Pregame: Illinois at Iowa, Saturday, November 20th, 1:00pm CT, FS1

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#76      

Fighter of the Nightman

Fighter of the Nightman
Chicago, IL
Fighter of the Nightman
Illinivek23 said:
This is crazy stuff. 79 yrs? Thx for this.

Let's do it!
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Yeah, I had to double check a lot of stuff, haha. Obviously, some of that stuff has to do with how the schedule broke down (we beat three ranked teams in both 2002 and 2007, but not all three were on the road), and as we go back in time it looks like we played fewer OOC games. Also, it appears (on the surface) that Iowa and Illinois have rarely been good at the same time, which would water down the number of times an Illini team was capable of and given the opportunity to defeat a ranked Iowa team in Iowa City.

I agree it's time. :cool:
 
#78      

Deleted member 747867

D
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Deleted member 747867
RML said:
My son went to Iowa. (I know...) His take is that they rely on turnovers (primarily interceptions) to get field position to score points. They don't get any interceptions, they lose....
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Well that's helpful (and hopeful). Since Illinois isn't the best at passing, we can solve that equation right now -- no passing!
 
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#79      

Deleted member 747867

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TheDrinkinLincoln said:
One of the biggest things that I saw Rutgers doing and fully expect other teams to do in the future is to use an off-set tilted nose and then base their run fits off of the nos being in the backfield. Most of our running game is predicated on getting double team blocks off of zone looks and moving those double teams up to the second level where either the guard or center can peel off and pick up a LB creating lanes. The tilted nose in Rutgers defense basically blew up the C-G double team in the middle by attacking the center at an angle and pushing him into the backfield. So our Gs needed to either get up field to block a LB or try and get together with the C and dig the nose out of the backfield on mid and shallow zone runs (our bread and butter). There was a lot of hesitation and unevenness about what we did here which throws of the timing of the run game and let's MLBs and box plays to read the flow and attack especially in the mid and power zone run schemes which we love to run. So Rutgers shut down out shallow and mid zone running plays this way and really set our offense back. Thankfully their ends and contain players weren't doing much and we had some success on outside zone concept plays early because our Gs didn't need to worry as much about the Nose and because of the tilted position of the nose we had a better than 50% of knowing how to run away from that position. We were in the game but in the second half Rutgers sold out on the run and moved more people into the box and their secondary players actually did a great job of sealing and shutting down the outside zone play while still playing the tilted nose in the middle that ruined our mid and shallow zone plays. Ultimately they played on our side of the ball by breaking double teams and pushing our center in to the backfield.

Comparatively I saw Minnesota playing more of a two gap scheme with their DL. Basically having them play head up on Tackle - Center - Guard and then lock out and try and read the play for their fits instead of just picking a gap and penetrating. Their idea was a hat on a hat and let your LBs scrape and clean, but we were able to successfully execute our GC doubles and get up field to neutralize their LBs creating success in the run game. Basically not attacking our center and playing two gap allowed us to seal lanes and leverage our midline and shallow zone concepts way more successfully. Not saying Minny didn't try and shoot gaps or create pressure but they tried doing it with LBs and edges and not their nose/interior DL which helped us.

I'm sure their is more to what went on in success vs defeat on the line between both games but this is what jumped out at me while watching the Minny game.

Considering these things and truth to get back to the Iowa game. They traditionally play a 4 man line playing off the shoulder of the gap they are supposed to hold/defend. So we will likely see a little more penetration from Iowa, but their alignments should be more conducive for our double teams than Rutgers defensive alignment. I expect a lot of mid line zone runs between the guard and tackle where the running back reads the spill off the tackles butt. With guard center combo on playside DT to the guard peeling to the Mike and the OT taking play side DE whichever way he wants to go and the back has to read if the run the the B or C gap based off that. We probably won't break any big runs as Iowa is based off of prevent the big play and feed off mistakes when they make them type of defense but I expect a big game for McCray if I am right.
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Interesting assessment. Ferentz & Co will likely note the success Rutgers had, so it's reasonable to anticipate penetration at the LOS may be their focus.

