I like Maize if your into authentic Mexican food, Black Dog for BBQ, Papa Del’s but get there early as it takes a while for the pizza. Aspen Tap House isn’t too bad and it’s not far from the stadium.
Pregame: Illinois vs Texas Tech, Tuesday, November 11th, 7:30pm CT, FS1
- Status
Papa Del's Pizza is what I go for every time I'm back in town. Takes an hour to make the pizza, but it's sooooo worth it.
Slow day at the home office so I did the math. Illinois is within one standard deviation of Duke. Illinois is as close to Duke as they are the 32nd most talented team, Villanova.
Anyway, I don't especially care. My original reason for posting was to point out that the original poster who said that if things break our way we could be the most talented team in the country, was not being altogether unrealistic. We're already close to the top statistically. And if it turns out that our talent was undervalued (Mirk, Wagler, Petrovic?) and Duke had some guys who were overvalued, the talent gap would shrink further. They shouldn't have been dismissed so abruptly is all.
To bring it back to this game, Torvik has TTU's talent rated 45.4 - decently below average and over 1.5 standard deviations worse than Illinois.
hooraybeer
- Peoria, IL
if you’re going, get the deep dish
The last non-conference matchup between two top 15 teams at State Farm Assembly Hall?
Wake Forest.
Man, I hope we can get SFC rockin like it was that night. I'll be there doing my part.
Wake Forest.
Man, I hope we can get SFC rockin like it was that night. I'll be there doing my part.
With sausage
That reminds me of Giordano’s Pizza. Yum yum.
Homecoming 2019
- Chicago
Guessing their game plan will be the same at Mirk and Z. Guessing foul trouble will play a big part in this one for either side.
Better
Personally, I have no expectations as to how the Illini will circle the wagons and find the chemistry to continue their level of play to garner a 10 pt.+ victory at home.
What I look at on both ends of the curve are two things we all recognize could dominate their chances to win or lose.
1. Experience - both in playing together, which we have seen in spades for 3 televised games, and in performance. But when things get tough and shots are not falling, how will they respond? No one has any idea and we are all waiting for the proof.
2. Defense - does this team have the will and knowledge to defend quicker teams that can shoot? We have no idea yet, but it will be paramount to a win.
Lots of unknowns and lessons to be learned. Let's hope they are answered in an Illini victory.
What I look at on both ends of the curve are two things we all recognize could dominate their chances to win or lose.
1. Experience - both in playing together, which we have seen in spades for 3 televised games, and in performance. But when things get tough and shots are not falling, how will they respond? No one has any idea and we are all waiting for the proof.
2. Defense - does this team have the will and knowledge to defend quicker teams that can shoot? We have no idea yet, but it will be paramount to a win.
Lots of unknowns and lessons to be learned. Let's hope they are answered in an Illini victory.
Normally get tickets for free from family that have season tickets- they are using their tickets tonight. Was bummed to miss this one... decided what the heck, lets just see how much tickets are...
$37 later for 2 tickets in great seats! How on earth am I able to get tickets that cheap, for good seats, against a top 10 opponent? Regardless, I'm excited to be there tonight. ILL
$37 later for 2 tickets in great seats! How on earth am I able to get tickets that cheap, for good seats, against a top 10 opponent? Regardless, I'm excited to be there tonight. ILL
100%. Toppin has 16 FTA per game so far this season --granted that's not against good teams, but he's extremely active and good at drawing fouls. Tomi out is very likely a bigger problem than against most teams. Will be interesting to see how they try and limit him.
Giordano’s is MAYBE in the top 10 deep dish pizzas in Chicago. Tavern style is better anyways…. But I digress.
I’m excited to see Petrovic even if it’s extremely limited. Same goes for Mirk and Wagler against a HM opponent. Trying to not have too much vested interest this game but a W against TT is going to be one they put up next to your name on Selection Sunday.
Black Dog, Maize, Farren’s, The Space, Smithburger, Watson’s, Seven Saints — all good spots and all local.
Tacomallini
- Washington State
RIP owner Bob “Pops” Monti
Tacomallini
- Washington State
Yes, but their thin crust is darn tasty too. I’d order both and ask them to make and bring the thin crust asap as an appetizer
We had two pro level players last year but still managed to lose a few. Let's play it out.
Only other suggestions that haven't already been mentioned.
Monicals pizza - Regional chain but my favorite pizza around. Portnoy recently visited and gave it a 7.4.
Legends - If you really want to go deep into the heart of enemy territory and experience a little bit of campus, this is an Illini themed sports bar with decent bar food. Parking can be a problem though.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Seriously, though, win or lose ... my enthusiasm for the season (at least so far) will be greatly affected by our energy out of the gate. Last year's team wasn't a Second Round exit and mid-tier Big Ten team because of a lack of talent. If we want to achieve our goals this year, we will need to have greatly improved focus and toughness compared to last year - we need to be a team that wills ourselves to some victories when it's an off night. And these guys should be absolutely chomping at the bit to punch Texas Tech in the mouth on our home floor, so a slow start will dampen my optimism a bit.
I think Tomi is worth a swing of about +/- 8 points, so I'm concerned but hopeful.
It might come down to their alphas vs ours down the stretch. Will a late game clutch guy (Ayo!) be born?
Plan is to have the Illinois shirt, pants, on socks on, and other various superstitions and Illini paraphernalia at play in key moments.
It might come down to their alphas vs ours down the stretch. Will a late game clutch guy (Ayo!) be born?
Plan is to have the Illinois shirt, pants, on socks on, and other various superstitions and Illini paraphernalia at play in key moments.
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