IlliniHQ 2
General Category => Halas Hall Football Forum => Topic started by: ThePAMan on November 24, 2024, 06:38:47 PM
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Illini opening -7.5 per The VSiN. Also -8 at one gambling site. Seems like too many points! ML started -303 and now down to -285-286! O/u started 44.5. Can get 44. Won't NU want to run the ball? IL run defense is suspect. Hmmmm. Bet the child support payments on NU!
What say you, XQ2 Illini fans?
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Pound these fucking nurds
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This smells like an Illinois loss.
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This smells like an Illinois loss.
Nah northwestern is really really bad
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Nah northwestern is really really bad
Correct me if I’m wrong, but they hung 45 on us in Champaign last year and walked off with the win, no?
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Not sure we’ve earned the right to take anyone lightly.
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They’re not good but looks like the weather may be pretty bad, which could hurt our passing attack. Plus they’re trying to get bowl eligible. I expect them to put up a fight.
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Correct me if I’m wrong, but they hung 45 on us in Champaign last year and walked off with the win, no?
Yes, an NU team with a cloud of stink over them the whole year walked into Champaign and ripped up an Illini team that needed a win to go bowling.
For those not as drunk as Judge Judy and I were that day.....
*In the 2023 matchup, Illinois came up just short in a 45-43 season-ending loss that snapped the Illini's two-game winning streak in the series. Several Illini had sensational senior day performances in the final games of their careers at Illinois. WR Casey Washington caught nine passes for a career-high 218 yards and recorded a career-high three touchdowns. QB John Paddock posted 334 passing yards and three scores, while WR Isaiah Williams, who threw his fifth-career touchdown pass (to Pat Bryant) in the fourth quarter, registered six catches for 57 yards. Defensively, DL Jer'Zhan Newton tallied two sacks. Paddock hit Washington for an 80-yard touchdown with 55 seconds to play. The Illini came up short on the ensuing two-point conversion try after a flag for defensive pass interference was waived off because of a tipped ball.
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They’re not good but looks like the weather may be pretty bad, which could hurt our passing attack. Plus they’re trying to get bowl eligible. I expect them to put up a fight.
Well that was last year 🤷♂️
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Because I am a lazy, privileged older white guy, everything stolen from FightingIllini.com unless otherwise indicated:
#22 Illinois (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) at Northwestern (4-7, 2-6 Big Ten)
Date/Time Saturday, Nov. 30 | 11 a.m. CT
Location Chicago, Illinois (Wrigley Field)
ALL-TIME SERIES vs. NORTHWESTERN
» Series: Illinois leads 57-55-5
» at Wrigley Field: Illinois leads 2-0
» Last: L, 43-45 (11/25/2023 at Illinois) [JUDGE JUDY AND I DRANK BLACKENED AND HOT CHOCOLATE AND PEPPERMINT SCHNAPPS]
» at Wrigley: W, 48-27 (11/20/2010)
» Streak: L1
» at Wrigley: W2
» Bielema vs. Northwestern: 4-2
» as Illinois head coach: 2-1
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – No. 22 Illinois will close its 2024 regular season with a road trip to Chicago, where the Fighting Illini and Northwestern Wildcats will battle for the Land of Lincoln Trophy at historic Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs [BARF]. Kickoff is slated for Saturday at 11 a.m. CT [BOOOOOOOOO] on Big Ten Network.
Northwestern (4-7, 2-6) will play at Wrigley Field for the second time this season after falling to #2 Ohio State, 31-7, at the Friendly Confines on Nov. 16. The Wildcats are coming off a 50-6 road loss to Michigan last weekend, which extended NU's losing streak to two games.
Illinois is looking to reclaim the Hat for the first time since 2022 [YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME] after Northwestern won last year's meeting between the sides in Champaign. The Orange and Blue narrowly lead the all-time series, 57-55-2 [ABOUT SUMS UP THE STATE OF ILLINI FOOTBALL, DOESN'T IT?], which dates back to 1892, while the Illini and Wildcats have squared off in every season since 1927.
