IlliniHQ 2

General Category => Halas Hall Football Forum => Topic started by: frankiew on July 03, 2023, 01:54:54 PM

Title: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: frankiew on July 03, 2023, 01:54:54 PM
I am SUPER pumped for this season, more than basketball.  When was last time we could say that?

I think 8 wins is in reach possibly 9

I hope the crowd show up

Appreciate what we are doing!!
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Custard on July 03, 2023, 02:06:36 PM
There does seem to be a bit of positive momentum happening.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on July 03, 2023, 02:30:54 PM
With what we lost, 6-6 and a bowl bid is a good season.
Hopefully, McCray is healthy and able to put in a full season.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Reacher on July 05, 2023, 10:30:18 AM
I am SUPER pumped for this season, more than basketball.  When was last time we could say that?

I think 8 wins is in reach possibly 9

I hope the crowd show up

Appreciate what we are doing!!

Good point. Around the time we went to the Rose Bowl, I’d guess.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Reacher on July 05, 2023, 10:31:05 AM
There does seem to be a bit of positive momentum happening.

Is this an HQ meme? If not, I’m turning it into one. Love it.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ILLove1997 on July 05, 2023, 10:35:02 AM
We lost 10 players to the NFL... tamper those expectations my guy
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Jrock74 on July 05, 2023, 10:40:07 AM
We arguably will have the best offensive line in the conference.  The defense has some key returns but will take a step back from last season.

Offensively I think we will have the potential to be much better.   I don't see us being any worse than 6-6. Anything better than that will depend on how good the kid from Ole miss is.


Vegas has the over under for illinois 6.5.  +2000 to win big ten.  That's good for 7th.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on July 08, 2023, 04:54:58 PM
Yeah, 6 wins would be a good season based on how many guys they lost.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on July 08, 2023, 08:46:04 PM
From College Football News a few days ago.

https://collegefootballnews.com/cfn/illinois-fighting-illini-college-football-preview-2023

Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Jrock74 on July 08, 2023, 09:24:25 PM
Yeah, 6 wins would be a good season based on how many guys they lost.

Take the under if you think it's easy money.  ::)
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on July 09, 2023, 12:30:12 PM
Take the under if you think it's easy money.  ::)

I am in line with the article Mn posted. Quite a few question marks on O and in the secondary. Think they should get to 6. 7 would be fantastic. 8 would be stupendous.

An 0-3 start is not out of the realm of possibilities. Toledo appears that it is going to be an interesting opener.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on July 09, 2023, 02:17:57 PM
I am in line with the article Mn posted. Quite a few question marks on O and in the secondary. Think they should get to 6. 7 would be fantastic. 8 would be stupendous.

An 0-3 start is not out of the realm of possibilities. Toledo appears that it is going to be an interesting opener.
A 1-2 start is a possibility. At PU might not be the win that some are counting on. PU seems to have our number.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on July 24, 2023, 06:09:20 PM
New football unis published. They look meh, to me.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Gokuwearsorange/blue on July 24, 2023, 06:18:22 PM
Is Illinois allowed to have a uniform design that is not similar to Syracuse? They look very boring and that block I staying on the helmet is a big letdown.

My grade: C-
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Judge Judy on July 24, 2023, 06:23:09 PM
Yeah, not impressed. The script Illini/Illinois on the helmets would’ve been much better and the vertical stripes are just like a Syracuse reject. It’s crazy that that’s all Nike can come up with. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on July 25, 2023, 06:50:16 AM
The shoulder stripes don't fit but we've had much worse jerseys.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Custard on July 25, 2023, 09:19:15 AM
I like them a lot better than last year’s.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on July 25, 2023, 12:24:59 PM
Jim Leonhard now an Illini analyst while Wisky pays him $1m a year. Nice.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: frankiew on July 25, 2023, 12:29:01 PM
Jim Leonhard now an Illini analyst while Wisky pays him $1m a year. Nice.

That's a great move by us
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Judge Judy on July 25, 2023, 01:08:00 PM
Yes, Bielema knows what the fuck he is doing. Great pickup!
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on July 25, 2023, 01:29:23 PM
A hot prospect for a HC job somewhere takes a job with us. Should be a great hire.
 golds! golds! golds! golds! golds!

Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ridingthegrange on July 25, 2023, 04:21:35 PM
Jim Leonhard now an Illini analyst while Wisky pays him $1m a year. Nice.

Sweet!  Brett channeling Nick?
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Chickengeorge on July 26, 2023, 07:38:57 AM
So, his family is supposedly staying in Madison and he doesn't have to be in Champaign full time. All signs point to this being a brief stayover until he figures out his next move. Still, a good get.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Judge Judy on July 26, 2023, 08:50:59 AM
So, his family is supposedly staying in Madison and he doesn't have to be in Champaign full time. All signs point to this being a brief stayover until he figures out his next move. Still, a good get.

