mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
Buddy, the answer to this will be "yes" until I am dead and in the ground.
Oregon 38, Illinois 9 Postgame
Yep, this season has been extremely successful so far. At the beginning of the season, I would have been satisfied with 6 wins and a defeat of Purdue. We already have that, PLUS a defeat of Kansas and scUM, and a chance at some additional wins before this season is over.
I must read CG's posts a bit different than some of you, because I don't find them negative. We accomplished all the above with below average talent. In other words, we've overachieved this season so far. That's a good thing, far better than underachieving. Now we just need to continue to upgrade the talent, especially on O line. O line sets the tone of the game, establishing the ball control offense, resting the D, protecting the QB. It's the second more important position on the team.
I must read CG's posts a bit different than some of you, because I don't find them negative. We accomplished all the above with below average talent. In other words, we've overachieved this season so far. That's a good thing, far better than underachieving. Now we just need to continue to upgrade the talent, especially on O line. O line sets the tone of the game, establishing the ball control offense, resting the D, protecting the QB. It's the second more important position on the team.
trying to just move on to minnesota.
this game gave us lots to work on.
at this point you can see how teams are attacking our weak links on defense. those guys are going to continue to get picked on and either they'll make plays or the coaches will have to figure out how to get those plays made.
this game gave us lots to work on.
at this point you can see how teams are attacking our weak links on defense. those guys are going to continue to get picked on and either they'll make plays or the coaches will have to figure out how to get those plays made.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I get where you are coming from, but I don't buy into the "always keep the 30,000 feet view" 100% of the time ... the fact is we have exceeded expectations through the toughest stretch of our schedule, and finishing 8-4 now will leave me with a similar feeling as our finish in 2022. Successful season given the last 30+ years? Of course. Something I *should* be happy with on paper? Of course. An outcome that actually leaves me "happy" as a fan, though?
Unfortunately not ... as it means we have either lost one of our remaining home games (unfortunate not only because I think we should win those but also because going undefeated at home would be a huge symbolic step for us, IMO) or we lost to Northwestern at Wrigley (I can live with a loss at RU to bring us to 9-3, but there is zero excuse to lose to this year's NU team in the city of Chicago).
SampsonRelpenk
- Edwardsville, IL
The thing you have to acknowledge is that the 2022 team was significantly better. After this weekend we are ranked #57 in SP+. At the same point in '22 we were #25 (finished the season #24). So if this year ends with the same record, against a tougher schedule, I'll be awfully happy. That's exactly the kind of season we've watched our (former) B1G West peers have time and time again and said "why can't that be us for once?"
It's a strange argument because it's all relative to one's frame of reference. I think it's perfectly fine to say right now, "man, I'll be disappointed if we finish 8-4" because 10-2 is possible (as is 6-6, but let's not talk of that) and there's no instant loss left on the schedule. In the same breath, I think it's perfectly fine to say that "no matter what happens from here on out this was an incredibly successful season". It absolutely has been and would be. Few expected a bowl. Few expected this recruiting buzz. Few expected the growth in attendance. It's been a very successful season.
Point is, it's not one or the other, it's both. Just because you won $100 at the casino, doesn't mean you can't hope for that million dollar jackpot. But similarly if you leave a casino with $100 more than you came there with, that's a success.
mhuml32
- Cincinnati, OH
Game Notes:
(1) Team record is 6-2. The spread closed around 22 or 23. It's important to remember these components when rationalizing the Oregon game results.
(2) I'll keep this one simple: wasn't the best day for the coaching staff. First non-successful first offensive drive in a long time. Defense was shellacked until Oregon called off the dogs. Some folks around here defended the coaching staff against Purdue for going for two because Bielema knew Illinois' defense wasn't going to make stops. The exact opposite decision was made on Saturday where the coaching staff played field position on long third downs or punted on "reasonable" fourth downs knowing that Oregon was just going to score once they got the ball back. All the blame shouldn't and will not be cast on the game plan. It's tough to create a strategy when you are at such a talent deficit.
(3a) Bigger narrative, tied to Bielema's comments last week about NIL - it was obvious during the game (and even before the game) that there is a wide gulf in talent between Oregon and Illinois' roster. That gulf is very likely never to be closed, but more recruiting victories can start to bring margin of errors closer together. Since Bielema has gotten here we have seen some long-term recruiting progress happening, especially within the state. There's also a (earned) believe that this staff can develop talent in a way that the past 40 years of Illinois coaches could not. Next step is drawing similar talent that schools like Wisconsin and Nebraska so when you do hit on a top-18 national QB then you can have a season-long ranked team and be a contender for a playoff spot. Right now, you need a once-in-a-generation situation (a la 2024 Indiana) for that to happen.
