We're only a 7 point favorite. WIU is good but that seems like an overreaction.
We'll see what happens, but if all of those guys are back for USF, allowing us two games to tinker with our true freshman and still redshirt them, that's actually about as cynical as it gets. And we're not too many losses away from the point where player behavior becomes Lovie's fault in the collective fan mind.
College sports is a gross business. You either win gross or lose gross.
Agreed, however there comes a point where it may increase the likelihood of injury. for example having a def lineman play the whole game hurts the player on the field more than suspended player. As long as a normal rotation can be done, discipline as needed.While I agree that the missing players will be a big help, I am 100% going to support Lovie in whatever he feels is appropriate discipline for the players. You may lose games, but you can never go wrong with integrity.
I'd be surprised if WIU keeps it within 30. They just lost to a FCS team that isn't even ranked. Illinois St might be somewhat competitive, but Western isn't at that level.
I think we'll win 45-14
I'll settle for a better offensive game plan from the start, a defense that is ready to play, and no stupid special teams plays.
You're comparing NFL to college, however, where there is a lot more parity between teams overall. Not the case in college football, where there can be a lot of disparity in talent level and experience between teams, especially when a P5 team plays a non-P5 team. This rightfully should be a blowout but I'm not expecting it. I still think we win by more than last game. I'll predict:The one thing about Lovie teams in the past, every game seems to be close. I’m not saying this one will be, but I expect close games so I can be excited about blowouts
Are you from the future?Trying to get re-engaged after nearly an 8-month hiatus (due to the disastrous 2018-19 sports season)......it's time to turn bullish once again.
I'd be highly surprised if anyone gets action at -7. My guess is -24 or so.
The line is open right now on 5dimes at -7. That seems SO appealing but the reality is -16 against Kent State looked like a lock to....
Can you actually get action at -7?
I'll settle for a better offensive game plan from the start
Ok I'll bite on that last part. I agree if a player breaks team rules, it doesn't need to be broadcast to everyone what they did. But the Bobby Bowden stuff. No thanks.All you have to do is listen to Rod Smith's latest interview to know it had nothing to do with the game plan. It had everything to do with only 10 players executing the game plan on any given play. As for not commenting on suspensions or definitions of team rules, this happens every season on every team. There isn't a single coach in this nation that comments on suspensions or team rule violations. None of them. Ever.
I saw an interesting clip on Bobby Bowden some time back. In that earlier era, there was no immediacy in finding stuff out that players did. If the police caught a player doing something he shouldn't have at 2am, their first call was straight to Coach Bowden. Before you knew it, those players were running stadium steps at 6 am. In today's environment, I find that refreshing.
Thank you. Of course he wants to run the perfect version of his offense. Of course he wants all 11 guys to do their jobs and do them well on every play. I try not (and fail, mostly) to get caught up in coach-speak, a lot on this board have the same issue (as do all fans). Of course, some guys get it to go further than others. Beckman is your shining turd example of how not to.What else would Rod Smith say?
Big 10 Sagarin Ratings after Week 1
2. Ohio State
6. Wisconsin
9. Iowa
16. Penn State
17. Michigan State
18. Michigan
34. Northwestern
46. Nebraska
47. Maryland
50. Minnesota
61. Purdue
68. Indiana
94. Rutgers
105. Illinois
Kent State #152.Western Illinois #131 and South Florida #60.
Appalachian State must be 19.Big 10 Sagarin Ratings after Week 1
2. Ohio State
6. Wisconsin
9. Iowa
16. Penn State
17. Michigan State
18. Michigan
34. Northwestern
46. Nebraska
47. Maryland
50. Minnesota
61. Purdue
68. Indiana
94. Rutgers
105. Illinois