Illini Football 2024

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#276      
Illinivek23
aaeismacgychel said:
The problem is that not only did the *cough* moral authority known as the NCAA originally call our nicknames of 'Illini' and 'Fighting Illini' offensive in 2005, and even if you think that was a mistake by the NCAA as they later retracted that under threat of significant lawsuit, as recently as 2019, Illinois faculty made a significant push to ban the nicknames Illini and Fighting Illini as well as racist and offensive despite those nicknames preceeding any Native American imagery and entirely meant to honor our aillinois veterans and fallen soldiers.

Based on this, as sad as it is, I just see no real possibility that anything done to honor veterans as Illini or Fighting Illini won't be seen as offensive by protestors.

Really our best option at this point is probably a completely nondescript bird doing silly mascot stuff because that's what the majority of students, administrators, and protestors want at this point.
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Let's go with a technology angle - Illinois Transistors or Semiconductors or Mosaic...something someone somewhere knows us for...
 
#277      
illinifan4249
Fighter of the Nightman said:
Reposting this here as it is probably more relevant here than in the EA thread that prompted the discussion. I really wish the DIA would get more creative in establishing some aspects of a gameday experience that you ONLY see at Illinois.


I also think we are delusionally afraid of offending anyone after the Chief. I have seen posters hear opine/worry that anything tying us to the veteran aspect of “Fighting Illini” might be offensive. Seriously?? Every tradition, no matter how it’s done, is automatically sus if it’s tied to WWI?? There is an ocean of sensible middle ground between bland nothing and enacting a WWI Doughboy logo tomorrow, lol.

One very simple idea would be this. Every game, Illinois welcomes a new/different group of Illinoisans who have served or are currently serving. Before each game, the group is walked out to the same spot at midfield with the same formula each week (and unlike with the Chief, we take direction on how to do this exclusively and enthusiastically from the people whom we are trying to honor). While they walk out, the PA announcer explains the history of Memorial Stadium and gives our eternal appreciation and gratitude for “the Fighting Illini of past, present and future.” Have it end with a military salute/rifle firing or something and thunderous applause from the crowd. Over time, it would become a must-see aspect for fans, something older fans love and parents want their young kids to see. You know how Illinois was unique because no one left during halftime due to the Chief?? Well now, it will be that Illini fans are never not in their seats in time for the Fighting Illini Salute.

This is NOT hard. Go look at a list of the best traditions nationwide. Some are literally just the songs that the team always enters to, and the fans LEARN to consider it epic (like Virginia Tech and Enter Sandman). Others work with what they obviously have in front of them, like Iowa waving at the children’s hospital.

We. Are. Not. Trying.

It’s the ONE form of incompetent negligence on behalf of the current DIA administration, which is otherwise amazing.
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Interestingly enough in the article about the rededication of the stadium they do mention, "The Marching Illini will perform a special halftime performance, and fans can expect a special Spirit of the Illini presentation during the trademark 3-in-1." Wonder if they will try to use that as a new jumping off part for a new tradition.
https://fightingillini.com/news/202...to-celebrate-100-years-of-historic-venue.aspx
 
#278      
illinifan4249
Also as far as season prediction goes I think 5-6 is most likely though this time we beat Northwestern to go to a bowl game.

W vs Eastern Illinois
W vs Kansas
W vs Central Michigan
L @ Nebraska
L @ Penn St
L vs Purdue
W vs Michigan
L @ Oregon
L vs Minnesota
W vs Michigan St
L @ Rutgers
W vs Northwestern

I think you could flip the Purdue and Michigan results as well as the Minnesota and Michigan St results but just expecting a more roller coaster type of season. I do wonder if the Minnesota game being after the Oregon road trip will hurt us.
 
#279      
Fly Illini Fly!
illinifan4249 said:
Also as far as season prediction goes I think 5-6 is most likely though this time we beat Northwestern to go to a bowl game.

W vs Eastern Illinois
W vs Kansas
W vs Central Michigan
L @ Nebraska
L @ Penn St
L vs Purdue
W vs Michigan
L @ Oregon
L vs Minnesota
W vs Michigan St
L @ Rutgers
W vs Northwestern

I think you could flip the Purdue and Michigan results as well as the Minnesota and Michigan St results but just expecting a more roller coaster type of season. I do wonder if the Minnesota game being after the Oregon road trip will hurt us.
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With the trend that we've had...just like the NEB game being the first road test is a negative...would've def. felt better if it were PSU or Oregon because IMO those are pretty much losses no matter what...

feel like having Oregon after Michigan - if we do somehow, someway do the unthinkable like you're predicting - is a good thing. It seems like a bit of a tendency of this team to have an upset and then follow that up with an infuriating loss to a team we should beat. Having Oregon and then MINN and not MINN directly after the MICH win...I'd prefer that...
 
