Minnesota 24, Illinois 17 POSTGAME
Quite a bit of progress, quite a few positive signs for the future, and no quit from the team. It still hurt a lot because it was within reach, but I'm proud of the progress.
Lovie Smith's clock management with the Bears was a running joke for years. I would not expect him to suddenly get better at it now.
The real problem I saw was the team just simply still cannot tackle or control the lines of scrimmage very often. Undersized or underfast, I am not sure.
George Jr. remains a freshman QB. He'll get better, but he can't be counted on to do it all alone.
Overall, hopefully, recruiting will pick up. It's amazing how far down this program is right now. Minnesota's nothing special, and they were able to look consistently like a better team.
The real problem I saw was the team just simply still cannot tackle or control the lines of scrimmage very often. Undersized or underfast, I am not sure.
George Jr. remains a freshman QB. He'll get better, but he can't be counted on to do it all alone.
Overall, hopefully, recruiting will pick up. It's amazing how far down this program is right now. Minnesota's nothing special, and they were able to look consistently like a better team.
We are young, we make dumb mistakes, but this staff has seen a lot of football and continue to make terrible coaching decisions. Inexcuseable!! I have little confidence in the offensive staff and our head coach by extension.
WE ARE WHO WE THOUGHT WE ARE
Most of us thought, with the youth of this team two or three wins were the max to start with.
FT35
- Naperville
There were some positives in this game and the defense once again forced a number of TOs.
I hope Bonner is okay but if not they should give Foster some more chances.
I'm not going to argue about the QB play as it is not very good regardless of who we've put back there. At the moment none of them are really Big Ten QBs although Thomas is promising. Teams have film on him now, however, and can adjust accordingly. Minnesota was clearly not ready for him.
The offense is just so horrific and it is hard to imagine that we're going to have a game this year where we'll score more than 24.
Their QB was awful. One of the worst we've seen this year but for the 2nd week in a row it didn't really matter. They didn't have to throw the ball at all. The defense really only gave up 17 points which isn't bad given the youth and the injuries at LB.
I hope Bonner is okay but if not they should give Foster some more chances.
I'm not going to argue about the QB play as it is not very good regardless of who we've put back there. At the moment none of them are really Big Ten QBs although Thomas is promising. Teams have film on him now, however, and can adjust accordingly. Minnesota was clearly not ready for him.
The offense is just so horrific and it is hard to imagine that we're going to have a game this year where we'll score more than 24.
Their QB was awful. One of the worst we've seen this year but for the 2nd week in a row it didn't really matter. They didn't have to throw the ball at all. The defense really only gave up 17 points which isn't bad given the youth and the injuries at LB.
Yes to this, and even though we lost, I am seeing so much good things going on with this team in every game we have played this season. This is wanting to see next year get here even quicker for these young men.
Do you think the offensive play calling was bad at Louisville? Do you think it might look bad for a reason?
Illinois was dominated on the lines. It really shows how far the program was allowed to slide. It's a total burn down four year rebuild. A lot of us knew/suspected but it's always shocking to see the evidence. It will be interesting to see how our lines look next year. I like taking these games as data points for future comparison. Getting pushed backwards five yards on a run half the time is hard to watch, but man... think of the kids. It's gotta be hard on them too. I give them a lot of credit to go out there and fight each down (some downs better than others). Gotta give a big thank you to the kids for all the hard work they're putting in. I am, at least, happy they kept it close agaist a poor Minnie team.
Minnie had a nice crowd at their facility. Wasn't full, but you have to hand it to them. They are not world beaters and they're filling up the seats. A nice stadium and beer in the stands either goes a long way or our fans just suck. Beautiful day!
the national
- the Front Range
I dont get the hate on the coaching staff. They arr making teachable moments and pushing our young team. His clock management was fine. He could have used 1 timeout, but he wanted 1 last chance at the end. Ge saved 3 TO to have that vhance. The offense gas luttle to work with. They are just getting guys experience, wanting them to grow as intelligent players. Our pick-6 was bad but i thought we played up all around today. That interception on the goal line was the highlight. We are young, but getting better.
Exactly. I 100% agree. :thumb:
Totally agree. The loss hurts. But the long term foundation this coaching staff is putting in place is being revealed with every game.
Future looks good.
However, why do coaches make changes when something is working? I think the present would be better if they stay with s working formula. ??????
However, why do coaches make changes when something is working? I think the present would be better if they stay with s working formula. ??????
FT35
- Naperville
I kind of agree with this although I think they're getting better at this? This is what frustrated me with the last game with the LB rotation we had against Rutgers. However, as a fan I don't know who is banged up and who is getting benched due to poor play.
I like the fact that they're sticking with the current OL group even though DiLauro is probably a better option at LT than Lowe. They are working him in as a TE, though.
The upperclassmen on this team not only have to be the best options, they apparently are held to very high standards by the staff. We've also had a number of injuries/suspensions that have limited the upperclassmen this year. Maybe it's the curse of the 2017 hype video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=nVc6S_onm8M
Is the QB play bad because our receivers can’t get open? It seemed like the line protected the pocket pretty well today.
Yes the spot. It was a nice spot, but not enough to overturn.
Yep, and losing by a touchdown on the road isn't a bad result.