I would bet against that. #famouslastwords
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Pregame: Illinois vs Minnesota, Saturday, October 15th, 11:00am CT, BTN
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I'm not sure who the backup is? I've been worried about IW back there all year. He had a few good returns early but in the last few games it's been shaky.
I would agree with that very much. I am a perfect example. Born in Urbana grew up in Champaign and went to Central, but at 61 I loved the Illini since I was very young. I don’t think today’s 20 - 40 year old fan in Illinois give as much weight to the athletics that we did in the 70’s and 80’s?
Illinois did used to draw over 75k when they were good because it was “the in” thing to do. Not so much any more. During the Groce years we even had trouble filling Assembly Hall. That never happened since Lou got here.
Things have changed
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I am not necessarily speaking to the pricing aspect of this, but I am all for it as far as spreading out the seats! For context, this was our game against OSU in 2011 that had an announced crowd of 55,229 - and likely/obviously fewer actual people in attendance:
It's quite clear that the seats underneath the east balcony are pretty sparsely populated, and that's how it should be ... none of those should sell before the visible lower bowl is full and then a good chunk of the upper deck. Heck, for most of our sparsely attended games - including last week vs. Iowa - the stadium looks packed for 90% of the duration of the TV broadcast.
EDIT: Sorry, last comment about the "attendance complaint" subject.
Regarding the actual game, I really can't make up my mind ... I'm sure the truth is in the middle and it will simply be a battle, but I have two very conflicting opinions:
Pessimistic: Minnesota is a similar team to us but slightly better statistically ... with Art, a defense slugfest will slowly turn into an easy Minnesota win - death by a thousand cuts.
Optimistic: Dissecting Minnesota's schedule and who they have played gives me hope that we are actually more battle tested, and we will come out and punch them in the mouth. Even this year, I think a dominating win in Madison is more impressive than a close win at Maryland, and Iowa/Purdue just are not comparable ... totally opposite teams. With that said, we were hammered by injuries and did what we needed to do to get a victory over Iowa anyway. Because of our defense.
I won't even try to guess a score (especially with Tommy's status unknown), but I have come around to being optimistic that this defense - THE FIRE DEPARTMENT - scraps and claws and finds a way for us to win.
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DeonThomas
- South Carolina
UPDATE/REVISION:
Too many guys returning for us. Looks like the defense will now be fully intact. I also expect Art to start at QB, but Josh to return as RB2. I, therefore, reserve the right to fix my original pick (we gain 7 pts):
24 ILL
23 MIN
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
I think we take a good old fashioned whoopin' tomorrow. And then we can regroup, forget about Heisman campaigns and nation-topping defensive statistics for a bit, and attack the bye week with a chance to get healthy and keep progressing toward our real goals of bowl eligibility and B1G West contention.
The part of me that hates being disappointed agrees with you.
But I’m trying to be a more positive person, and my gut is telling me 16-14 good guys, assuming Art is at the helm. If DeVito starts and isn’t hobbled, 24-17 Illini.
Parking
gecIllini
- Colorado
You seem to be a little light on the orange Kool-Aid in your punch bowl
I'm sure I'll be eating these words tomorrow afternoon, but how has the under not been pummeled to the lower 30s yet?
I would hammer it now. Make that $$$$$. With our Defense I don't see us losing by more than 3 or 4. In fact the closer we get to the game, the more confident I am that we win. Somewhere in the neighborhood of Illini 17- Goofies 10.
On a side note, I would be surprised if there aren't some new faces in the ticket sales/ marketing department asap. Whitman knows we need to hammer season ticket sales to get them up to the 30k- 40k range by next season. That way selling single games out becomes more of a possibility.
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I hate to say it, but Art is easily worth a two TD swing in the game. Against a good defense over a full game, the O/U on his TO's is probably 3 or so. It is really difficult to overcome that. If Lunney's game plan can keep him to one or no TO's we have a shot to win.
I was at the volleyball game on Weds. night. They made a number of announcements that students could pick up free football tickets at the student entrance to Huff after the match.
I think it's Miles Scott. He got some action last week and actually looked more confident catching the punts (in my opinion). Obviously less of a threat to break one, but a guy that can hang on to the ball.
I certainly do not feel as though we are as good a team with Art as we are with Tommy but I think a lot of folks are underestimating Art's ability. He came into last week's game having had no time in practice as the main guy taking the majority of snaps. He played pretty well at times last year and I believe that if he is the starter tomorrow and plays the majority of the game he will play pretty well. Tommy is a very good quarterback and will be missed if he doesn't play but Art is better than many are giving credit for. He has started for two different Big Ten teams during his career.
This is my hopeful prediction. The very first play is a halfback option that throws a 15-foot wrench into Minnys defensive plans and quickly has them second guessing what we have up our sleeves! They are going to be defending the run to make us pass more. Let Chase and IW fling a few in low-risk areas to neutralize the linebackers and the blitzing DB's. If our staff is reading this content, I hope you try it then you can thank me later by sending me a nice Christmas present!!!
That formula worked last year: https://fightingillini.com/sports/football/stats/2021/minnesota/boxscore/22921
blackdog
- Champaign
They also put Hank Beatty out there towards the end of the game so I would assume he gets some action as a returner too.
I think this will be Beatty’s breakout game.
Beatty seems to have some of the best hands on the team, as well as incredible speed.
Illinivek23
- Gurnee
And premed, I think!
Really?? That's awesome!!
He sure is!
Jeff Allen to Serve as Honorary Captain - University of Illinois Athletics
Former Illini offensive lineman Jeff Allen will serve as the honorary captain when Illinois hosts Minnesota on Saturday.
fightingillini.com
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