How much of that is Neon Deion??
Illini Football 2023
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illinidarrin
- from parts unknown
Apparanetly Avery Jone hasn't been that good himself. That's the center that switched.
Lunney is NOT getting fired.
Lunney was the first coach Bielema hired at Arkansas and stuck with him the entire tenure. Coach B tripled Lunney’s salary when he left UTSA for the Illini. He is not going to cut bait mid-season on his buddy.
Too much IMO.
I’m sure some of it is, but my guess is this is driven by more games being available across networks and streaming services.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
RE: the ratings being because of Deion, I don't have all of the data necessary to draw a clear conclusion, but consider the Big Noon Kickoff ratings for 2022, in order of week (yes - Michigan really was in this slot four weeks in a row, lol...).
4.42M for Northwestern vs. Nebraska (Dublin, Ireland)
10.6M for #1 Alabama at Texas
3.41M for #6 Oklahoma at Nebraska
4.38M for Maryland at #4 Michigan
4.2M for #4 Michigan at Iowa
4.01M for #4 Michigan at Indiana
6.45M for #10 Penn State at #4 Michigan
4.38M for Iowa at #2 Ohio State
8.27M for #2 Ohio State at #13 Penn State
2.51M for Texas Tech at #7 TCU
3.34M for Indiana at #2 Ohio State
4.35M for #4 TCU at Baylor
17.14M for #3 Michigan at #2 Ohio State
---> Average of 5.96M
---> Average of 5.03M if you exclude OSU/Michigan, which has abnormally exceptional ratings every single year
Here are Colorado's ratings so far this season:
7.26M for Colorado at #17 TCU (Big Noon Kickoff)
8.73M for Nebraska at #22 Colorado (Big Noon Kickoff)
9.30M for Colorado State at #17 Colorado (9:00 pm on ESPN)
10.03M for #19 Colorado at #10 Oregon (2:30 pm on ABC)
7.24M for #8 USC at Colorado (Big Noon Kickoff)
So in their three appearances on Big Noon Kickoff, the Buffs are averaging 7.74M viewers, which is 30% higher than the Big Noon Kickoff average last year and nearly 55% higher than Big Noon Kickoff's average if you remove OSU/Michigan. Colorado playing Colorado State outdrew #2 Ohio State playing #13 Penn State last year on a channel (ESPN) that usually gets lower ratings!! Colorado has been in one of the top two most viewed games every single week, with the only games finishing ahead of the Buffs being #5 LSU vs. #8 Florida State in Orlando (prime time by itself on Labor Day Sunday) and #11 Texas at #3 Alabama (prime time Saturday night on ABC in week two), and neither of those games outdrew Colorado by much.
Again, I am not sure how the math works to conclude that ONE team can move the needle this much, but it is very clear that Colorado is a major factor in the ratings boost. Especially when you consider that CU ratings are up astronomically in Black households (somebody posted this stat, and I cannot remember where they found it), I indeed think Deion is a phenomena that has (at least up until now, we'll see if it lasts!) created a significant boost in interest in college football.
4.42M for Northwestern vs. Nebraska (Dublin, Ireland)
10.6M for #1 Alabama at Texas
3.41M for #6 Oklahoma at Nebraska
4.38M for Maryland at #4 Michigan
4.2M for #4 Michigan at Iowa
4.01M for #4 Michigan at Indiana
6.45M for #10 Penn State at #4 Michigan
4.38M for Iowa at #2 Ohio State
8.27M for #2 Ohio State at #13 Penn State
2.51M for Texas Tech at #7 TCU
3.34M for Indiana at #2 Ohio State
4.35M for #4 TCU at Baylor
17.14M for #3 Michigan at #2 Ohio State
---> Average of 5.96M
---> Average of 5.03M if you exclude OSU/Michigan, which has abnormally exceptional ratings every single year
Here are Colorado's ratings so far this season:
7.26M for Colorado at #17 TCU (Big Noon Kickoff)
8.73M for Nebraska at #22 Colorado (Big Noon Kickoff)
9.30M for Colorado State at #17 Colorado (9:00 pm on ESPN)
10.03M for #19 Colorado at #10 Oregon (2:30 pm on ABC)
7.24M for #8 USC at Colorado (Big Noon Kickoff)
So in their three appearances on Big Noon Kickoff, the Buffs are averaging 7.74M viewers, which is 30% higher than the Big Noon Kickoff average last year and nearly 55% higher than Big Noon Kickoff's average if you remove OSU/Michigan. Colorado playing Colorado State outdrew #2 Ohio State playing #13 Penn State last year on a channel (ESPN) that usually gets lower ratings!! Colorado has been in one of the top two most viewed games every single week, with the only games finishing ahead of the Buffs being #5 LSU vs. #8 Florida State in Orlando (prime time by itself on Labor Day Sunday) and #11 Texas at #3 Alabama (prime time Saturday night on ABC in week two), and neither of those games outdrew Colorado by much.