(3b) The next step is hitting on more Plan A recruits. There's no doubt this staff can identify really good, potential talent. If you some evidence, look at this mid-October 247 article on biggest risers in the Midwest. Look at the names on this list: Derrick Simmons (Illinois June visitor), Talyn Taylor (early Illinois offer), Burke Gautcher (early Illinois offer), Jayquan Stubbs (was scheduled but committed to Minnesota before visit), and Darrin Strey (Illinois June visitor). All of those guys are potential difference makers. I know that I put out a comparison by offers last year (and will again this offseason), but rankings are still correlated with winning. If you swapped each of those guys into the current class and removed the plan B or C guy the staff took on instead, the recruiting ranking would jump from 60 to 32nd. It's a big difference. I love what Bielema in staff is doing to capitalize for the '26 and '27 classes. I would bet that next year's class is noticeably improved compared to this class. Alright, enough of the recruiting discussion
(4) Altmyer seems to lock on to his preferred route more when playing a superior team or feeling that he needs to be Hercules for his team to win. There were a handful of first half moments where Lunney schemed a guy open but Altmyer missed or spent too long on one option. It's true that Illinois needed A+++ Altmyer to have a chance, but he can't mentally will a teammate option. He has to trust the play call and all skill position guys.
(5) Injuries were a big concern - first game since last year Nebraska where it felt like one game will have ripple effects into the future. The good news is some of them didn't look too bad. Another benefit is this team already has six wins and also isn't competing for a conference championship, so the coaching staff can make cautious decisions knowing the postseason isn't on the line. Final benefit is there's a bye week after Minnesota, so sitting out sitting out a week means three weeks of recovery.
(6) Another solid week of running the ball. Wasn't spectacular, but this is the proof-of-concept for having three running backs having rotational success. Would like to see more outside-the-tackle running concepts because there is almost zero explosive rate on the inside run calls. Laughery and McCray with two good running weeks in a row.
(7) I'm interested to see how the defense adjusts next week for pressure. I think it was a poor choice to bring minimal pressure against a good offensive line and #1 efficient QB in the country. Gabriel's three lowest efficient games (Idaho, Boise State, Ohio State) have been against their highest-allowed pressure rate. This is especially showing up for Illinois being one of the worst teams in allowing third-and-long conversions. That 3rd-and-17 that was converted near the end of the first was final blow to Illinois sticking around. Getting the stop there and putting the offense quickly back out there after their previously long drive would have provided a couple different benefits.
(8) Tackling was awful. For a team that hangs their hat on turnovers, bend-but-don't-break, poor tackling is death.
(9) Tyson Rooks following the career path of Kerby Joseph by waffling back-and-forth from WR to S rooms???? Very presumptious there but happy for him to have that awesome moment against one of the best QBs in the country. He might be needed for 20 snaps against Minnesota.
(10) Offensive line update: I have not been a fan of Crisler for two years now but we're reaching the point where it feels indefensible to play him. Even with him rotating with Henderson he is not performing well. Henderson had his best pass blocking performance in his career (with snap considerations). Crisler needs to go back to the bench. Davis and Priestly are still performing better than PFF's grades (in my opinion).
(11) Dixon had his highest target rate by 2x this week. Optimal timing with the strong possibility of no Bryant this weekend.
(1) Team record is 6-2. The spread closed around 22 or 23. It's important to remember these components when rationalizing the Oregon game results.
(2) I'll keep this one simple: wasn't the best day for the coaching staff. First non-successful first offensive drive in a long time. Defense was shellacked until Oregon called off the dogs. Some folks around here defended the coaching staff against Purdue for going for two because Bielema knew Illinois' defense wasn't going to make stops. The exact opposite decision was made on Saturday where the coaching staff played field position on long third downs or punted on "reasonable" fourth downs knowing that Oregon was just going to score once they got the ball back. All the blame shouldn't and will not be cast on the game plan. It's tough to create a strategy when you are at such a talent deficit.
(3a) Bigger narrative, tied to Bielema's comments last week about NIL - it was obvious during the game (and even before the game) that there is a wide gulf in talent between Oregon and Illinois' roster. That gulf is very likely never to be closed, but more recruiting victories can start to bring margin of errors closer together. Since Bielema has gotten here we have seen some long-term recruiting progress happening, especially within the state. There's also a (earned) believe that this staff can develop talent in a way that the past 40 years of Illinois coaches could not. Next step is drawing similar talent that schools like Wisconsin and Nebraska so when you do hit on a top-18 national QB then you can have a season-long ranked team and be a contender for a playoff spot. Right now, you need a once-in-a-generation situation (a la 2024 Indiana) for that to happen.