Well duh. He’ll definitely have HC jobs offered to him next offseason for sure.


It’s a win-win for both. Especially good for Aaron Henry in his first season as D-coordinator. Nick Saban does this all the time for coaches that are in between jobs. Always great to have great minds bouncing ideas around in your office for a year to gain more knowledge and insight.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on July 26, 2023, 09:24:44 AM
Well duh. He’ll definitely have HC jobs offered to him next offseason for sure.


It’s a win-win for both. Especially good for Aaron Henry in his first season as D-coordinator. Nick Saban does this all the time for coaches that are in between jobs. Always great to have great minds bouncing ideas around in your office for a year to gain more knowledge and insight.
It's something for Leonhard to add to his resume.
It's a win for us and I don't think anyone assumes that it's more than a July to January position.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Judge Judy on July 26, 2023, 09:42:47 AM
It's something for Leonhard to add to his resume.
It's a win for us and I don't think anyone assumes that it's more than a July to January position.

Exactly
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: frankiew on July 26, 2023, 12:09:02 PM
Well duh. He’ll definitely have HC jobs offered to him next offseason for sure.


It’s a win-win for both. Especially good for Aaron Henry in his first season as D-coordinator. Nick Saban does this all the time for coaches that are in between jobs. Always great to have great minds bouncing ideas around in your office for a year to gain more knowledge and insight.

Are we the next alabama
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Judge Judy on July 26, 2023, 12:42:19 PM
Are we the next alabama

No Tempo, we’re not. But Bielema is a big-time college football coach who knows what he’s doing.

Focus.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Reacher on July 26, 2023, 01:27:46 PM
No Tempo, we’re not. But Bielema is a big-time college football coach who knows what he’s doing.

Focus.

Wut…
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: frankiew on August 01, 2023, 06:30:26 AM
31 days


my season prediction

w
w
l
w
w
w
l
l
l
w
l
w

7-5 4-5
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on August 14, 2023, 12:21:09 PM
31 days


my season prediction

w
w
l
w
w
w
l
l
l
w
l
w

7-5 4-5
7 wins and a bowl game, I'll take it. I'm not sure about at PU tho. They just seem to have our number.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 14, 2023, 12:37:07 PM
I thought you were on vacation, Jasn.

I bought season tickets. Been too busy to plan who is going when except for Dad's Day. Did realize last night that the opener was right around corner and needed to figure out what I am doing.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ridingthegrange on August 14, 2023, 12:51:12 PM
I'm optimistic on this schedule.  8-4, 5-4 and a bowl win.  We face 4 new conference coaches. 
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Reacher on August 14, 2023, 01:37:03 PM
Can’t remember the last time I thought I might watch some Illini football before the season even starts. Kind of nice to be semi-relevant again.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Judge Judy on August 14, 2023, 01:39:06 PM
Can’t remember the last time I thought I might watch some Illini football before the season even starts. Kind of nice to be semi-relevant again.

Depending on how this season goes, Bielema might have a bigger Dick than Underwood. I’ll check and let you guys know after the season…
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Reacher on August 14, 2023, 01:44:32 PM
Depending on how this season goes, Bielema might have a bigger Dick than Underwood. I’ll check and let you guys know after the season…

I’m reasonably sure he does.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Judge Judy on August 14, 2023, 02:01:24 PM
I’m reasonably sure he does.

Probably just a little harder to find with his belly…
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Reacher on August 15, 2023, 11:15:33 AM
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/8/15/23830411/illinois-football-needs-a-new-rival-purdue-has-serious-potential-boilmakers-season-bielema-walters
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: murphstahoe on August 15, 2023, 11:33:56 AM
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/8/15/23830411/illinois-football-needs-a-new-rival-purdue-has-serious-potential-boilmakers-season-bielema-walters

The new rival will be UCLA. Never forget Neuheisel!
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 15, 2023, 02:34:19 PM
The new rival will be UCLA. Never forget Neuheisel!

Won't forget how warm it was that day for that ass kicking.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on August 15, 2023, 02:49:35 PM
Won't forget how warm it was that day for that ass kicking.
The nation's high. 84 degrees.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: murphstahoe on August 16, 2023, 11:53:00 AM
well at least we play Florida Atlantic this year, that will be a win after DeSantis bans African-American Studies and the FAU team isn't allowed to watch game films
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: murphstahoe on August 16, 2023, 11:53:50 AM
well at least we play Florida Atlantic this year, that will be a win after DeSantis bans African-American Studies and the FAU team isn't allowed to watch game films

Then again he's banning "Advanced Placement AA studies" and the Illini might not yet fit that bill
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 16, 2023, 12:11:12 PM
well at least we play Florida Atlantic this year, that will be a win after DeSantis bans African-American Studies and the FAU team isn't allowed to watch game films

Wow. This would get you crucified on The Twitter. Deservedly so.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Illinifan5775 on August 16, 2023, 06:09:01 PM
Won't forget how warm it was that day for that ass kicking.
You talking 1984 Rose Bowl? Or the last time the Illini played there? 2003 or so? I was at both of those, a 45-9 drubbing and a 6-3 snooze fest.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: murphstahoe on August 16, 2023, 07:03:56 PM
Wow. This would get you crucified on The Twitter. Deservedly so.

