Could've used the two overthrown TDs. The team seems like it will be okay going forward. Let's see some Javari Barnett.
Ohio State 42, Illinois 19 Postgame
I guess in many respects it doesn't move the proverbial needle. Illinois lost by 23 today. A field goal would have made the margin 20. Not an appreciable difference.
Yep. The third-quarter drive of 70 yards and coming up empty was the off-ramp.
The big moment was not getting the touchdown on the last drive of the first half. Go into half at 21-14, and getting the ball back, I think there's a real chance for a momentum swing there. OSU may still win but we could have made it close.
Really liked the way we played in the 3rd quarter. Defense got a stop, offense wore down the Bucks for a bit and got points.
Really liked the way we played in the 3rd quarter. Defense got a stop, offense wore down the Bucks for a bit and got points.
chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
Listened to Barnhart and the guys on the radio call as we’re driving upnorth to close our cabin. I’m pleasantly surprised and not upset at all. Hate to have another line injury, but our Illini showed a ton of gumption and never quit. We need to clean up some stupid penalties, work on the secondary, and hone that offense, and we’ll be ok. We played one of the best teams in the country, and we didn’t get embarrassed. Bring on Purdue.
No - the defense a made number of big plays and the missed sack in the first half changed the complexion of the game. This goes to time of possession and the fact that offensively we strike quick. Our offense is not a ball control offense. The defense is clearly getting better. Even I could see that. I have only been watching Illini football since 1966, but Jeremiah Smith is one of the best football players in the history of college football. Texas couldn't stop him and they had $15mm more to pay for defensive players than we did. Give Ohio State credit, they are a good football team. Our guys competed and didn't give up. But we were outmanned, not outcoached
Definitely feel better about our prospects after that game. Trimble needs to learn how to hold on to the ball when he is hit
He didn't pull the ball into his body...kept it in his hands and tried to turn towards goal line leaving him susceptible to the hit and drop. Secure the ball...especially up the middle of the field where a safety is gonna take dead aim.
Illini2010-11
- Sugar Grove
If the offense can start closing out drives and the defense improves modestly, 7 wins is there. Overall, encouraged by the effort, even if it was a 23 point blow out loss. The offense moved the ball relatively well against a great defense. Primary difference in this game is Ohio State got touchdowns, whereas we kicked a pair of field goals and turnover on downs.
It starts next week. Need to beat Purdue!
It starts next week. Need to beat Purdue!
Offense looked solid with Dixon being locked up. Maybe it was OSU defense taking their feet off the gas but our run game looked good even with a ton of injuries on the ol. Trimble had some missed catches but his a soph, don’t doubt he’ll improve throughout the season and offseason. Honestly our run d didn’t look all that bad imo, especially compared to the Duke game. We covered the spread.
Trimble will be fine. Offense is not a concern. If we had half a defense this game is close and going down to the wire.
Game was never in doubt but at least they didn’t lose 63-10.
Would have liked to see a different game plan for #4. Can’t single cover a guy as good as him.
Offensive line was a bright spot as the run game did well.
Defense seemed to create more pressure too. The real bright spot today is both lines didn’t get destroyed. They were competitive
Would have liked to see a different game plan for #4. Can’t single cover a guy as good as him.
Offensive line was a bright spot as the run game did well.
Defense seemed to create more pressure too. The real bright spot today is both lines didn’t get destroyed. They were competitive
Make the extra point and kick the ball in the end zone. 35-20. Stop OSU, get the ball back, score again. Don't like our strategy of onside kick there. Very low odds....ended the game essentially.
it also seems like the D settles in well enough in the 2nd half of games but the O plateaus at halftime
illinipioneer
- Richmond, VA
I can’t see how anyone couldn’t be encouraged by what we saw today, still a long way to go, but this gives me hope this is a bowl team
Illini2010-11
- Sugar Grove
Ohio State punted twice, while scoring 5 touchdowns to that point (all of them were 70+ yard drives). I will take the strategy of onside kick there any day of the week. The game is essentially over if we kicked the ball deep as well, given how well Ohio State moved the ball.
Very good observation. My largest curiosity on this is why no O - line depth? That would be the one area where we should be able to recruit and retain.
He seems like he needs some muscle so until that happens he has to tuck that ball quickly.
I thought they were good, hard hits that came sooner than he expected.
1. Effort was certainly there.
2. Laughery & Houser are good.
3. That defense is absolute garbage. Only reason OSU didn’t score 60 pts is b/c they offense chewed up clock in the 3rd quarter. I don’t know what BB does, but this ain’t working.
2. Laughery & Houser are good.
3. That defense is absolute garbage. Only reason OSU didn’t score 60 pts is b/c they offense chewed up clock in the 3rd quarter. I don’t know what BB does, but this ain’t working.
55M roster vs 20M roster, using 8th string OL, no one in the same stratosphere as J Smith, etc. Not making excuses. It is what it is. But still put up 461 yards O! It was Pros vs Joes. Now lets not lose to any more Joes.