(3b) The next step is hitting on more Plan A recruits. There's no doubt this staff can identify really good, potential talent. If you some evidence, look at this mid-October 247 article on biggest risers in the Midwest. Look at the names on this list: Derrick Simmons (Illinois June visitor), Talyn Taylor (early Illinois offer), Burke Gautcher (early Illinois offer), Jayquan Stubbs (was scheduled but committed to Minnesota before visit), and Darrin Strey (Illinois June visitor). All of those guys are potential difference makers. I know that I put out a comparison by offers last year (and will again this offseason), but rankings are still correlated with winning. If you swapped each of those guys into the current class and removed the plan B or C guy the staff took on instead, the recruiting ranking would jump from 60 to 32nd. It's a big difference. I love what Bielema in staff is doing to capitalize for the '26 and '27 classes. I would bet that next year's class is noticeably improved compared to this class. Alright, enough of the recruiting discussion
(4) Altmyer seems to lock on to his preferred route more when playing a superior team or feeling that he needs to be Hercules for his team to win. There were a handful of first half moments where Lunney schemed a guy open but Altmyer missed or spent too long on one option. It's true that Illinois needed A+++ Altmyer to have a chance, but he can't mentally will a teammate option. He has to trust the play call and all skill position guys.
(5) Injuries were a big concern - first game since last year Nebraska where it felt like one game will have ripple effects into the future. The good news is some of them didn't look too bad. Another benefit is this team already has six wins and also isn't competing for a conference championship, so the coaching staff can make cautious decisions knowing the postseason isn't on the line. Final benefit is there's a bye week after Minnesota, so sitting out sitting out a week means three weeks of recovery.
(6) Another solid week of running the ball. Wasn't spectacular, but this is the proof-of-concept for having three running backs having rotational success. Would like to see more outside-the-tackle running concepts because there is almost zero explosive rate on the inside run calls. Laughery and McCray with two good running weeks in a row.
(7) I'm interested to see how the defense adjusts next week for pressure. I think it was a poor choice to bring minimal pressure against a good offensive line and #1 efficient QB in the country. Gabriel's three lowest efficient games (Idaho, Boise State, Ohio State) have been against their highest-allowed pressure rate. This is especially showing up for Illinois being one of the worst teams in allowing third-and-long conversions. That 3rd-and-17 that was converted near the end of the first was final blow to Illinois sticking around. Getting the stop there and putting the offense quickly back out there after their previously long drive would have provided a couple different benefits.
(8) Tackling was awful. For a team that hangs their hat on turnovers, bend-but-don't-break, poor tackling is death.
(9) Tyson Rooks following the career path of Kerby Joseph by waffling back-and-forth from WR to S rooms???? Very presumptious there but happy for him to have that awesome moment against one of the best QBs in the country. He might be needed for 20 snaps against Minnesota.
(10) Offensive line update: I have not been a fan of Crisler for two years now but we're reaching the point where it feels indefensible to play him. Even with him rotating with Henderson he is not performing well. Henderson had his best pass blocking performance in his career (with snap considerations). Crisler needs to go back to the bench. Davis and Priestly are still performing better than PFF's grades (in my opinion).
(11) Dixon had his highest target rate by 2x this week. Optimal timing with the strong possibility of no Bryant this weekend.
I should just clarify now that I was kidding and made all of that up
Turning recruiting buzz into results is why the last 4 games record matters imo. We've had buzz before
We're cool no problem.. wish you guys well going forward. Its sort of a "get to knowing people" kind of thing.
Really. I respect your views, but i think going 2 wins and 2 losses and eight wins is basically where Illini football fans should hope for based on the strength of the Big Ten.
Regarding point number 2 (I haven’t read past that yet)Game Notes:
(1) Team record is 6-2. The spread closed around 22 or 23. It's important to remember these components when rationalizing the Oregon game results.
(2) I'll keep this one simple: wasn't the best day for the coaching staff. First non-successful first offensive drive in a long time. Defense was shellacked until Oregon called off the dogs. Some folks around here defended the coaching staff against Purdue for going for two because Bielema knew Illinois' defense wasn't going to make stops. The exact opposite decision was made on Saturday where the coaching staff played field position on long third downs or punted on "reasonable" fourth downs knowing that Oregon was just going to score once they got the ball back. All the blame shouldn't and will not be cast on the game plan. It's tough to create a strategy when you are at such a talent deficit.
