You and I are in total agreement. The longer we are in the Top 25 the better recruiting will get!! I don’t know why people don’t understand this. Look at the Basketball side. Been ranked very well the last 5 yrs and look at the recruits we are pulling. Has been a steady progression up!! Football is greatly impacted by this.
Illinois 23, Kansas 17 Postgame
Illini2010-11
- Sugar Grove
Should have been running in the NIU game yesterday, but the refs were doing all they could to help ND.
They had one extra runner on the field.
That was a must-win for bowl eligibility, hopefully can get to 3-0 next week.
Was the final play officially a fumble or was it a batted pass?
Play-by-play lists it as a fumble.
Mr. Tibbs
- southeast DuPage
yea, the ball was live
DReq
Always Illini
- Central Illinois
I have to agree with the BAD from watching the game on TV. It seemed like he had time often (good on our OL) but it seemed like he was slow reading downfield. On only one play did I see him complete multiple reads and make the throw for a completion. On most plays it seemed he had picked his receiver before he got the ball. Somehow that has to change. I do like his arm and his scrambling but picking up the speed seems essential to finish this season well. Hopefully he can improve on that and prove to be an elite QB.
against a top 20 team. If he doesn't get DPOW I'll be surprised, but maybe there's a comparable performance out there.
I expect, like last year, the plan was to keep Daniels from running, and not worrying about trying to get sacks. Some people had similar concerns about the pass rush after last year's game, but IIRC correctly the pass rush looked OK in the following games, when we weren't facing a quarterback who is great in the scrambling game.
hope he can get "DB U" back on track after last year
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
As a 40 year football season ticket holder, I have watched a ton of Illini games. For all those who have complained about complacent Illini fans and the awful Illini game day experience, this game dispelled all of those complaints. The atmosphere all day was electric. From the super crowded Illiniwalk, tent and fan filled Grange Grove, and full-on tailgating in Lot 31, to the orange smoke entrance and introduction of starters, to the sounding of the siren with a former Illini great to the beat of a bass drum with the slow clap, to the veteran of the game at midfield announced between God Bless America and the National anthem, to the loud I-L-L/I-N-I on first downs, to almost the entire crowd screaming and standing through the whole game and ENTIRE fourth quarter, students filling all of their sections and staying until the very end, to the rushing of the field after the incredible win, the game day experience with its new traditions was fun, exciting, and memorable. This victory was special and will never be forgotten.-L-L
I think everyone understands that.
for me, in this particular instance, I think keeping them hungry a bit longer might send the season in a better direction. So being top 25 in weeks 2 and 3 then dropping out and never returning wouldn't be that significant.
Whether we climb into the top 25 and stay really comes down to the Nebraska game. Lots of ways to look at it, but I think our chances going in there are better if we're unranked than if we're ranked.
I'd like to keep the chip on our shoulder a bit longer.
purcy51
- Nappanee, IN
That was the most fun I've ever had at a college football game. I took my nephew, who is 16. Imagine that game being your first experience! He was on cloud nine!
I'm extremely impressed with our secondary. I would've liked to see Pat Bryant more involved earlier in the game; felt like Luke was targeting Franklin exclusively to the point it became predictable on pass plays.
Sure, there are quite a few areas we need to be better, but it was only the 2nd game of the season. Keep improving each game and this could be a special season!
I'm extremely impressed with our secondary. I would've liked to see Pat Bryant more involved earlier in the game; felt like Luke was targeting Franklin exclusively to the point it became predictable on pass plays.
Sure, there are quite a few areas we need to be better, but it was only the 2nd game of the season. Keep improving each game and this could be a special season!
IlliniFan85
- Colorado Springs, CO
From ESPN play by play
blackdog
- Champaign
2 INTs, a TD, and sack for Xavier to go along with 6 tackles. Talk about having yourself a day.
And a forced fumble.
So 4-1 turnover ratio in our favor. I’ll take that.
Shief
- Champaign Area
Is Xavier being considered for B1G Defensive Player of the Week? If not, someone seriously has it out for Illinois.
Meanwhile down at the Phog, they're still in full meltdown mode.
This post in particular feels really familiar ... both programs have been through remarkably similar pathways over the past couple decades. Makes me kinda sad for them (until I read the next post in the thread going ballistic about how KU lost to a terrible Illinois team).
Then we will have to go to the CFP to make the KU fans feel a little better about this loss.
Mr. Tibbs
- southeast DuPage
yup
you will win 98% of those games
Mr. Tibbs
- southeast DuPage
it seems like 99% of their fanbase was convinced they were going to come in and beat us 35-14
I don’t know which one of you posted this, but a standing ovation is in order.
