Purdue 13, Illinois 9 Postgame

#76      
If BB keeps TO as OC after this year I’ll be very disappointed. Play calling has been atrocious last 2 games.

Love seeing competitive games instead of blow outs, though disappointing we don’t know how to close yet. Still think we are getting better.

For those already calling for BB’s head. They must have really short memories and have forgotten bean and weannie-tobacco spitting Tim and sleepy time Lovie and son.
 
#79      

Ransom Stoddard

Ordained Dudeist Priest
Bloomington, IL
What I’m concerned about is if we keep losing when we don’t have to then there is a “Portal” that some of our most promising players might enter!!!
I'm not concerned about the promising ones leaving, because most of that group will be Bret's guys.
 
#81      
My humble opinions:
-Tony Petersen is a horrific playcaller.
-Brandon Peters MUST be replaced.
-Defense is improving alot under difficult circumstances.
-McCray has huge potential to be a 'John Clay' type of back for us, hopefully he doesn't transfer.
Agreed on all points! Brandon Peters isn't going to cut it, nor is his ceiling really any higher...time to move on.

Defense, even with a borderline lucky int, still continues to look better on weekly basis
 
#82      

altgeld88

Arlington, Virginia
why are we cursed ?
We're not. We've had 30 years of head coaches ranging from highly competent in some areas (but woefully deficient in others) to the mediocre-to-poor end of the spectrum. That's why we've had the worst program on average in the BT during that time.

It takes time to turn around. A lot of time and talent.
 
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#84      

Illinir1

Camdenton, MO
Losses we expect here at Illinois. Losing as a result of poor coaching late in very winnable games is a little more difficult to stomach.

We don't need to overreact on the Bret hire just yet, but surely not the start we would have wanted.
I'm all for Josh Whitman going to the booth and telling this staff when to go for it on 4th down.
 
#86      
No criticism of BB from me. He had the lead, he has the best punter in NCAA FBS, his opponent was playing their backup QB who looked scattered on prior possession, and his defense was playing well. Pinning Purdue deep, and expecting one more stop, was understandable to me. We all saw how it played out, but I’m not criticizing the punt decision there.
It’s all about momentum and which team wants it more. I think the punt guaranteed to give Purdue’s players hope and momentum. The other options of a field goal try or a first down attempt, if successful, would have kept the Illini as the aggressors.

The result from a failure of either of those would be no different than the punt.
 
#89      
Peters may be a fine young man. After a half a decade of college football, we do know for sure he is no leader and no quarterback. Bad footwork, inability to go through his progressions to deliver to an open receiver, overthrown balls, late throws, and unnecessary sacks are the norm. Sitkowski may not be perfect, but he is at least tough, competitive, and talented enough to complete a good percentage of his throws. In short, he gives us a chance to win, which we don't have now with Peters directing the offense.
 
#90      
But you're at the opponent's 34 yard line! You absolutely have to go for it. Or kick the FG; McCourt easily has that leg

paraphrasing what my dad used to tell me
If BB foresight was as good as our hindsight..he’d be a damn sight
 
#91      
Last week, Bielema made an absolutely horrible decision.
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This week he made a decision that was SIGNIFICANTLY worse.

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And he not only made the wrong decision, he made the worst decision each time. Meathead.
 
#93      
Illinois’s offense will not be real good until the receivers get better and can get some separation on their routes. Williams can’t be the only deep threat as he has trouble on 50/50 balls due to a lack of size. The receiver room is still the biggest offensive weakness.
 
#94      
My humble opinions:
-Tony Petersen is a horrific playcaller.
-Brandon Peters MUST be replaced.
-Defense is improving alot under difficult circumstances.
-McCray has huge potential to be a 'John Clay' type of back for us, hopefully he doesn't transfer.
in Tony Petersen's defense... we don't have any playmakers on O outside of I. Will, Duece and Josh.. the problem with 2 of those is you need a QB to throw them the ball.. (and those 2 are past QBs) this issue with needed a QB to throw the ball.. is that we need a line to protect.. not sure what has happened.. but our O Line looks lost on 90% of the past plays...
 
#98      

RedRocksIllini

Morrison, CO
No criticism of BB from me. He had the lead, he has the best punter in NCAA FBS, his opponent was playing their backup QB who looked scattered on prior possession, and his defense was playing well. Pinning Purdue deep, and expecting one more stop, was understandable to me. We all saw how it played out, but I’m not criticizing the punt decision there.
That's all fine but if you know O'Connell looks scattered, why choose to put no pressure on him on the last drive? Ask Graham Mertz how easy it is to pass when there's no rush. Or ask Brandon Peters how much harder it is to pass when there is one.

Fine if you want to rely on your defense but don't turn around and handicap them when you choose to give the other team the ball.

And for the record, it's not fine. It was a stupid decision this week and it was a stupid decision last week.
 
#99      

Illinir1

Camdenton, MO
I’m befuddled.
You pooch punt after a timeout when JUST LAST WEEK you lost the game on the same passive decision?

Peters is a good kid but not the answer from a 6th year QB.
I’m ok with Art…. but let’s see Collier. Inject some life on that side of the ball.

But the biggest issue? Instilling culture in Year One… that we will play not to lose with 9 min left in the game?

99% of our fan base is ok if we lose by being aggressive but to lose by punting and holding your breath?
In consecutive weeks?
That’s NOT a culture or identity that I want.
Post of the day.