(3a) Bigger narrative, tied to Bielema's comments last week about NIL - it was obvious during the game (and even before the game) that there is a wide gulf in talent between Oregon and Illinois' roster. That gulf is very likely never to be closed, but more recruiting victories can start to bring margin of errors closer together. Since Bielema has gotten here we have seen some long-term recruiting progress happening, especially within the state. There's also a (earned) believe that this staff can develop talent in a way that the past 40 years of Illinois coaches could not. Next step is drawing similar talent that schools like Wisconsin and Nebraska so when you do hit on a top-18 national QB then you can have a season-long ranked team and be a contender for a playoff spot. Right now, you need a once-in-a-generation situation (a la 2024 Indiana) for that to happen.
(3b) The next step is hitting on more Plan A recruits. There's no doubt this staff can identify really good, potential talent. If you some evidence, look at this mid-October 247 article on biggest risers in the Midwest. Look at the names on this list: Derrick Simmons (Illinois June visitor), Talyn Taylor (early Illinois offer), Burke Gautcher (early Illinois offer), Jayquan Stubbs (was scheduled but committed to Minnesota before visit), and Darrin Strey (Illinois June visitor). All of those guys are potential difference makers. I know that I put out a comparison by offers last year (and will again this offseason), but rankings are still correlated with winning. If you swapped each of those guys into the current class and removed the plan B or C guy the staff took on instead, the recruiting ranking would jump from 60 to 32nd. It's a big difference. I love what Bielema in staff is doing to capitalize for the '26 and '27 classes. I would bet that next year's class is noticeably improved compared to this class. Alright, enough of the recruiting discussion
(4) Altmyer seems to lock on to his preferred route more when playing a superior team or feeling that he needs to be Hercules for his team to win. There were a handful of first half moments where Lunney schemed a guy open but Altmyer missed or spent too long on one option. It's true that Illinois needed A+++ Altmyer to have a chance, but he can't mentally will a teammate option. He has to trust the play call and all skill position guys.
(5) Injuries were a big concern - first game since last year Nebraska where it felt like one game will have ripple effects into the future. The good news is some of them didn't look too bad. Another benefit is this team already has six wins and also isn't competing for a conference championship, so the coaching staff can make cautious decisions knowing the postseason isn't on the line. Final benefit is there's a bye week after Minnesota, so sitting out sitting out a week means three weeks of recovery.
(6) Another solid week of running the ball. Wasn't spectacular, but this is the proof-of-concept for having three running backs having rotational success. Would like to see more outside-the-tackle running concepts because there is almost zero explosive rate on the inside run calls. Laughery and McCray with two good running weeks in a row.
(7) I'm interested to see how the defense adjusts next week for pressure. I think it was a poor choice to bring minimal pressure against a good offensive line and #1 efficient QB in the country. Gabriel's three lowest efficient games (Idaho, Boise State, Ohio State) have been against their highest-allowed pressure rate. This is especially showing up for Illinois being one of the worst teams in allowing third-and-long conversions. That 3rd-and-17 that was converted near the end of the first was final blow to Illinois sticking around. Getting the stop there and putting the offense quickly back out there after their previously long drive would have provided a couple different benefits.
(8) Tackling was awful. For a team that hangs their hat on turnovers, bend-but-don't-break, poor tackling is death.
(9) Tyson Rooks following the career path of Kerby Joseph by waffling back-and-forth from WR to S rooms???? Very presumptious there but happy for him to have that awesome moment against one of the best QBs in the country. He might be needed for 20 snaps against Minnesota.
(10) Offensive line update: I have not been a fan of Crisler for two years now but we're reaching the point where it feels indefensible to play him. Even with him rotating with Henderson he is not performing well. Henderson had his best pass blocking performance in his career (with snap considerations). Crisler needs to go back to the bench. Davis and Priestly are still performing better than PFF's grades (in my opinion).
(11) Dixon had his highest target rate by 2x this week. Optimal timing with the strong possibility of no Bryant this weekend.
The first drive was not successful but had a missed facemask and either our QB was called down when he was nowhere close to being down OR he was called for intentional grounding without ever having a flag thrown.
It was completely bogus the way Oregon got the ball back so quickly. How were we supposed to get any kind of momentum or keep them off the field when this happens right out of the gate?
Mr. Tibbs
- southeast DuPage
money talks
Illini2010-11
- Sugar Grove