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#280      
SoCal Illini
Fighter of the Nightman said:
Reposting this here as it is probably more relevant here than in the EA thread that prompted the discussion. I really wish the DIA would get more creative in establishing some aspects of a gameday experience that you ONLY see at Illinois.


I also think we are delusionally afraid of offending anyone after the Chief. I have seen posters hear opine/worry that anything tying us to the veteran aspect of “Fighting Illini” might be offensive. Seriously?? Every tradition, no matter how it’s done, is automatically sus if it’s tied to WWI?? There is an ocean of sensible middle ground between bland nothing and enacting a WWI Doughboy logo tomorrow, lol.

One very simple idea would be this. Every game, Illinois welcomes a new/different group of Illinoisans who have served or are currently serving. Before each game, the group is walked out to the same spot at midfield with the same formula each week (and unlike with the Chief, we take direction on how to do this exclusively and enthusiastically from the people whom we are trying to honor). While they walk out, the PA announcer explains the history of Memorial Stadium and gives our eternal appreciation and gratitude for “the Fighting Illini of past, present and future.” Have it end with a military salute/rifle firing or something and thunderous applause from the crowd. Over time, it would become a must-see aspect for fans, something older fans love and parents want their young kids to see. You know how Illinois was unique because no one left during halftime due to the Chief?? Well now, it will be that Illini fans are never not in their seats in time for the Fighting Illini Salute.

This is NOT hard. Go look at a list of the best traditions nationwide. Some are literally just the songs that the team always enters to, and the fans LEARN to consider it epic (like Virginia Tech and Enter Sandman). Others work with what they obviously have in front of them, like Iowa waving at the children’s hospital.

We. Are. Not. Trying.

It’s the ONE form of incompetent negligence on behalf of the current DIA administration, which is otherwise amazing.
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what’s wrong with a ww1 doughboy logo?
 
#284      
Illini in Italy
Fighter of the Nightman said:
Reposting this here as it is probably more relevant here than in the EA thread that prompted the discussion. I really wish the DIA would get more creative in establishing some aspects of a gameday experience that you ONLY see at Illinois.


I also think we are delusionally afraid of offending anyone after the Chief. I have seen posters hear opine/worry that anything tying us to the veteran aspect of “Fighting Illini” might be offensive. Seriously?? Every tradition, no matter how it’s done, is automatically sus if it’s tied to WWI?? There is an ocean of sensible middle ground between bland nothing and enacting a WWI Doughboy logo tomorrow, lol.

One very simple idea would be this. Every game, Illinois welcomes a new/different group of Illinoisans who have served or are currently serving. Before each game, the group is walked out to the same spot at midfield with the same formula each week (and unlike with the Chief, we take direction on how to do this exclusively and enthusiastically from the people whom we are trying to honor). While they walk out, the PA announcer explains the history of Memorial Stadium and gives our eternal appreciation and gratitude for “the Fighting Illini of past, present and future.” Have it end with a military salute/rifle firing or something and thunderous applause from the crowd. Over time, it would become a must-see aspect for fans, something older fans love and parents want their young kids to see. You know how Illinois was unique because no one left during halftime due to the Chief?? Well now, it will be that Illini fans are never not in their seats in time for the Fighting Illini Salute.

This is NOT hard. Go look at a list of the best traditions nationwide. Some are literally just the songs that the team always enters to, and the fans LEARN to consider it epic (like Virginia Tech and Enter Sandman). Others work with what they obviously have in front of them, like Iowa waving at the children’s hospital.

We. Are. Not. Trying.

It’s the ONE form of incompetent negligence on behalf of the current DIA administration, which is otherwise amazing.
Click to expand...
I think with the rise of the B1G and the SEC and the pending demise of the NCAA, now is the opportune time for the resurrection of the Chief as the symbol of the University, and the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium is the perfect setting for this.

prove me wrong gordon ramsay GIF by MasterChef Junior
 
#285      
Leelnd
Illini in Italy said:
I think with the rise of the B1G and the SEC and the pending demise of the NCAA, now is the opportune time for the resurrection of the Chief as the symbol of the University, and the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium is the perfect setting for this.

prove me wrong gordon ramsay GIF by MasterChef Junior
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Agreed. The people that are offended at everything will never be satisfied with anything associated with traditions or the past. They would rather see everything be meaningless and uninteresting. Let's quit trying to appease them.
 
