The most undisciplined Illini team I've seen. Saying something coming off a few Zook teams and another coach in Beckman who'd seemingly rack up 2 penalties a game himself.
Officiating comments likely have little to do with what was called on Illinois, and more to do with what they didn't call on UNC. They were terrible. It wouldn't change the outcome of the game. UNC had superior speed.
I don't think the punting was a problem. Remember we were trying to keep the ball away from one of the greatest punt returners in NCAA history.
So,first game score equals last year's first game score.
Second game points given up equals last year's second game points given up, on the road no less.
So, new coaching staff impact?
You tell me.
Ridiculous. Stop w/the ludicrous posts.
Suggestions:
1. Lovie needs to get and show the team a full version of the 2009 Wild Card game between Arizona and Green Bay because it fits the dynamic of our team right now. The Cardinals barely made the post season and were getting the same kind of noise the Illini are getting here on this forum. The coaches told the players to block it out, they are the experts that play the game not the nitwits trying to bring them down. This is the best example of a performance by two teams that never down shift from a mental perspective. Arizona wins and they go on to the Super Bowl.
2. No trash talking on offense or defense. Play related communication only. Being ignored is one of the most cruel punishments and it will freak out your opponent and help you stay focused. Imagine the man accross from you ranting like a lunatic and all he's getting back is a death stare. It will also blows away the refs making them them want you to get the calls as they will not believe what they are witnessing.
3. Visualize how you felt when you were playing loose, kicking !!! and taking names. If something bad happens get back to that place in your mind. Two years ago Cardale Jones looked like he was playing with a giant foam finger on his throwing hand at times, but he put it out of his mind fast.
4. Don't try to solve problems that don't exist. Block out all of the noise, laugh when you read negative BS. Old Illini teams never showed us that crispness you already have. Old Illini teams never had the coaches that you do. Be thankful that you got this lesson now instead of in a Bowl Game.
Go Illini!
Not overly impressed with McGee right now.
I don't think the punting was a problem. Remember we were trying to keep the ball away from one of the greatest punt returners in NCAA history.
No problems with the refs - Illinois deserved all the penalties - coaching needs to clean up the play calling and discipline of the team.
We shot ourselves in the foot, and played about as poorly as I think we could play . Yet with 14:55 to go in the game, it was a one score contest.
yeah let's not jump off the edge. We got beat by the better team. Going to take time to get to a place where we can win these.
Well, I'd like to join the chorus lambasting Lunt, but Gene Chizik is a really top-notch defensive coordinator. Lunt's "deer in the headlights" look may have been the result of Chizik changing things up a bit, giving Lunt problems trying to run the offense.
So, on to Western Michigan. Let's see how Lunt and the team respond.
I agree, I thought Lovie would be tougher.....