Chris Vosters (play-by-play) [AS IF BEING FIRED BY THE BLACKHAWKS ISN'T ENOUGH, HE HAS TO DO THIS GAME], Matt Millen (analyst) [OH THE HUMANITY!], and Kylen Mills (reporter) [IS SHE HOT? SOMEONE GOGGLE IT] have the call on Big Ten Network. The Busey Bank Illini Sports Network has the statewide radio broadcast, with Brian Barnhart (play-by-play), Carey Davis (analyst), and Michael Martin (sideline) on the call.
Illinois at Wrigley Field
Illinois will play its third game in program history at Wrigley Field. The Illini last played at Wrigley in 2010, a 48-27 win over Northwestern, in the famous game that was played in one direction [I WAS THERE AND HAD PREGAMED REALLY HARD]. Mikel Leshoure set an Illinois record with 330 rushing yards at the Friendly Confines. QB Nathan Scheelhaase ran for 97 yards, as Illinois finished with 519 rushing yards in the first football game at Wrigley Field in 40 years.
Illinois first played at Wrigley Field in 1923 when it was known as Cubs Park. The Illini and Red Grange shut out Northwestern, 29-0, in front of 25,774 fans. Grange carried 12 times for 104 yards and three rushing touchdowns, threw one pass for 13 yards, caught one pass for 26 yards, had one interception and returned it for 90 yards, and had three punt returns for 31 yards in his fourth career game. [SOME FACTS FROM FIGHTINILLIN.COM THAT ARE ACTUALLY INTERESTING!] Illinois went 8-0 in 1923 and were crowned national champions.
Red Grange played his first-ever professional football game in front of a sold-out crowd at Cubs Park – now Wrigley Field – on Thanksgiving day in 1925, just 10 days after Grange's last college game for Illinois.
*Illinois and Northwestern will play for the "Land of Lincoln" trophy on Saturday, the 16th battle for the relatively new rivalry trophy. Illinois is 5-10 against Northwestern since the beginning of the Land of Lincoln trophy. [PATHETIC]
*The Fighting Illini and Wildcats played for the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk from 1947-2008. Illinois led the traditional trophy series by a 32-28-2 mark, but Northwestern won the final meeting for the Tomahawk with its 27-10 win in 2008. The Tomahawk was retired following the 2008 season. [BOOOOOOOO! TRUMP WON, BRING IT BACK! SUCK IT, "NATIVES." SHOULD HAVE FOUGHT HARDER!]
*The Land of Lincoln Trophy, a bronze replica of a stovepipe hat famously worn by Abraham Lincoln, was chosen by fans of both schools in 2009 in an online vote to replace the 62-year-old Tomahawk Trophy.
*Illinois trails by one game in the combined trophy series (Sweet Sioux Tomahawk and Land of Lincoln Trophy), 37-38-2.
*The Illini own "Land of Lincoln" trophy wins in 2022, 2021, 2014, 2011 and 2010.
*Illinois is looking to win 9+ regular season games for the eighth time in program history (1892, 1902, 1904, 1983, 1989, 2001, 2007). The school record for total wins in a season is 10 (1902, 1983, 1989, 2001). [SAD!]
*Illinois is in the AP Top 25 for the ninth time this season. Illinois' nine AP Poll appearances this season are the program's most since 2001, when the Illini appeared in 10 polls.
*Illinois was #24 in last week's College Football Playoff Top 25. When the CFP Top 25 is released Tuesday, Illinois will be ranked in back-to-back weeks and for the fourth time in program history. The Illini were ranked by the CFP twice in 2022, reaching as high as #16. Tuesday will be the latest in a season Illinois has been ranked by the College Football Playoff.
*Illinois has four wins this season while ranked in the AP poll, the most since also winning four games while ranked in 2001.
*Illinois is bowl eligible for the second time in the last three seasons. The Illini last went to a bowl following the 2022 season, when the Illini played in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium.
*Illinois will play in two bowls over a three-year stretch for the first time since back-to-back bowl seasons in 2010 and 2011. [SAD!]