#286      
CaptainCrutch
illinifan4249 said:
Interestingly enough in the article about the rededication of the stadium they do mention, "The Marching Illini will perform a special halftime performance, and fans can expect a special Spirit of the Illini presentation during the trademark 3-in-1." Wonder if they will try to use that as a new jumping off part for a new tradition.
https://fightingillini.com/news/202...to-celebrate-100-years-of-historic-venue.aspx
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As long as we don’t try to bring back that Illini anthem thing that was pushed really hard a few years ago. Cute production but it was cheese.
 
#288      
Second place is 1st loser
Fighter of the Nightman said:
Reposting this here as it is probably more relevant here than in the EA thread that prompted the discussion. I really wish the DIA would get more creative in establishing some aspects of a gameday experience that you ONLY see at Illinois.


I also think we are delusionally afraid of offending anyone after the Chief. I have seen posters hear opine/worry that anything tying us to the veteran aspect of “Fighting Illini” might be offensive. Seriously?? Every tradition, no matter how it’s done, is automatically sus if it’s tied to WWI?? There is an ocean of sensible middle ground between bland nothing and enacting a WWI Doughboy logo tomorrow, lol.

One very simple idea would be this. Every game, Illinois welcomes a new/different group of Illinoisans who have served or are currently serving. Before each game, the group is walked out to the same spot at midfield with the same formula each week (and unlike with the Chief, we take direction on how to do this exclusively and enthusiastically from the people whom we are trying to honor). While they walk out, the PA announcer explains the history of Memorial Stadium and gives our eternal appreciation and gratitude for “the Fighting Illini of past, present and future.” Have it end with a military salute/rifle firing or something and thunderous applause from the crowd. Over time, it would become a must-see aspect for fans, something older fans love and parents want their young kids to see. You know how Illinois was unique because no one left during halftime due to the Chief?? Well now, it will be that Illini fans are never not in their seats in time for the Fighting Illini Salute.

This is NOT hard. Go look at a list of the best traditions nationwide. Some are literally just the songs that the team always enters to, and the fans LEARN to consider it epic (like Virginia Tech and Enter Sandman). Others work with what they obviously have in front of them, like Iowa waving at the children’s hospital.

We. Are. Not. Trying.

It’s the ONE form of incompetent negligence on behalf of the current DIA administration, which is otherwise amazing.
Click to expand...
To be fair, some of the traditions that you speak up are great because it's done in front of a packed stadium, with frenzied fans, on with historically good programs.

Enter Sandman, Jump Around, etc wouldn't look the same when the stadium is half filled with very little student involvement. Nobody wants to hear House of Pain or Metallica being banged out by fans in their 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's. That's not fun. It's lame.

Your idea above is a good one, but again...what appeal does honoring soldiers at halftime do for an 18-22 year old? That's going to get a crowd roaring? You're marketing right back to the plus side of 40 crowd.

Where the student involvement for the basketball program is outrageously good, the involvement for the football program is outrageously bad.

This is going to seem harsh, but when we can't consistently fill up an already small stadium(comparatively), who cares what can "only be seen at Illinois"?

The Orange Crush is a tradition that is unique to Illinois, right? The only time that they're mentioned is at the basketball games because it's packed, we're winning and the building is going off the rails with noise. The football games are literally the exact opposite of that.

12-0 team - SRO, building rocking, national TV... unreal game day experience.

8-4 team - The building is close to full at each home game, the crowd is into it, the students are involved...really good game day experience.

4-8 - Die hards show up, stadium 60% full, students are still in bed nursing a hangover or they're all the bar getting ready for one....the game day experience is bland.

0-12 - If the tickets aren't free, most aren't going.

Win games. That's what takes game day from bland to amazing. Honoring fallen soldiers is always the right thing to do, but being a winning program is what turns up the temperature on the whole experience and tradition is generally born through that.

