Dan
Pregame: Illinois vs Wisconsin, Saturday, October 28th, 11:00am CT, ESPN
- Status
Atleast we’re going to look good while we’re getting slaughtered.
As is tradition
Yep.
I've never been in quite the underdog position that I knew going out that the odds were stacked so highly against me, and that I was going to have to play in front of a small group of people who in their heart of hearts know that this year is largely toast, and that my function is mostly a placeholder as the next generation of players develop, and to suit up and go out and play hard anyway.
And know that no matter how hard you've worked and how hard you try, there will be those who ridicule you and dismiss you...
And know that no matter how hard you've worked and how hard you try, there will be those who ridicule you and dismiss you...
Dren1
- Glenview, IL
I agree with most of your post, but not necessarily the bolded portion. I think that most of these players are the next generation, they just need playing reps and lots of time in the strength and conditioning program. It seems like we have some pretty talented young players, they just need to get bigger, stronger, and more experienced.
Future Walk-On
- Peoria, IL
If only we were as good as our jerseys...those are so sweet.
Good perspective... I think many fans would do well to consider such things and show those players the kind of respect they truly deserve.
Neidermeyer
- Faber College
Hail to the Blue!
EfremWinters84
- S. Carolina
Wisc 63
ILL 7
We score a touchdown late against their 3rd string. (1970's reincarnation anybody? Yet, I do remember 14 cent beers one of those years, for being ranked #14 in the AP poll.....Kurt Steger, Mike McCray, Chubby Phillips)
ILL 7
We score a touchdown late against their 3rd string. (1970's reincarnation anybody? Yet, I do remember 14 cent beers one of those years, for being ranked #14 in the AP poll.....Kurt Steger, Mike McCray, Chubby Phillips)
Except that true freshman who just got here a few months ago are significantly better than physically developed upperclassman?
BananaShampoo
Captain 'Paign
- Phoenix, AZ
Yep. Look at who's starting and who the best players on the team are. The results speak for themselves. We'll see who's right two years from now.
I was thinking more of the admittedly few upperclassmen who are taking a psychological beating not only from not being part of the future successful (or at least everyone wants to think) team but also not playing on this one, being passed over in favor of kids right out of high school with no experience. How the heck must that make you feel?
Dren1
- Glenview, IL
Okay, I've got you now. I wouldn't be surprised if any of the upperclassmen with remaining eligibility who aren't seeing much playing time looked for a better situation next year, I am just not sure if they will find it. To your broader point, I think everyone should support these players as much as they can, given that the kids chose to suit up for the orange and blue.
Wednesday of Homecoming week, #5 Wisconsin coming to town... and 25 hours between posts in the pregame thread. Maybe everyone is over in the basketball recruiting thread, but still... oof.
I've heard that there's going to be "something really special" in Grange Grove before the game. Not sure exactly what, but if you can be there, I'm told, you should. And it--whatever it is--might be live streamed.
But yes, so sad there's so little excitement. I love the attitudes of Allegretti and Green, but I don't think there's really much of a chance. But of course, Syracuse is orange, aren't they? So you never know. I'll be watching, either way. At least with expectations so low, anything positive-ish will be enjoyable.
dgcrow
- Kelso, WA
Wouldn't surprise me if there are almost as many Badger fans at the game as those pulling for the Illini.
Doesn't mean they're any better than everybody else's freshmen who are redshirting. I also think they've played some of the freshmen ahead of players who are actually better either to get them to develop faster or to send a message to recruits/players that aren't part of the future.
I do think recruiting is a lot better than the Beckman/Cubit days, though. The line recruits have been especially good IMO, which bodes well for us to be at least decent in the future.
Please just let us be decent...
If they’re looking to get the word out on whatever this “special” thing is, they’re just about out of time. Got any links, Tweets, or any other info on this?
The argument was not a comparison to other teams' freshmen. The argument was that recruiting hasn't been better than pre-Lovie. Despite being here for "2" years, Lovie has only had one class because of when he was hired. If people can't see the difference in speed, overall athleticism, and difference in body type, IDK what to say. They're small now because they're freshmen, but they are still better football players than most of the returning team. It's also not like Lovie is not playing older guys who are better than younger guys, see Turner, Dudek, Nelson, Dunlap, Watson. There's just more younger guys who are better. Coaches play the best they got, all the time.
BZuppke
- Plainfield
Patience is the watchword. I posted this in another thread:
BZuppke
Location: Plainfield
Posts: 2,214
I was listening to espn radio talking about Harbaugh. They were saying that what he is doing cannot be measured in wins and losses this year. He’s laying the foundation, building the talent and the wins will eventually come. Then they said ‘who are you going to get better?’ You could hope to find the next great coach from the lower level but very few of them is the answer. Thinking of our situation, let’s realize again that getting Lovie here was a big big move for Illinois. He is building a foundation and in time, he will build a winner. When I say winner I mean a team that can win the Big Ten but not really a national title. Mimic what MSU,Wisky and others have done. The question again is ‘who are you going to get better?’
BZuppke
Location: Plainfield
Posts: 2,214
I was listening to espn radio talking about Harbaugh. They were saying that what he is doing cannot be measured in wins and losses this year. He’s laying the foundation, building the talent and the wins will eventually come. Then they said ‘who are you going to get better?’ You could hope to find the next great coach from the lower level but very few of them is the answer. Thinking of our situation, let’s realize again that getting Lovie here was a big big move for Illinois. He is building a foundation and in time, he will build a winner. When I say winner I mean a team that can win the Big Ten but not really a national title. Mimic what MSU,Wisky and others have done. The question again is ‘who are you going to get better?’
- Status