Pregame: Illinois vs Maryland, Thursday, January 6th, 6:00pm CT, ESPN2

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#27      

sacraig

The desert
Agree completely, I'm much more afraid of bad losses than hard games. Maybe getting more shots at the lower tier big ten teams in a year where we're on the bubble is a positive, but a freak loss to a sub 100 team is going to do more damage to a resume than a couple losses to top 25 teams. Give me pu, wisc, msu, whoever is a top flight team twice a year. Q1 losses are borderline meaningless on selection Sunday, assuming you've got a good collection of wins.

Games against MD scare me more than PU this year.
I think a lot of us are trapped in a line of thinking created by the Groce years where we need to get as many wins as possible against the smoothest path through the B1G to even have a shot at the dance. We are different team now. We are back where we should be, and I want the toughest path through the B1G and more marquee nonconference opponents that get shown on CBS and ESPN instead of all these creampuff BTN+ games, even if it means an extra Q1 loss or two.
 
#28      

sacraig

The desert
Let me know when Michigan turns in last year's banner.

I'm not going to apologize when the schedule gods favor us
I don't know what this comment has to do with anything I said. We shouldn't be afraid of playing anyone. If we really do expect that our team is Final Four caliber, then a tough schedule should be expected, not feared. I don't care what schedule Michigan plays as long as it's not one that games the system again.
 
#29      
This team can hang with anyone, and beat down most. (Even without AC) Maryland is firmly in the beat down category. When Kofi is in the game, we consistently get good looks on offense. Our only defensive shortcomings are due to effort, occasionally. (Which is typically followed by a red faced BU TO, and subsequent rededication to tenacity.) The (Hopeful) return of AC will help remedy the stagnation that sometimes occurs on offense when Kofi sits. Having a dynamic playmaker force the defense to make quick decisions to defend penetration will create similar offensive opportunities that the big man creates by simply existing.

I am anxious to see this team get tested again. They are ready.
 
#30      

GallopingGhost

Denver, CO
You think we are losing on Ayo night??
No Way Commando GIF by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
 
#31      

JFGsCoffeeMug

BU:1 Trash cans:0
Chicago
Any recruits going to be at the game? Would love for them to see Ayo get honored. And hopefully they witness a beatdown of Maryland as well.
 
#34      

redwingillini11

White and Sixth
North Aurora
Maryland has owned us recently and I believe has beaten us 7 out of the last 8 games, including a couple heartbreakers.. Granted they don’t have Trimble, Cowan, or Smith anymore but they can still be dangerous. We need to be careful here and make sure we get it to Kofi as they really can’t match up with him. Playing Maryland always reminds me of the 2000 Maui game we had with them when we were both ranked in the top 10 and we beat them. That was some high level basketball.
I anticipate a Miznoz game-style revenge beatdown!
 
#35      
We have had double digit leads in every game we’ve lost this year. They can play with anyone. The advanced analytics indicate this is an exceptional offensive team and a good defensive team. This is all essentially without our starting PG—a preseason first team All B10 selection. Let’s rock.
The only game that we haven't had a double digit lead is *checks notes*... UT-RGV?!?!?!?
 
#37      
Maryland has owned us recently and I believe has beaten us 7 out of the last 8 games, including a couple heartbreakers.. Granted they don’t have Trimble, Cowan, or Smith anymore but they can still be dangerous. We need to be careful here and make sure we get it to Kofi as they really can’t match up with him. Playing Maryland always reminds me of the 2000 Maui game we had with them when we were both ranked in the top 10 and we beat them. That was some high level basketball.
The main reason is they had length that we did not have. They shut down our passing lanes and made us shoot from outside which last year was not as strong as it is this year. I believe we are going to be more athletic and longer to compete against them.
 
#38      
Keep this train rolling!

There is pretty good chance Michigan will come into town in 9 days and be 1-4 while we are 5-0.

I know nobody should be overlook anyone. But Maryland just doesn't have anyone that scares you. Donta Scott was supposed to build off a good season last year and be the leader, but he has regressed by a good amount. I can't see how we don't win this by 20+ again.
 
#39      
Keep this train rolling!

There is pretty good chance Michigan will come into town in 9 days and be 1-4 while we are 5-0.

I know nobody should be overlook anyone. But Maryland just doesn't have anyone that scares you. Donta Scott was supposed to build off a good season last year and be the leader, but he has regressed by a good amount. I can't see how we don't win this by 20+ again.
Just WIN, baby!
 
#40      
Keep this train rolling!

There is pretty good chance Michigan will come into town in 9 days and be 1-4 while we are 5-0.

I know nobody should be overlook anyone. But Maryland just doesn't have anyone that scares you. Donta Scott was supposed to build off a good season last year and be the leader, but he has regressed by a good amount. I can't see how we don't win this by 20+ again.

As bad as I want Michigan to be, I’d rather they take down Michigan St. and Purdue before we play them, as I think either of those teams serve a much greater threat to a B1G regular season title than Michigan does, even with the Boilermakers currently 1-2 in conference.

Then again, playing a top 10 Boilers team at home would be a lot of fun. Either way, only focus in the next one: Beat Maryland!
 
#44      
We certainly have an advantage in that we don't have to play AT Wisconsin, tOSU and PSU, plus we end up the season (if it is a full schedule) with 2 home games.
Yes, that's true. But there are so many outstanding teams in the league all you can say is that some schedules are tougher than others. Nobody's going to get any breathers.
 
#47      
Agree completely, I'm much more afraid of bad losses than hard games. Maybe getting more shots at the lower tier big ten teams in a year where we're on the bubble is a positive, but a freak loss to a sub 100 team is going to do more damage to a resume than a couple losses to top 25 teams. Give me pu, wisc, msu, whoever is a top flight team twice a year. Q1 losses are borderline meaningless on selection Sunday, assuming you've got a good collection of wins.

Games against MD scare me more than PU this year.
Plus, more opportunities to hang losses on the real competition.
 
#48      

Big Jack

Decatur
Hopefully most fans will have run the gauntlet of security and covid tests by then and made it to their seats.
I will be in mine... Maybe just get there around 4 hope I don't set off security and forget my phone!😂😂😂
 
#50      

Illwinsagain

Cary, IL
For those in the know.... Parking at SFC, is it parking pass or pay cash? Should we just take the bus? My daughter thinks we could park at her work, about 15 minutes away, but it will be awfully chilly. Obi Wan, I need your help!

edit: This internet thing is AMAZING (Sorry Giorgi), $15 cash. Shorter walk should be worth it.
 
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