Pregame: Illinois at Wisconsin, Friday, October 23rd, 7:00pm CT, BTN

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#76      
Is Wisconsin starting QB out for this game?
 
#79      
If we can get a little pressure on him, maybe with an early sack while we take advantage of their OL learning curve we might be able to rattle him.

Let’s hope we can get that pressure.
 
#80      
So our illini players are pretty used to playing in front of empty stands at home... do you think the lack of fans will make this feel more like a home game for our guys?
 
#83      
I don’t get the point spread. Wisconsin is a plodding down the field team with a rookie QB. I know we can put up 24-30 which means they have to put up 43-50. I don’t see what Vegas is looking at. We held them to 23 points last year with a D that is still trying to learn Lovie‘s D. With no fans cheering, it takes home field out of the equation. I think we are better and should win the game. This team is hungry. Our OL is one of the best in the conference and we have more weapons this year. I feel Smith can keep the Wisky D off balance. I hope that all the predictions on where we finish will upset this experienced team. I know I would be mad. Lets make these people eat crow.
 
#84      
I think this team will outperform expectations. We have experience players some now for four years that have been in Lovie's system. Some very good transfers now playing. I can't wait to see Beason suit up. We have a very good qb now a year into the system. I really believe the sports writers are underestimating us. This will be a very good year for Orange and Blue team. Go Illini! Before the game will you tube the Chief and the Three in One.
 
#85      
I don’t get the point spread. Wisconsin is a plodding down the field team with a rookie QB. I know we can put up 24-30 which means they have to put up 43-50. I don’t see what Vegas is looking at. We held them to 23 points last year with a D that is still trying to learn Lovie‘s D. With no fans cheering, it takes home field out of the equation. I think we are better and should win the game. This team is hungry. Our OL is one of the best in the conference and we have more weapons this year. I feel Smith can keep the Wisky D off balance. I hope that all the predictions on where we finish will upset this experienced team. I know I would be mad. Lets make these people eat crow.
I would agree, though I dont think I'd spot us less than 14ish to feel comfortable. First off, Wisconsin has proven they can win with mediocre/bad QB play. The rookie QB you speak of was the 3rd best pro style QB in his class, 65th overall. Rankings are not everything, but thats someone who clearly showed talent. There team will be good. They have more talent than us, full stop. Maybe experience and scheme fit plays into our hands, but I'm not betting on a win, but I do agree +23 is a ridiculous line.

I like to try and see what experts/those outside the program think. We can all show how much experience or returning starters or whatever we have and work ourselves into a 6-3 or better mind set, but every major publication has us at the bottom of our division. I'd like to think we are middle of the pack. The game line was obivously bad, its moved 4 pts down already. I don't think it's crazy to think a team that has been as bad as deserves the benefit of the doubt. We have to go out there and show we are capable of at least giving top 25 teams a consistent run for their money.

Last years team was close, lets hope this year we can solidify ourselves. TLDR, a team as historically bad as illinois needs to prove they deserve a better line than +19 against top 25 opponents before its given. Vegas makes a lot of money, I trust them more than most.
 
#87      
I would agree, though I dont think I'd spot us less than 14ish to feel comfortable. First off, Wisconsin has proven they can win with mediocre/bad QB play. The rookie QB you speak of was the 3rd best pro style QB in his class, 65th overall. Rankings are not everything, but thats someone who clearly showed talent. There team will be good. They have more talent than us, full stop. Maybe experience and scheme fit plays into our hands, but I'm not betting on a win, but I do agree +23 is a ridiculous line.

I like to try and see what experts/those outside the program think. We can all show how much experience or returning starters or whatever we have and work ourselves into a 6-3 or better mind set, but every major publication has us at the bottom of our division. I'd like to think we are middle of the pack. The game line was obivously bad, its moved 4 pts down already. I don't think it's crazy to think a team that has been as bad as deserves the benefit of the doubt. We have to go out there and show we are capable of at least giving top 25 teams a consistent run for their money.

Last years team was close, lets hope this year we can solidify ourselves. TLDR, a team as historically bad as illinois needs to prove they deserve a better line than +19 against top 25 opponents before its given. Vegas makes a lot of money, I trust them more than most.
A rookie QB and I believe 3 new starting O linemen. That spread seems way off.
 
#88      

altenberger22

South Carolina
Interesting, the line is still moving in our direction. Hoping everyone took the 24 points when it was offered. Big 10 odds below........

MICH @ MINN (+2)
ILL @ WISC (-18.5)
MD @ NW (-11)
NEB @ OSU (-26)
PSU @ IND (+6.5)
IOWA @ PUR (+4)
RUT @ MSU (-15.5)

SYR (Babers) @ Clemson (-45) - Bonus info
 
#89      

Illwinsagain

Cary, IL
Interesting, the line is still moving in our direction. Hoping everyone took the 24 points when it was offered. Big 10 odds below........

MICH @ MINN (+2)
ILL @ WISC (-18.5)
MD @ NW (-11)
NEB @ OSU (-26)
PSU @ IND (+6.5)
IOWA @ PUR (+4)
RUT @ MSU (-15.5)

SYR (Babers) @ Clemson (-45) - Bonus info
Interesting, I really haven't researched it, but does the Penn St line look right to folks smarter than I? I would think it would be more than a touchdown. Is that more of a comment on PSU not being themselves, or the resurgence of IU? Looking at it again, they are the biggest road favorite, so there is that.
 