Of the course, if Illinois had a more reliable passing game -- even if just within 15 yards of the LOS -- that would help tremendously to "loosen" defenses up that commit to stuffing the run at the LOS sideline-to-sideline. Just a few TE dump passes and crossing patterns, a WR slant or buttonhook, anything quick in the 6-12 yds range to keep the safeties and corners occupied and occasionally pull a LB out of the box would help. Otherwise, it will be tough slogging inside at Kinnick.
 
#80      

TheDrinkinLincoln

TheDrinkinLincoln
TheDrinkinLincoln
EasyR said:
Interesting assessment. Ferentz & Co will likely note the success Rutgers had, so it's reasonable to anticipate penetration at the LOS may be their focus.

Of the course, if Illinois had a more reliable passing game -- even if just within 15 yards of the LOS -- that would help tremendously to "loosen" defenses up that commit to stuffing the run at the LOS sideline-to-sideline. Just a few TE dump passes and crossing patterns, a WR slant or buttonhook, anything quick in the 6-12 yds range to keep the safeties and corners occupied and occasionally pull a LB out of the box would help. Otherwise, it will be tough slogging inside at Kinnick.
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I will say Iowa's defense has not changed much over the years. They basically play a 4-3 over shaded to the strong side of the defense and like for their DL to play on the shoulder of the OL for the single gap they defend in the run game and rely on the LBs to fill the gaps and not "scrape" and read. They will likely generate more penetration than Minny did, but their alignments are more conducive to our double teams than Rutgers DL alignment. Iowa's D is very assignment sure and don't think we will have success going outside or on reverses.

RML is right they sit in cover 3 Zone and hope that their DL creates enough havoc/pressure that their CBs and Ss can read the QBs eyes and make plays to create turnovers. They are of the Patriots dynasty mindset on defense in that pressure comes from their line, and they will sit in zone prevent big plays and wait for you to make a mistake or get to the RZ where the zones are so thight you have to be perfect to score a touchdown.

This game is winnable because we both play that tight margin don't lose style of football that will keep the game close. We need to play mistake free football and have our special teams help us flip field position. I think we can run on them and think McCray is going to have a big day just by being able to plow ahead for 2-3 years on a power/shallow zone concept that just keeps us ahead.
 
#82      

pruman91

pruman91
Paducah, Ky
pruman91
Dan said:
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1458184892601278465



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We are so lucky to have two eloquent speaking coaches in Brad Underwood and Bret Bielema.........Two coaches who seem like guys to have a beer with and just rap back and forth.....great sense's of humor and down to earth every day guys.......

Brad has ignited the BB side and brought us back to the top and I feel Bret will do the same on the FB side...it took Brad a couple of years to establish his vision and we are now seeing the great results.....I think Bret will also take some time to establish his vision and get there also....

Laying a solid foundation in both programs and finding the long sought out success is what I'm looking for as a diehard illini fanatic.......

Go Illini
 
#83      

Illinivek23

Illinivek23
Gurnee
Illinivek23
pruman91 said:
We are so lucky to have two eloquent speaking coaches in Brad Underwood and Bret Bielema.........Two coaches who seem like guys to have a beer with and just rap back and forth.....great sense's of humor and down to earth every day guys.......

Brad has ignited the BB side and brought us back to the top and I feel Bret will do the same on the FB side...it took Brad a couple of years to establish his vision and we are now seeing the great results.....I think Bret will also take some time to establish his vision and get there also....

Laying a solid foundation in both programs and finding the long sought out success is what I'm looking for as a diehard illini fanatic.......

Go Illini
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I was so spoiled by my yrs at UIUC from 79-83. We were cooking in both BB and FB and it was a blast.

Probably why I check this board way too much!

This absolutely feels like we are gonna create something special here this time - hope we can keep this staff together for a while.
 
