Illini still not at full strength, but more than enough for ISU
by Joe Kutsunis on Sep 12, 2009 9:16 PM CDT
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It all started off so well for Juice and the Illini, a 49 yard run that ends at the 2, with Juice tripping up on his own feet. A quick score by Jason Ford and the Illini were off and running right? Well the Illni yes, ran exceptionally well, but they had to do so with out Juice.
On that same great play Juice tweaked a quad and was out for the rest of the game. The offense then moved to Eddie McGee and for the most part, never looked back.
I don't know if the stats are misleading or not, given that the offense was going up against an FCS front 7, but the Illini ran all over the Red Birds tonight, with 6(!) players getting carries and 4 of them running for at least 50 yards (i will round up Juice's 49.) Needless to say the Illini were committed to getting control the game.
The big player in the passing game was Micheal Uh-oh spaghetti-os, with 3 catches for 50 yards, and a couple decent runs after the catch. But the offense is not really the issue today, we expected them to roll against this defense, after all so did eastern last week.
what is really of note is the continuing problems that the Illini have had against the pass, allowing an RS freshman from an FCS team in his first start to pass for over 350 yards and 2 TD's. If the secondary is going to struggle in a game like this I really really am worried about Ohio State, and MSU, and Penn State, and Michigan and right on down the line.
But tonight was a win, and we shouldn't forget that it was a win that was never really in doubt. The Illini offense very much pushed around the Redbird defense, and did so with out one of its biggest play makers once again. Juice was probably held out for no other reason than caution as he was seen moving around and wearing a headset on the sideline. Maybe, when this offense is at its fullest strength in 2 weeks we can really see some fireworks.
A more well thought out recap tomorrow Monday, but for now enjoy the first Illini win of the season, there are no guarantees in football.
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Yeah, I missed the GDT.
No, it was not because of a feeling that I’m a bad luck charm to GDT’s.
Yes, that game was refreshing . . . but there’s a stigma that’s probably abound among the BCS school coaches that sums everything up perfectly . . . “I’d rather have a bad win than a good loss”. That’s hard to disagree with.
This win wasn’t TOO bad, but I dunno . . . I guess I expected the Illini to blow ’em out by a bit more. Or something. I guess that makes me a terrible sport, but I guess . . . I am.
Anyway, REALLY liked what I saw out of McGee tonight. Very nice indeed.
One day, David Backes and Albert Pujols will combine forces to become the most awesome piece of violent force known to man.
I find it amazing that Benn didn't
Get touches. Is this the grand Zook plan to keep him for his senior year? Don’t let him amass any stats?
OSU did not impress me on offense in either of their first 2 games. I hope Juice throws 40 times and puts the ball into the hands of our big, physical receivers. Pryor looks uncomfortable having to throw and if he has to play catchup I can see some INTs coming.
by Duck99 on Sep 13, 2009 12:08 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Benn is still gimpy, and they might not have played him much
I’d rather he get back to full strength, than get hurt worse against an FCS school
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