#90      
Interesting, I really haven't researched it, but does the Penn St line look right to folks smarter than I? I would think it would be more than a touchdown. Is that more of a comment on PSU not being themselves, or the resurgence of IU? Looking at it again, they are the biggest road favorite, so there is that.

I look at this line and the lines from Iowa @ Purdue and Mich @ Minn and I scratch my head a little bit, but that's just my gut reaction.
 
#91      

altenberger22

South Carolina
Agree. Lots of former cellar dwellers getting much more respect than the Illini!
 
#92      

BillyBob1

Champaign
Interesting, the line is still moving in our direction. Hoping everyone took the 24 points when it was offered. Big 10 odds below........

MICH @ MINN (+2)
ILL @ WISC (-18.5)
MD @ NW (-11)
NEB @ OSU (-26)
PSU @ IND (+6.5)
IOWA @ PUR (+4)
RUT @ MSU (-15.5)

SYR (Babers) @ Clemson (-45) - Bonus info

Is Babers still the coach in waiting for U of I? His star level has really fallen.
 
#93      
I would agree, though I dont think I'd spot us less than 14ish to feel comfortable. First off, Wisconsin has proven they can win with mediocre/bad QB play. The rookie QB you speak of was the 3rd best pro style QB in his class, 65th overall. Rankings are not everything, but thats someone who clearly showed talent. There team will be good. They have more talent than us, full stop. Maybe experience and scheme fit plays into our hands, but I'm not betting on a win, but I do agree +23 is a ridiculous line.

I like to try and see what experts/those outside the program think. We can all show how much experience or returning starters or whatever we have and work ourselves into a 6-3 or better mind set, but every major publication has us at the bottom of our division. I'd like to think we are middle of the pack. The game line was obivously bad, its moved 4 pts down already. I don't think it's crazy to think a team that has been as bad as deserves the benefit of the doubt. We have to go out there and show we are capable of at least giving top 25 teams a consistent run for their money.

Last years team was close, lets hope this year we can solidify ourselves. TLDR, a team as historically bad as illinois needs to prove they deserve a better line than +19 against top 25 opponents before its given. Vegas makes a lot of money, I trust them more than most.
The kid they have is more of a Russell Wilson type who could make things rough for us but their OL is very inexperienced. If we can get any pressure on the kid, we can make things difficult but that the 64K question. Can we push their line around and make their QB rush his throws. It will be an entertaining game and one we can win.
 
#94      
Is Babers still the coach in waiting for U of I? His star level has really fallen.
He is having a tough time at Cuse. The question is, how much longer will Lovie coach? There are solid FBS assistants out there that could be available but would they want to be the HC at Illinois. I will throw one name out there if he stays at his current position for another year or two, which would be Jim Leonhard DC at Wisky. We know that Alvarez does not pay assistants well. Would he want to jump ship for a HC job and more money. Leonhard is a top level coach. Just a thought
 
#95      
He is having a tough time at Cuse. The question is, how much longer will Lovie coach? There are solid FBS assistants out there that could be available but would they want to be the HC at Illinois. I will throw one name out there if he stays at his current position for another year or two, which would be Jim Leonhard DC at Wisky. We know that Alvarez does not pay assistants well. Would he want to jump ship for a HC job and more money. Leonhard is a top level coach. Just a thought
Lovie knows this is his last job....he won't leave until he is forced to.
 
#96      
I still think that Lovie will throw at the new qb for Wisky some gadget defenses. He will want to get him off his timing. Do we blitz him early and make him throw quick? There is no doubt that he can pass the ball. I remember watching him in the All American game his senior year. He can throw the ball. But now he is on a different level. We have a lot of experience on def especially the back 7. The first game and I think on passing downs you blitz him unmercifully. Go Illini. He is no Trevor Lawrence. I hope Lovie wil throw some exotic defensive schemes. Go Illini!
 
#97      
I'd love to see Isaiah Williams get some snaps in against Wisconsin. I've been looking forward to seeing that 2019 class (Williams, Beason, Cooper) make a difference on the field. I think we have a chance at getting a W on Friday and it would be awesome for that to set the tone for the rest of the season.
 
#98      
I still think that Lovie will throw at the new qb for Wisky some gadget defenses. He will want to get him off his timing. Do we blitz him early and make him throw quick? There is no doubt that he can pass the ball. I remember watching him in the All American game his senior year. He can throw the ball. But now he is on a different level. We have a lot of experience on def especially the back 7. The first game and I think on passing downs you blitz him unmercifully. Go Illini. He is no Trevor Lawrence. I hope Lovie wil throw some exotic defensive schemes. Go Illini!
I'd love Lovie to spice up the defense, but he's clearly content with the bend dont break style he's coached basically his entire career. I could be wrong, but I expect some bland defensive playcalling.
 
#99      
Lovie knows this is his last job....he won't leave until he is forced to.
He isn't going to be forced to---at least not while Whitman is at the helm. He'll retire from Illinois.
 
#100      

Deleted member 654622

D
Guest
Outsider perspective is we have been dog sheet terrible for a long time. Our offense, (even though we feel confident in) was one of the worst in college football last year. Now they get to open the season vs Wisconsin's D, who basically dominated a lot of their opponents and are returning the majority of the starters. No one outside ILL is going to see us winning that matchup.
Then you have our defense.....takeaways are great, but if the other team is still putting up 35+ then it doesn't matter if you took the ball away a few times. Everyone is going to see that Northwestern ran the ball down our face at home. Why should Wisconsin not be able to do a lot better.
Until we can prove to be a solid B1G team, you get no respect. That is the way it should be.

Now I am looking forward to watching the beloved go out and earn some freeking respect
 
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