#84      

N T A C F

N
N T A C F
Illinivek23 said:
I was so spoiled by my yrs at UIUC from 79-83. We were cooking in both BB and FB and it was a blast.

Probably why I check this board way too much!

This absolutely feels like we are gonna create something special here this time - hope we can keep this staff together for a while.
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I was there through 03, good times as well.
 
#85      

Retro62

Retro62
North Bethesda, Maryland
Retro62
Illinivek23 said:
I was so spoiled by my yrs at UIUC from 79-83. We were cooking in both BB and FB and it was a blast.

Probably why I check this board way too much!

This absolutely feels like we are gonna create something special here this time - hope we can keep this staff together for a while.
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1980 to 84. Great years...except for The Rose Bowl and the hose-job in Lexington. THAT BBall team could have challenged for the NC that year.

Sorry, getting off topic. I grew up in the QC's...so Iowa has always been the team, in any sport, that I want to win against the most.
 
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#86      

forbesfrosh

F
forbesfrosh
It has been a wild ride this season, losing winnable games against UTSA, Maryland and Purdue and winning games where few gave us a chance in Penn State and Minnesota. Great strides by the defense, despite losing possibly two best linebackers in Hansen and Hart. Secondary has made big improvement.
But major attention must be given to the offense next season. As has been cited often, there will be big holes to fill on the line, needed help at QB and the receiving corps requires major upgrade. Had hoped that Hightower and Armstrong would give offense a boost, but they've been MIA while two converted QBs having been our best wideouts except for Washington.
What happened with Hightower & Armstrong? Have they been hurt or were they simply overrated? When they transferred, the outlook seemed to be that they and RB Chase Hayden would play significant roles but all three appear to have been busts.
 
#87      

Frontierman

F
Frontierman
forbesfrosh said:
It has been a wild ride this season, losing winnable games against UTSA, Maryland and Purdue and winning games where few gave us a chance in Penn State and Minnesota. Great strides by the defense, despite losing possibly two best linebackers in Hansen and Hart. Secondary has made big improvement.
But major attention must be given to the offense next season. As has been cited often, there will be big holes to fill on the line, needed help at QB and the receiving corps requires major upgrade. Had hoped that Hightower and Armstrong would give offense a boost, but they've been MIA while two converted QBs having been our best wideouts except for Washington.
What happened with Hightower & Armstrong? Have they been hurt or were they simply overrated? When they transferred, the outlook seemed to be that they and RB Chase Hayden would play significant roles but all three appear to have been busts.
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I heard BB say in an interview that Hightower was at 4 games played and requested to be redshirted. Considering he hasn't done anything this season I'm not sure what he was doing in those 4 games. Luckily our top 2 recruits are receivers.
 
#91      

DeonThomas

DeonThomas
South Carolina
DeonThomas
ChiefGritty said:
Honestly the over/under for this game should be like 35.
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​

Scoring Defense - Conference Games Only

IndexTeamGTDFGXPT2XPDXPSAFPTSAVG/G
1Wisconsin710571008412.0
2Penn State712111030012117.3
3Illinois713111010012317.6
4Iowa713121100012517.9
5Michigan71561140012718.1
6Ohio State71851700014020.0
7Minnesota71971700015221.7
8Michigan State717151600016323.3
9Nebraska720111900217625.1
10Purdue721101910017725.3
11Rutgers72562500019327.6
12Northwestern73062900022732.4
13Indiana729112800123733.9
14Maryland735103210027439.1
 
#92      

CubsIlliniFan

C
CubsIlliniFan
I doubt Jerry Palm has us beating Iowa, but he has Illinois bowling in Detroit against Toledo in the Quick Lane Bowl. I guess our resume is strong enough after beating Minny and PSU
 
#93      

lstewart53x3

lstewart53x3
Scottsdale, Arizona
lstewart53x3
CubsIlliniFan said:
I doubt Jerry Palm has us beating Iowa, but he has Illinois bowling in Detroit against Toledo in the Quick Lane Bowl. I guess our resume is strong enough after beating Minny and PSU
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I believe there have been teams in the past to make a bowl game at 5-7, so if we just one of the next two (hoping to win both), there’s a chance we make a bowl.
 