Bret Bielema is the first Illini coach to go to two bowl games in his first four seasons since Lou Tepper from 1991-94. [TALLEST MIDGET!]
Big Comebacks and B1G Wins
*Illinois has four fourth-quarter comeback wins this season (Kansas, at Nebraska, Purdue, at Rutgers). [IT IS NOT LIKE THEY HAVE BEATEN THE '27 YANKEE]
*Illinois has a 9-4 record in one-score games over the last two seasons, including a 4-1 record in one-score games this season.
*Seven of Illinois' nine one-score wins over the last two seasons have come in the final minute or overtime. [THRILLINOIS PART DEAUX!]
*Pat Bryant has three game-winning touchdown catches in the final minute or overtime this season, all coming from Luke Altmyer (at Nebraska, Purdue, at Rutgers). Bryant leads the nation in game-winning touchdowns. [NICE!]
*Altmyer has led five game-winning drives in the final minute or OT during his Illini career, including four in Big Ten wins. [BUT MY FORMER ROOMATE/ACCOUNTANT BUDDY SAYS HE SUCKS LIKES FIELDS!]
*Illinois' five Big Ten wins this season are tied with 2022 for the most since Illinois went 6-2 in Big Ten games in 2007 on the way to the Rose Bowl. The Illini are looking for their third six-win Big Ten season since 1990 (2010, 2007).
*Illinois has 21 wins over the last three seasons, the program's most in a three-year span since 1999-01 (23 wins). [WHAT AN INDICTMENT]
Tough, Smart, Dependable
*Illinois is fourth in the Big Ten in turnover margin (+0.45 per game) and sixth in turnovers forced (15).
*Illinois ranks 20th-best in the nation in fewest penalty yards per game (41.6). [RUTGERS GAME DID NOT HELP THIS STAT]
*Illinois' three interceptions thrown as a team are the fewest in the Big Ten and tied for the second-fewest in the nation. Only Army (1) has thrown fewer interceptions than Illinois this season.
*Illinois is 7-0 when it commits zero or one turnover. The Illini are 6-1 when they force one or more turnovers.
Bret Bielema Era [aka THERE ARE A LOT OF MIDGET COACHES IN ILLINI HISTORY]
*Bret Bielema is 26-22 during his Illinois career. Since Robert Zuppke went undefeated in two of his first three seasons at Illinois from 1913-15, Bielema's 26-22 start is the third-best through 48 games by an Illini head coach, behind only Mike White (1980-83) and John Mackovic (1988-91).
*Bielema has won at least eight games in two of his first four seasons at Illinois, becoming the first Illini head coach since John Mackovic (1988-91) to do so.
Bielema's 17 Big Ten wins through his first four seasons at Illinois are the most since John Mackovic won 22 in his first four seasons from 1988-91.
*Bielema's five ranked wins (AP/Coaches/CFP) during his first four seasons are tied for the second-most in program history, behind only John Mackovic (8, 1988-91) and tied with Mike White (5, 1980-83).
*Bielema has three road ranked wins (AP/Coaches/CFP) during his first four seasons in Champaign. He is the second coach in Illinois history to win three ranked games on the road during his first four seasons, joining Lou Tepper (1992-96).
*Bielema has had the Illini ranked in 13 AP polls during his first four seasons in Champaign. Only John Mackovic (39 weeks, 1988-91) had the Illini ranked more during their first four seasons as Illinois head coaches. Mike White also reached 13 AP poll appearances from 1980-83.
*Bielema joined John Mackovic (1988-91) and Lou Tepper (1992-95) [MY STOMACH TURNS EVERY TIME I SEE HIS NAME] as the only head coaches in Illinois history to win 5+ games in each of their first four seasons leading the Fighting Illini.
*Bielema is 9-8 in Big Ten road games at Illinois. His nine Big Ten road wins are the fourth-most by an Illini head coach in his first four seasons, behind only Mike White (11, 1980-83), Lou Tepper (10, 1992-95), and John Mackovic (10, 1988-91).
