Dan
Admin
LB Hardy Nickerson said team is going all orange jerseys on Saturday
https://twitter.com/JWernerScout/status/772865563483860992
https://twitter.com/JWernerScout/status/772865563483860992
Pregame: Illinois vs North Carolina, Saturday, September 10th, 6:30pm CT, BTN
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Dan
Admin
I think a big difference between this year and the past few years is that we won't lose games in the 1st or 2nd quarter. There were many games in the past where our defense was crippled because our fast-paced offense couldn't stay on the field. I don't think that will happen as much under Lovie. We all know UNC has more talent, but I think we have a coaching staff that can at least give our guys a chance. I don't expect a win, but I expect to be within reach in the 4th quarter.
Also, do we finally have a kicker? It's been a few years since we could say that, but that 48 yard field goal looked really nice against Murray St.
Also, do we finally have a kicker? It's been a few years since we could say that, but that 48 yard field goal looked really nice against Murray St.
The Galloping Ghost 77
- Wheaton, IL
I think we all need to put down the post-Murray State kool-aid for a second. Sure, there were TONS of strides taken this week with cohesiveness on the field, communication with the sidelines, etc, and sure we did put up some great numbers. BUT, our tackling (especially on the inside) was quite bad - something that will spell trouble against UNC's backfield. They've got more talent on the outside than our CBs can handle, both in the passing and blocking game, so expect us to get run over all day and then burnt on the outsides as we try to compensate. Those WRs held their own against SEC speed and strength, and we don't pose a comparable challenge.
Loved the week 1 showing, but we're not really going to be all too competitive in this one.
Loved the week 1 showing, but we're not really going to be all too competitive in this one.
That could be true, and you're right that all in all it wasn't exactly a sterling performance against Murray State despite the scoreline, but I don't think competitiveness is too much to hope for. In fact, I think that's exactly the target.
That may be true (and trust me, I'll be riding the Illinois moneyline) but the fact is that within Lovie's Tampa-2, Nickerson will have to serve the double duty of covering the run and picking up receivers down the seams. Love the kid, and he certainly has quite a bit of talent, but I doubt he can do both jobs sufficiently for 4 quarters (not to mention the huge dropoff that comes with giving him a rest and letting Svetina try and fill in)
We're not running Tampa 2. At least not primarily. Mostly man coverage underneath.
UNC's tempo and poor o-line play will be the factors that make the game head in a Beckman-y direction, if that's what happens.
My bad - should've prefaced that with the assumption that we'll lean more toward the Tampa given the mismatches that UNC presents speed-wise. But I agree, we need in the trenches first and foremost (a battle that I feel we lost last year by a large margin)
It did not look to me that we played down to the lesser competition last week. Don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet. We certainly had a bad habit of doing that in the past. And I'm talking about from play 1. It was very evident to me that the team went after it last week.
That being said, Hardy Jr. is sure a nice upgrade in speed at his position. Made a big difference. Hylton needs to do the saame thing this week as last. Barton needs to be solid back there.
I would like to think that we go into this game with a chip on our shoulder from last year and eliminate the mistakes that someone else reminded me of from that game.
This is the game I would like to see as a duplicate of the Cincy game of a few years back. That would be nice.
Or, we can come out and just kick 2016 football butt like it was nobody's business. That is wishing for the stars.
In Lovie we trust everybody!!!
That being said, Hardy Jr. is sure a nice upgrade in speed at his position. Made a big difference. Hylton needs to do the saame thing this week as last. Barton needs to be solid back there.
I would like to think that we go into this game with a chip on our shoulder from last year and eliminate the mistakes that someone else reminded me of from that game.
This is the game I would like to see as a duplicate of the Cincy game of a few years back. That would be nice.
Or, we can come out and just kick 2016 football butt like it was nobody's business. That is wishing for the stars.
In Lovie we trust everybody!!!
I have a strong desire to watch an Illini hype video for this game. Anybody out there with the skills to put one together? Just some music and highlights, no white fans rapping.(I'm looking at you Iowa and Indiana)
It is such a cliche but this game will truly be won in the trenches. UNC returns 4 starters on a Oline that was 3rd in the nation according to Football Outsiders.
Their D line was the exact opposite ranking 103 and was horrible against the run last year and had a rough start this year.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com
If we can move the ball on the ground and set up some play action it should be a good game. Particularly if we can keep our D fresh and their Offense off the field.
Their D line was the exact opposite ranking 103 and was horrible against the run last year and had a rough start this year.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com
If we can move the ball on the ground and set up some play action it should be a good game. Particularly if we can keep our D fresh and their Offense off the field.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I don't think the all orange looks very snazzy either, but I suppose I will give them a pass since this is the "Hail to the Orange" (read: wear orange) night or whatever! My dad and I SHARPLY disagree on this, but I'm a huge fan of our white (either helmets or pants).
ZeroDarkThirsty
Stay Thirsty My Friends
- United States
SalukiIllini
- Evansville, IN
Got my tickets last night on Stubhub. If you're looking for seats and not necessarily good ones, they have super cheap ones on there. Let's goooo
DrewD007
- Woodridge, IL
Idk what you paid, but hard to imagine a better deal than the 4 pack for $49 plus $20 concession voucher offered through the school.
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
Ew.
These are important things! Things that immediately put you behind the eight ball in any college game, regardless of competition. As a rule, we have been very bad at these things since, like the Ron Turner Era.
Biggest crowd in years, tons of recruits on campus, a chance to make an impression, etc.
I don't even need to tell you what the weather forecast is.
Illinois gonna Illinois.
I don't even need to tell you what the weather forecast is.
Illinois gonna Illinois.
I like the Denver Broncos look to the Illini, not so much of a fan of the all orange look. But if the players think it is special and pumps them up then I'm all for it.
This could mean so many different things, but I'm going to hope it's an optimistic outlook!
Deleted member 29907
D
Guest
Its always a relative grading based on who you played - but for those interested - a grading of their game against Georgia. Their O line did not fare so well...
http://www.tarheelblog.com/2016/9/4/12789180/unc-tar-heels-football-georgia-bulldogs-grades-result
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