JMO
 
#289      
AZILL
Second place is 1st loser said:
Enter Sandman, Jump Around, etc wouldn't look the same when the stadium is half filled with very little student involvement. Nobody wants to hear House of Pain or Metallica being banged out by fans in their 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's. That's not fun. It's lame.
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So if by your metrics we are dealing with 20-30 year olds, what songs that have come out in the past 10 years do you think qualify as some sort of anthem? Billie Eilish, Gaga, Styles, Adele, Jepsen, Swift...... ? I'm all ears. (partial list take from here.)
Second place is 1st loser said:
Your idea above is a good one, but again...what appeal does honoring soldiers at halftime do for an 18-22 year old? That's going to get a crowd roaring? You're marketing right back to the plus side of 40 crowd.
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See above... What's historically happened in recent history that you think would appeal to this under 40 crowd?
Second place is 1st loser said:
Where the student involvement for the basketball program is outrageously good, the involvement for the football program is outrageously bad.
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Win baby, win!
Second place is 1st loser said:
This is going to seem harsh, but when we can't consistently fill up an already small stadium(comparatively), who cares what can "only be seen at Illinois"?
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When has anyone outside the program really cared enough that it would make any kind of difference?
Second place is 1st loser said:
The Orange Crush is a tradition that is unique to Illinois, right? The only time that they're mentioned is at the basketball games because it's packed, we're winning and the building is going off the rails with noise. The football games are literally the exact opposite of that.
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True, see 2 posts up.... Also see any post from FotN and others about placement of the student section during football games.
Second place is 1st loser said:
12-0 team - SRO, building rocking, national TV... unreal game day experience.

8-4 team - The building is close to full at each home game, the crowd is into it, the students are involved...really good game day experience.

4-8 - Die hards show up, stadium 60% full, students are still in bed nursing a hangover or they're all the bar getting ready for one....the game day experience is bland.

0-12 - If the tickets aren't free, most aren't going.

Win games. That's what takes game day from bland to amazing. Honoring fallen soldiers is always the right thing to do, but being a winning program is what turns up the temperature on the whole experience and tradition is generally born through that.

JMO
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Correct, outside of a handful of programs, Nebraska comes to mind (for the immediate future anyways, I have friends who are both NE grads that gave up their long-term family tickets this year), the majority of D1 programs have these same issues.
 
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#291      
MoCoMdIllini
AZILL said:
So if by your metrics we are dealing with 20-30 year olds, what songs that have come out in the past 10 years do you think qualify as some sort of anthem? Billie Eilish, Gaga, Styles, Adele, Jepsen, Swift...... ? I'm all ears. (partial list take from here.)
Click to expand...

How about Turn Down For What?
 
#292      
ktal
Leelnd said:
Agreed. The people that are offended at everything will never be satisfied with anything associated with traditions or the past. They would rather see everything be meaningless and uninteresting. Let's quit trying to appease them.
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The woke mob will show as much respect for your opinions as you show for theirs. And since you both view this as a measure of commitment, you'll lock horns and flail away while recruits go elsewhere...places where they don't have to compete with the fans for the spotlight.

The value of competition is the feedback loop it has with the hard work of improvement, and achieving your ceiling. It is not about conflict, domination, or masculinity. Sports, done correctly are meant to benefit growth and development, and the entertainment it provides is just a side effect. A side effect with opportunities that have skewed the purpose of the athletics themselves. Smart leaders will find the best Win/Win, which is off the table for anyone who defines winning by making their counter-party lose.

We don't need a mascot. If students demanded one, why not something obvious like the Krush, since it already has tradition with students at the center?
 
#295      
Toews
The problem with the whole doughboy connection for me is less that it’s not PC and more that it’s just pretty lame. I think our next traditions need to come more organically from the current students. Focusing on WWI sounds like something as a student I’d find incredibly boring.
 
#297      
Illini in Italy
Toews said:
The problem with the whole doughboy connection for me is less that it’s not PC and more that it’s just pretty lame. I think our next traditions need to come more organically from the current students. Focusing on WWI sounds like something as a student I’d find incredibly boring.
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University symbols mean much more to the alumni than to students. I don't remember a single person during my student year, nor during my kids' time choosing colleges stating that the symbol of the university under consideration mattered even one iota. Alums on the other hand, will go to war for their beloved symbol.
 
#298      
Mr. Tibbs
our situation is somewhat unique among colleges .

i agree that anything done needs to originate organically . bottom up & not top down .

we had a Chief that for +60 years was held in reverence. we could not even imagine him being cancelled , pretty much until the very end .

add to it a football w-L history that’s terrible , and we have ourselves in this situation . win 7-8 games a year for 3 years and these problems will solve themselves
 
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