The Illinois Offense
*Illinois has scored 38+ points in back-to-back Big Ten games for the first time since 2011. [THE SUDAN HAS ENDURED SHORTER DRAUGHTS THAN THIS]
*QB Luke Altmyer's 20/3 TD/interception ratio is the best in the Big Ten and second-best in Power 4 behind only Clemson's Cade Klubnik (29/4) (min. 10 TDs).
Altmyer is 35th in the nation in passing efficiency. His 145.2 passing efficiency would be second-best in a single season in Illinois football history.
*Altmyer is fourth in the Big Ten in passing touchdowns (18) and 26th in the nation. Altmyer is the only quarterback in the nation with 20+ touchdown passes and three or fewer interceptions.
*Altmyer in Illinois wins: 135-for-215 passing (62.8%), 18 touchdown passes, 0 interceptions, 60 rushes, 260 rushing yards (4.3 yards/rush), three rushing touchdowns.
*Altmyer joined an impressive list of Illini QBs who have led the team to three Top 25 wins in a single season over the last 50 years: Jack Trudeau (1983), Jason Verduzco (1990), Kurt Kittner (2001), Juice Williams (2007), and Altmyer (2024).
WR Pat Bryant is tied for the Big Ten lead in receiving touchdowns (9) and tied for 11th in the nation.
*On the game-winning TD at Rutgers, Bryant became the 10th player in Illini history to reach 2,000 career receiving yards.
*Illinois is 6-0 when Bryant catches a touchdown pass.
The Illinois Defense
*In Aaron Henry's second season as defensive coordinator, Illinois ranks 38th in the nation in scoring defense (21.5), an improvement of 55 spots in the national rankings year-over-year (93rd, 29.4).
*Illinois' 11 forced fumbles are tied with Ohio State for the most in the Big Ten and tied for 19th in the nation.
*Illinois' 22.0 sacks in Big Ten games ranks third in the conference, behind only Ohio State (27.0) and Michigan (26.0).
*Illini OLB Gabe Jacas ranks in the top 20 nationally in forced fumbles (t-9th, 3) and sacks (t-20th, 8.0). Jacas is tied for the Big Ten lead in forced fumbles and ranks fourth in sacks.
*Jacas is tied with Penn State DE Abdul Carter for the most sacks in Big Ten games (7.0).
*Xavier Scott is one of 15 semifinalists for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's best defensive back. Scott is the No. 7 graded cornerback in the Big Ten (77.4) according to PFF. He has the No. 14 run defense grade in the nation among cornerbacks (84.1) according to PFF (min. 400 snaps).
*Kaleb Patterson has the No. 5 tackling grade in the nation among cornerbacks (88.6), according to PFF.
*Hank Beatty leads the Big Ten and ranks fifth in the nation with 15.5 yards per punt return.
*Beatty's 15.5-yard punt return average is the best in Illinois single-season history for players that have returned 16+ punts.
*Beatty's 279 punt return yards are the fifth-most in Illinois single-season history.
Illinois Excelling in Close Games
*Illinois is 9-4 in one-score games over the last two seasons, including a 4-1 record in one-score games this season. Illinois has one-score wins over #19 Kansas, #22 Nebraska, Purdue, and Rutgers in 2024.
*Illinois won five one-score games in 2023 (5-3), tied for the most in program history with the 1934 team.
*QB Luke Altmyer has led five game-winning drives in the final minute or overtime during his Illini career. He led the Illini on last-second field goal drives against Toledo (0:05) and Maryland (0:00) in 2023. This season, he has thrown the deciding touchdown to Pat Bryant in the opening drive of overtime wins over #22 Nebraska and Purdue, plus hit Bryant with 0:04 left at Rutgers for a game-winning 40-yard touchdown.
*Seven of Illinois' nine one-score wins over the last two seasons have come in the final minute or overtime. This season, Illinois topped Nebraska and Purdue in overtime and beat Rutgers with 0:04 left. Last season, K Caleb Griffin had game-winning field goals to beat Toledo (0:05) and Maryland (0:00), and WR Isaiah Williams had game-winning TD receptions from QB John Paddock at Minnesota (0:50) and against Indiana (OT) in back-to-back weeks in November.