Again, I am not sure how the math works to conclude that ONE team can move the needle this much, but it is very clear that Colorado is a major factor in the ratings boost. Especially when you consider that CU ratings are up astronomically in Black households (somebody posted this stat, and I cannot remember where they found it), I indeed think Deion is a phenomena that has (at least up until now, we'll see if it lasts!) created a significant boost in interest in college football.
Tight End Coach
BB is not use to getting fired......might be the connection twice if BB keeps Lunney Jr on the staff for his entire tenure at Illinois
I have no problem if he doesn't cut bait on him mid-season. It was just my opinion I could see Lunney Jr getting canned after Maryland/Wisconsin with bye week. If BB is going to do it that would be the ideal time. Extra time to prepare and last part of schedule is not as strong. Big thing I see beyond performance is trying to sell offensive recruits to join this squad with Lunney Jr at the OC helm.
Little add on to what I put above. This isn't just a few game thing but here are offensive points per game going back to just a year from now(last 14 games).
This includes offensive points per game(takes out defensive TDs/safeties for points/special teams TDs)
2021 Petersen all games 19.4 points per game
2021 Petersen conference games 18.3 points per game
Lunney Jr last 14 games 18.7 points per game
Lunney Jr 10 conference games in this time 18.3 points per game
Most offensive points scored in game is 27 vs Northwestern last season. Highest points scored this season is 23 three different times(all non-conference games)
This includes offensive points per game(takes out defensive TDs/safeties for points/special teams TDs)
2021 Petersen all games 19.4 points per game
2021 Petersen conference games 18.3 points per game
Lunney Jr last 14 games 18.7 points per game
Lunney Jr 10 conference games in this time 18.3 points per game
Most offensive points scored in game is 27 vs Northwestern last season. Highest points scored this season is 23 three different times(all non-conference games)
Is the problem with Lunney play calling? I know that is a major function of an OC but there is more to the job. Can that function be shifted to see what happens and let him still prepare the team?
Even if you fire him who replaces him? After the season who do you get who is better? These are honest questions. Don’t assume we can get an upgrade just because you don’t like who we currently have
Was Lunney Jr the play caller at UTSA or did their HC do it? I believe it was HCs offense.
illini80
- Forgottonia
I’m not loving a lot of the calls Lunney’s made, especially that first goal line stand last game. But if we had an effective offensive line, almost every play he called would have worked. Without an effective OL, he has to find something else. There are no easy answers and the options are limited, but at least get the QB moving to create more time. The timing of our bye week is unfortunate. We need it now.
Completely agree. Cannot assess offense because oline is below competent.
Reminds me of peters/sitk. Could not evaluate offense because qb play was not competent/ way below average. Have to be competent in each position group to be competitive.
That is a question you can ask yourself. Is his playcalling predictable? Does he change up formations/schemes? Are you expecting a light to switch on and the results to change anytime soon? BB pulled the plug on Petersen who he had no connection with under a shorter amount of time.
We had a team last season with a stellar defense. They also set us up in good field position a number of times. The team did not turn the ball over at a high rate, moved the chains and barely cracked the top 100 in offensive scoring. This is with one of the top rushers, good OL and competent QB who didn't turn the ball over a ton. This season we have none of that and around the bottom 10 in offensive scoring. Our QB is T-2nd in interceptions and our OL is one of the worst in the nation. This is more food for thought is why I put this on here.....Lunney Jr should be on the hot seat. If Illinois wants to give him until the rest of the season and things don't improve by actually scoring.......should he be fired after the season?
Scoring 18-20 points a season for 2.5 seasons straight between Petersen/Lunney Jr I think we can do better. I mean that as an upgrade as OC and keeping/bringing recruits in for the future. I am just hoping we don't lose a few guys on this roster who could test the waters in the transfer portal after the season is over.
Without knowing who will be available two guys come to mind right now with connections to coach and/or school
Paul Chryst or Nathan Scheelhaase
Scheelhaase has been an OC for one year right? Iowa States offense isn’t breaking any records either.
