Pregame: Illinois at USF, Friday, September 15th, 6:00pm CT, ESPN

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#126      
GForce
Yeah, I don't think SFU is as good as advertised, or their ranking. I think we're still more likely to lose - it's a bunch of freshmen playing their first road game afterall. But SFU is on game 3 of a new coaching staff, with all the attendant issues that usually means, so they're beatable. For our D to have a chance, it's all about contain, contain, contain.
 
#128      
james81
As of today, the Yahoo Sports app has had over, 2,200 votes on who will win IL vs USF with 77 percent favoring USF. There's not a single BIG state that gives IL a chance (other than IL). You pretty much have to be an IL fan to believe IL will beat USF. If we do win, it will transform a lot of wide-spread perceptions about the team.
 
#131      
Illwinsagain
BWBW said:
Our D did a much better job against WKU than anyone expected. You are on to something here. Our D will do well against FSU.
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I would be more worried if we were playing FSU, their defense is incredibly fast!:D
 
#134      
Illiini
james81 said:
Anyone with the app. By the way, it's a decent app
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So, if you have the app, you're an expert? Of course, we saw how accurate even the experts are with the WKU prediction.
 
#135      
NScale
james81 said:
As of today, the Yahoo Sports app has had over, 2,200 votes on who will win IL vs USF with 77 percent favoring USF. There's not a single BIG state that gives IL a chance (other than IL). You pretty much have to be an IL fan to believe IL will beat USF. If we do win, it will transform a lot of wide-spread perceptions about the team.
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OTOH, if we weren't playing USF this season, would any of us have even heard of the place?
 
#137      
james81
We get at least one prediction for a victory: Illinois 31, South Florida 27

USF Football: Game preview and prediction vs. Illinois

Plus, some of the Las Vegas guys are taking Illinois and the points. I still think it's too soon to see a trajectory for this team. If they can put together two strong defensive games in a row and show some consistency on offense, we may actually have a Cinderella story in the making. If true, it would get picked up nationally because of Lovie Smith. That would be fantastic PR.
 
#139      
JDHalfrack
Here's a fun fact. If memory serves me correctly, wasn't our last away non-conference win on September 15, 2007? Maybe we can celebrate that awesome anniversary with another?!
 
#141      
skamin7
I am so stoked that this game is still going to be played. This will be only the second time in 20 years that I'll be able to attend a game here in FL. After the storm we all need something to cheer for so hopefully my family will be able to see a really good game and hopefully the first 3-0 start since the rose bowl?
 
#142      
IlliniFisherman
I would love to see peanut tillman on the sideline rocking some illini gear

Also, I too am super pumped for the game. I already have my wings ordered for gametime.
 
#143      
Branson53
skamin7 said:
I am so stoked that this game is still going to be played. This will be only the second time in 20 years that I'll be able to attend a game here in FL. After the storm we all need something to cheer for so hopefully my family will be able to see a really good game and hopefully the first 3-0 start since the rose bowl?
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Actually, I think we lost to Missouri the first game in 2007. We started out 6-0 in 2011 only to finish 6-6 (7-6 after the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl). We were ranked about 15th when we were 6-0 that year. It was fun while it lasted.

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#146      
james81
QB comparison

PASSING

Chayce Crouch: 24 out of 44 for 252 yds; 54.5%; 1 TD, 2 Int
Quinton Flowers 30 out of 54 for 398 yds; 55.6%; 4 TD, 1 Int

RUSHING

Quinton Flowers 36 carries, 137 yds, 3.8 ave, 22 longest, 1 TD
Chayce Crouch 23 carries, 46 yds, 2.0 ave, 16 longest, 1 TD

One of the big differences between these guys is play calling (and I'm guessing time of possession). I think our coaches are somewhat hesitant to have Crouch run. Obviously Flowers has more TDs passing, but considering Crouch has only started 3 games in his career he compares more favorably than I would have thought.
 
#148      
EyeoftheIllini
I don't know if the Illini can score enough to win, which places the burden on the defense. I think the defense will play well and keep USF out of the end zone for the most part but FGs for USF and the Illini's inability to mount a strong offense will lead to a loss. 19-13 USF

Hope I'm wrong.
 
#149      
Fighter of the Nightman
JDHalfrack said:
Here's a fun fact. If memory serves me correctly, wasn't our last away non-conference win on September 15, 2007? Maybe we can celebrate that awesome anniversary with another?!
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Damn, you're right. :eek: I know there aren't THAT many opportunities for non-conference road wins, but we only have 5 in the last 30 years:

9/15/2007 ... W 41-20 at Syracuse
9/1/2001 ... W 44-17 at Cal
9/9/2000 ... W 49-13 at San Diego State
9/18/1999 ... W 41-36 at Louisville
9/4/1989 ... W 14-13 at #5 USC

We haven't beat a ranked team on the road since the upset of #1 Ohio State in 2007 (I do not count the win over #25 NU at Wrigley as a "road game") and haven't beaten a ranked non-conference team on the road since that 1989 game listed above ... new era is in order. :cool:
 
#150      
illiniguy24
There are places in Tampa still without power. Surprised they decided to go through with this game.


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