Go Illini!
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Well that was last year 🤷♂️
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" - George Santayana
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There aren't many bowl predictions other than vs Bama in the Citrus. Let's just keep it that way.
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Franklin looks healthy again.
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Discouraging first defensive series
Very encouraging first offensive series
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Dammit X take a knee there
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There aren't many bowl predictions other than vs Bama in the Citrus. Let's just keep it that way.
If Vanderbilt beats Tennessee here it could upset the apple cart. What a mess. Let’s just win
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If Vanderbilt beats Tennessee here it could upset the apple cart. What a mess. Let’s just win
Ok that aged poorly
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Jesus
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Terrible decision!
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(https://i.ibb.co/NYgKxbz/20241130-113051.jpg) (https://ibb.co/w6Z4yj1)
Fortunately they missed on this. Lol
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Altmeyer man. What are you doing?
And why pass when Laughery was killing them with the run?
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He doesn't call the plays
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Classic using the run to set up the pick
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Letting a junk Northwestern team hang around.
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20:33 to 9:27 time of possession
46-21 plays
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NU was low 30% 3rd down conversions. Today, 6-11.
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NU was low 30% 3rd down conversions. Today, 6-11.
It’s your fault for coming back
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20:33 to 9:27 time of possession
46-21 plays
And another 2 play 45 second possession - sigh
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Pat Fucking Bryant
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Pat Fucking Bryant
That move after the catch was just nasty
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Its ok you all can step off the ledge now
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Its ok you all can step off the ledge now
Altmeyer hurt. Step toward it again.
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Altmeyer hurt. Step toward it again.
We should be running the ball anyway
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Nice OPI not called.
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Where the fuck has Laughery been? He’s averaging like 20 yards a carry and we sent Valentine out there?
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Altmeyer hurt. Step toward it again.
God dammit I jinxed it
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Illini and Buckeyes on suicide watch
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These bums are gonna drive down the field again
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Come the fuck on
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INT!
Needed that
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Run the damn ball
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Run the damn ball
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What a day for Laughery
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Mikel Leshoure 2.0
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Fuckin idiot just fall on the ball, nearly lost it lol
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The fat fuck was trying for a scoop and score. Just fall on it, big guy.
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Looks like Hood has some speed
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Even a chip shot FG is an adventure for us :D
Three score game in any event.
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That was a crap PI call
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"He bumped him pretty good down the field"
The fuck is Millen watching? I didn't see any bumping going on.
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I think we got this one in the bag
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I think we got this one in the bag
Agreed - gotta switch games
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Good. Get Bryant another td
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9-3. A great year. I was hoping for a bowl, any bowl.
Beat Bama, assuming they beat Auburn.
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Pat Bryant recovers the onside. Could be his last catch in an Illini uniform.
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9-3. A great year. I was hoping for a bowl, any bowl.
Beat Bama, assuming they beat Auburn.
An outside shot at the playoffs if not for the shitting of the bed against Minny.
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But good chance we’ll get an opportunity to exact revenge on the ghost of Bear Bryant for our 1982 Liberty Bowl defeat. More likely we lose by 26 though.
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Insane season really, remember we were picked by most in the preseason to finish dead last or close out of 18 teams in conference (then again so was IU)
https://badgerswire.usatoday.com/lists/big-ten-2024-power-rankings-from-the-athletic-preseason-1-134/
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He doesn't call the plays
Classic MN here
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The tragedy here was the Diet Coke was frozen when they were pouring my double Jim Beams and diet
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The tragedy here was the Diet Coke was frozen when they were pouring my double Jim Beams and diet
The tragedy is putting DIET coke into your Jim Beam
I mean WTF a shot of Beam has as many calories as the coke
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Classic MN here
Classically lame.
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Did they put enough grenadine in your Shirley Temple?
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Did they put enough grenadine in your Shirley Temple?
It was frozen