I doubt that's possible at this point. But 51,515 is the biggest crowd post-Zook era and 52,217 is the biggest crowd for a non-conference game since the Zook era credibility collapsed in 2009.
Those numbers seem beatable.
Pregame: Illinois vs North Carolina, Saturday, September 10th, 6:30pm CT, BTN
- Status
I doubt that's possible at this point. But 51,515 is the biggest crowd post-Zook era and 52,217 is the biggest crowd for a non-conference game since the Zook era credibility collapsed in 2009.
Those numbers seem beatable.
EfremWinters84
- S. Carolina
To clarify --- I think Lovie and the Illini can beat this year's consensus expectations (of finishing somewhere between 4-8 and 5-7), the way that both Meyer and Harbaugh did in their respective first years. No -- I'm not expecting 12-0.
I believe there's enough talent that, with a superior coaching staff, we should be able to play competitively and surprise at least one or two opponents this year. And I also expect to be net POSITIVE on turnovers this year, which may be the difference maker in a couple of games.
I believe there's enough talent that, with a superior coaching staff, we should be able to play competitively and surprise at least one or two opponents this year. And I also expect to be net POSITIVE on turnovers this year, which may be the difference maker in a couple of games.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
On paper, they win. Need to have some takeaways and really protect the ball to win this game. +2 or +3 on takeaways and we have a good chance. Balanced O will cause them problems. Gotta slow down their battering ram. Can we do it?
As others have pointed out, Western Michigan is the bigger game, in some regards.
As others have pointed out, Western Michigan is the bigger game, in some regards.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
It always looks very packed, doesn't it still hold 60,670?! LOL
DaChief4ever
- Urbana
We've got something this year we did not have last year....A CHANCE. This team seems so much better prepared than last year's teams. They come ready to play, and love the aggressive nature/culture. Didn't like Smoo's penalties...but at the very least he was hungry.
Last year's score against the tobacco smokers did not reflect how the game was played until late when we finally kinda gave up because before that we drove up and down the field on those snuff chewers but always made a boo boo at the end like screwing up 4th and goal and plus it was hotter and muggier than a mouthful of warm tobacco spit and good folks from Illinois shouldn't have to playin those cruel and unusual circumstances.
This is an old high school football saying, but it applies here. Play with pride and passion and alot of things can happen.
Deleted member 29907
D
Guest
You talking about UNC or Beckman?
Illinisteve25
- Champaign
Grange Grove will be packed! Should have a very rowdy crowd heading into the game after the concert. Players should get plenty of boost from the fans. Hoping for a good game and I wouldn't mind losing my voice! Will wait till later in the week to make my prediction.
UNC -10
What do you guys think of that?
With nice weather and a 6:30 kick off I think they can draw over 50,000 for the game
What do you guys think of that?
With nice weather and a 6:30 kick off I think they can draw over 50,000 for the game
They drew 48k + for Murray State. I'll go with the over on 54,999.
48 k included quite a few free student tickets, right?
If so, 50k for UNC would be great. If not, I agree with you.
Yes, but is the student section going to be tough to fill for a 6:30p game on a non-holiday weekend?
I will be rooting for my alma mater and don't want to bet against Lovie. I think the home field advantage, plus player improvement, and Lovie will make the game competitive. I just not sure we can overcome 3-4 years of Beckman with 6 months of Lovie.
Midway through the 4th quarter, the Fighting Lovies and North Carolina are within a touchdown. Either team is leading. Either team could win. I'm going with the Illini D giving us a chance to win the game. Either they preserve a lead or they give Lunt and the O the ball with a chance to drive down the field, score, and win. 
Yes, I remember last year & I HOPE we can give them a game this time. Last year the speed of NC was just so much better than ours. It was no contest.
I think we will give them a games at least early on with the home crowd and adrenaline flowing. They have so much speed, brushing backs and an experienced O-line. It would be nice for our offense keep their O off the field with long sustained drives.
One thing in our favor is the depth along our D-Line. We should be strong in the 4th quarter with 8 guys rotating in and out
Dan
Admin
#illini encouraging all fans to wear orange for Saturday's game, which they're dubbing "Hail to the Orange Night."
https://twitter.com/JWernerScout/status/772852535564595200
https://twitter.com/JWernerScout/status/772852535564595200
Last edited:
- Status