I don’t disagree with your criticisms at all. I just think Bielema has shown that he wants to surround himself with people he’s familiar with even if they are less qualified than what’s typical for the salary level, and guys like that who prioritize comfort and familiarity aren‘t likely to make abrupt changes.
I don't have a breakdown of names but Iowa State lost a ton of firepower before the season started due to that gambling ring. Starting QB, projected starting RB, OL, TE, etc. They are starting a RS Freshman at QB(10 TD 5 INT) with backup true Freshman. Top 3 RBs are two Sophomores and a Freshman. Top TE replaced by a FR and SR. Were they suppose to tear it up after all of that? Going 3-3 and 2-1 in conference is real good for the talent. They also have a tough schedule remaining, if they sniff a Bowl game this is a great season. Just because I mention names doesn't mean I said hire him. Due diligence should have a call to him and Chryst plus others.
No doubt
I am a big BB fan(still). He groomed Henry(had ties) for the DC role. The hiring of Lunney Jr(had ties) got most of us excited. Pretty much the same excitement going from Petersen to Lunney Jr or Lovie to BB feeling. Main point I made in last page or so of this forum is this isn't a 6 game stretch. Majority of Lunney Jr's stretch of putting points on the board is not impressive.
Just throwing ideas out there and getting some discussion going. Would I be mad if they fire Lunney Jr during or after this season? No. Will I be furious if he keeps his job? No.
Basic playcalling where the head coach built his foundation on getting that half yard and failing should frustrate most of us. Has Lunney Jr ever thought about lining up Feagin at QB on the goal line and pushing it in? Not like he is 6'3" 220 lbs and taken any snaps under center before in high school
Or bringing in Laughery to block in Purdue game (his weakness) and never target him once or use him remotely as a threat. Or bringing in Laughery for the 2 minute drill last game when he didn't see action. Any thought of running Wildcat with Feagin or IW at all randomly to keep the D off balanced? I get plays/personnel get shuffled just hardly any drives where I think Lunney Jr is calling a good game.
Everyone. We are P2 now. We are no longer P5. As a fandom and as an administration we need to elevate our expectations. We should no longer consider ourselves peers with the ACC, BIG12, and whatever happens with the PAC.
We already have the 24th highest athletic revenue of all schools and the advantage is going to widen significantly over the non-P2 schools. We need the mindset that the UNCs, V-Techs, K States, Utahs of the athletic world are the proving ground for our potential candidates. They are no longer our peers. We need to be selling these P5 leftover staffs on the idea that there are 32 P2 jobs, we’re one of them, and we have a balance sheet the non-P2 schools simply cannot match.
For example, we currently have $20 million more in revenue than UNC. These next 6 years that gap is going to increase by $30-$50 million dollars per year. If we don’t begin surpassing a school like UNC athletically due to this massive revenue advantage and windfall then it’s an administration failure - plain and simple.
We need to raise the bar. It’s already too low, and there is absolutely no justification for the administration to blame poor performance on finances. Us legacy fans have been conditioned to think that way, and it’s false; the numbers don’t lie.
sports.usatoday.com
We already have the 24th highest athletic revenue of all schools and the advantage is going to widen significantly over the non-P2 schools. We need the mindset that the UNCs, V-Techs, K States, Utahs of the athletic world are the proving ground for our potential candidates. They are no longer our peers. We need to be selling these P5 leftover staffs on the idea that there are 32 P2 jobs, we’re one of them, and we have a balance sheet the non-P2 schools simply cannot match.
For example, we currently have $20 million more in revenue than UNC. These next 6 years that gap is going to increase by $30-$50 million dollars per year. If we don’t begin surpassing a school like UNC athletically due to this massive revenue advantage and windfall then it’s an administration failure - plain and simple.
We need to raise the bar. It’s already too low, and there is absolutely no justification for the administration to blame poor performance on finances. Us legacy fans have been conditioned to think that way, and it’s false; the numbers don’t lie.
NCAA Finances: Revenue & Expenses by School - USA TODAY
Which are the most profitable college athletic programs in the country? See a ranked listed, including total revenue and expenses. Brought to you by USA TODAY.
sports.usatoday.com
Illinois needs a new OC period, the sooner the better. We need one that will give us at least a top 50 offense year in year out with quality assistants that learn the system so they can step right in if our OC leaves for a head coaching job. This would be the scenario I want our program to be in instead of where we are currently at. I don't know who we can get to do this but I know we can't keep going with Lunney.
Both are terrible.....think most get it
What was the problem last season when OL was solid? Points still hard to come by. We couldn't punch it in last year and things spilled over this season with turnover of OL
You might want to compare who each team has played.
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