Lunney’s play calling. I don’t love every call by any means, but he has a limited set of things to work with. Our receiving corps is better than I expected, but we do not have a downfield threat. We can’t stretch the field like some are calling for because we can’t get open. IW is a great weapon on short routes with a chance to pick up some blocks, but he’s not a game changing guy who can get open whenever he want’s. Part of what makes TDV so impressive is how efficient he’s been with limited options. Chase Brown is fantastic, but when defenses are keyed in on him we just don’t have enough other options. Our O-Line has done a good job, but we don’t blow people off the line we make small gaps that chase excels at finding and bursting thru. We do the little things well most of the time and that’s been enough. I expect a lot of growth as we get more talent. Overall the staff has done a great job maximizing the talent we do have. At least that’s my opinion.
Finally, the downfield blocking on that first touchdown was just outstanding. I’m not sure I’ve seen better. That’s great coaching and execution by the players. On to Purdue! I expect a much different outcome next week!!
Illinois could really use a 4 or 5 star receiver who can stretch the field!We never went deep once. I hope we can find a receiver who can stretch a D as they cheated against the run and short pass game. This is all on coaching.
How many times have you seen a deep route open and we missed him? I’m quite certain the players are trying to get behind defenders. I guess you can chuck the ball over everyone’s head just to show you can throw it that far, but if there’s no one out there with a chance to catch it I don’t think it’s helping you. And with yesterdays swirling wind, a gust could put the ball where you didn’t want it. Just my opinion.I mentioned last week about our ignoring a few deep passes. It hurt us again this week. Against the wind I can understand, but with the wind it's just mind boggling. No deep threat? Isn't Williams touted as one of the fastest on the team. And they don't have to be world class sprinters. Bryant and Hightower have enough to at least make the effort. After we through a couple of passes in the second half, Chase had a couple of good runs. But sending him off tackle 35 times when they know it leads to what we saw. He got hard earned yards but no big gainers that he usually does.
yeaHow many times have you seen a deep route open and we missed him? I’m quite certain the players are trying to get behind defenders. I guess you can chuck the ball over everyone’s head just to show you can throw it that far, but if there’s no one out there with a chance to catch it I don’t think it’s helping you. And with yesterdays swirling wind, a gust could put the ball where you didn’t want it. Just my opinion.
Good opportunity for an Illini game to be the impetus for yet another rule change /SThis will sound like sour grapes, but if I'm Coach B, I'm telling my video guys to compile a clip of all the atrocious calls/non-calls. The officiating office needs to be aware of how poorly that crew called the game.
Also. MSU's fake injury/delays tactics were beyond the pale. They need to put a halt to that, stat.
Kickoffs in that direction weren't reaching the 20 yard line. I think the other issue with that is you have to kick it lower to drive through the wind, which increases the chances of a block.I unfortunately didn't go today with my son, flu. Is it true we have ball 3x in 20yd line and went for it instead of kicking field goal? Was the wind that brutal that a 30 yard field go was not a option 3x?
FIFYGood opportunity for an Illini loss due to unfair play to be the impetus for yet another rule change / no S
I was at the game, and it was obvious this was a premeditated strategy they used after a big play and when we were getting in rhythm on offense. There was a Michigan State fan by me that admitted it was a strategy they employ. Disgusting scum bag of a coach, but that didn't cost us the game. It did give their defense which was down some depth a chance to rest, but epically poor special teams and turnovers were responsible. I agree with others that I think this will focus our team for the remainder of the season. That said, I hope they never win another game unless they are playing Michigan or Notre Dame.Good opportunity for an Illini game to be the impetus for yet another rule change /S
I had the same thought last night but did a 420 and did other things that were a ;ot more enjoyable..........Good opportunity for an Illini game to be the impetus for yet another rule change /S
Yeah, that was the one - then after the second or third replay he said that was a missed PIIs this the one where the announcer said there’s nothing there?
Agree with your thoughts. I think this teams talent is better than we thought from prior coaching but not as good as we've thought based on being 7-1 going into yesterday's game which overall speaks to the quality of coaching and development.Just one more comment on Lunney’s play calling. I don’t love every call by any means, but he has a limited set of things to work with. Our receiving corps is better than I expected, but we do not have a downfield threat. We can’t stretch the field like some are calling for because we can’t get open. IW is a great weapon on short routes with a chance to pick up some blocks, but he’s not a game changing guy who can get open whenever he want’s. Part of what makes TDV so impressive is how efficient he’s been with limited options. Chase Brown is fantastic, but when defenses are keyed in on him we just don’t have enough other options. Our O-Line has done a good job, but we don’t blow people off the line we make small gaps that chase excels at finding and bursting thru. We do the little things well most of the time and that’s been enough. I expect a lot of growth as we get more talent. Overall the staff has done a great job maximizing the talent we do have. At least that’s my opinion.
Finally, the downfield blocking on that first touchdown was just outstanding. I’m not sure I’ve seen better. That’s great coaching and execution by the players. On to Purdue! I expect a much different outcome next week!!