#95      

BRucks

BRucks
BRucks
forbesfrosh said:
It has been a wild ride this season, losing winnable games against UTSA, Maryland and Purdue and winning games where few gave us a chance in Penn State and Minnesota. Great strides by the defense, despite losing possibly two best linebackers in Hansen and Hart. Secondary has made big improvement.
But major attention must be given to the offense next season. As has been cited often, there will be big holes to fill on the line, needed help at QB and the receiving corps requires major upgrade. Had hoped that Hightower and Armstrong would give offense a boost, but they've been MIA while two converted QBs having been our best wideouts except for Washington.
What happened with Hightower & Armstrong? Have they been hurt or were they simply overrated? When they transferred, the outlook seemed to be that they and RB Chase Hayden would play significant roles but all three appear to have been busts.
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Hightower is redshirting.
 
#96      

Ramrod2010

R
Ramrod2010
Dan said:
Iowa -12
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drdisrespect-twitch.gif
 
#97      

Illinir1

Illinir1
Camdenton, MO
Illinir1
I didn't watch the Minnesota vs. Iowa game, but looking at the box score it's a case of "how did Minnesota not win that game?".
>409 yds of offense for Minny vs. 277 yds for the Squawkeyes
>23 first downs Minny, 12 first downs Iowa
>88 offensive plays for Minny vs. 49 for Iowa
>Minny was +1 on turnovers
>Minny punted the ball 4 times vs. Iowa's 5 punts
>Time of possession Minny 40:19 to Iowa 19:41
No way Minnesota loses that game based on the stats. Lucky Iowa. Very beatable. Illini are going to get off the bus running and won't stop all game.

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#98      

RML

R
RML
Illinir1 said:
I didn't watch the Minnesota vs. Iowa game, but looking at the box score it's a case of "how did Minnesota not win that game?".
>409 yds of offense for Minny vs. 277 yds for the Squawkeyes
>23 first downs Minny, 12 first downs Iowa
>88 offensive plays for Minny vs. 49 for Iowa
>Minny was +1 on turnovers
>Minny punted the ball 4 times vs. Iowa's 5 punts
>Time of possession Minny 40:19 to Iowa 19:41
No way Minnesota loses that game based on the stats. Lucky Iowa. Very beatable. Illini are going to get off the bus running and won't stop all game.

View attachment 13028
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Untimely penalties.
Minny rb's had a field day on cutbacks and quick, wide pitches. Iowa's qb completed a couple bombs, but had several passes that coulda been picked, but weren't.
I think we match up well here; I like our chances. Gotta take care of the ball, and play up to our potential.
 
#99      

DeonThomas

DeonThomas
South Carolina
DeonThomas
Dan said:
Iowa -12
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So Vegas is essentially predicting 25-13 Hawkeyes. I was expecting a line of just +8.5, so I'll definitely take the 12 points this week. However, I simply cannot put my money on a 3rd straight road win/upset vs. a ranked opponent.

Iowa 20
Illini 10

We cover. (Overall record in predicting winners now stands at 7-3.)
 
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#100      

ILL_INI

ILL_INI
ILL_INI
RML said:
Untimely penalties.
Minny rb's had a field day on cutbacks and quick, wide pitches. Iowa's qb completed a couple bombs, but had several passes that coulda been picked, but weren't.
I think we match up well here; I like our chances. Gotta take care of the ball, and play up to our potential.
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Minnesota also had a 53 yard field goal attempt blocked late in the 3rd, which gave Iowa the ball at their own 42. Iowa scored a touchdown on that drive. Instead of Minnesota up 19-17, Iowa went up 24-16. That felt like the turning point to me.
 
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