This isn't twitter, it's the cesspool. GWTFP
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 16, 2023, 07:41:32 PM
You talking 1984 Rose Bowl? Or the last time the Illini played there? 2003 or so? I was at both of those, a 45-9 drubbing and a 6-3 snooze fest.

Rose Bowl, 1984
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 16, 2023, 07:41:57 PM
This isn't twitter, it's the cesspool. GWTFP

Murph=Golf is a match
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ILLove1997 on August 16, 2023, 08:46:07 PM
well at least we play Florida Atlantic this year, that will be a win after DeSantis bans African-American Studies and the FAU team isn't allowed to watch game films

😂
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Reacher on August 16, 2023, 09:10:14 PM
You talking 1984 Rose Bowl? Or the last time the Illini played there? 2003 or so? I was at both of those, a 45-9 drubbing and a 6-3 snooze fest.

It was 2008. I was there. It was 49-17.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on August 16, 2023, 10:06:56 PM
You talking 1984 Rose Bowl? Or the last time the Illini played there? 2003 or so? I was at both of those, a 45-9 drubbing and a 6-3 snooze fest.
The 6-3 snooze fest you're referring to was probably Tepper losing 6-3 to UCLA in the Hancock Bowl.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 16, 2023, 10:14:03 PM
The 6-3 snooze fest you're referring to was probably Tepper losing 6-3 to UCLA in the Hancock Bowl.

Tepper's big change to the offense that game was including the QB Option.  It did not work well. A portent of things to come.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Custard on August 17, 2023, 01:08:06 AM
It was 2008. I was there. It was 49-17.

Much closer than the score indicated
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on August 17, 2023, 06:58:30 AM
Much closer than the score indicated
A chance at a change in momentum going into the half and Cumberland drops the ball in the 2nd quarter and USC scores on their next possession.

The ball bounced their way, but good teams make their own breaks.

Oh, and I was there too.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 17, 2023, 07:53:12 AM
It was 2008. I was there. It was 49-17.

Was there as well. Was not as warm as 1984.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 17, 2023, 07:55:39 AM
A chance at a change in momentum going into the half and Cumberland drops the ball in the 2nd quarter and USC scores on their next possession.

The ball bounced their way, but good teams make their own breaks.

Oh, and I was there too.

There was the play where the Illini receiver was stripped of the ball going into the end zone followed by the USC errant backwards pass that ended up going for a USC big play/touchdown.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on August 17, 2023, 09:48:06 AM
There was the play where the Illini receiver was stripped of the ball going into the end zone followed by the USC errant backwards pass that ended up going for a USC big play/touchdown.
Are you referring to Cumberland's 2nd quarter fumble at the USC 25 or so ?
He may not have scored and we may not have scored but that one hurt.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 17, 2023, 11:32:29 AM
Are you referring to Cumberland's 2nd quarter fumble at the USC 25 or so ?
He may not have scored and we may not have scored but that one hurt.

It was 21 10. I think it was Hubie Graham. The ball was recovered in the end zone and then the McKnight play was right after that.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: frankiew on August 17, 2023, 11:55:26 AM
It was 21 10. I think it was Hubie Graham. The ball was recovered in the end zone and then the McKnight play was right after that.

I remember the power going out at my job that day and wasn't going to be restored for 5 to 6 hours so I gotta watch the game live
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on August 17, 2023, 01:46:14 PM
It was 21 10. I think it was Hubie Graham. The ball was recovered in the end zone and then the McKnight play was right after that.
I'd forgotten about that one. Thanks, lol.
I haven't forgotten the McKnight play tho. 🤬
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Custard on August 17, 2023, 01:59:21 PM
I remember it as Cumberland fighting for the goal line long enough that he got stripped. USC recovered in or near end zone and then the freakish McKnight play happening right after and just sucking the life right out of the Illini.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ridingthegrange on August 17, 2023, 02:02:53 PM
That's what I recall.  Also, that Benn unsportsmanlike penalty in the second half might be my favorite Illini penalty ever.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 17, 2023, 03:29:42 PM
https://youtu.be/v5byw96Vt00?t=1440


Cumberland was good ol' number 17.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on August 17, 2023, 04:23:24 PM
It was Jacob Willis who fumbled at the goal line in the 3rd qtr, down 21-10.
Booty bounced one to McKnight after that and McKnight went for 65 yards and the rout was on.

Cumberland fumbled in the 2nd quarter around the USC 25 trying to get more yards after the catch. We needed points after spotting USC the 21-0 lead.

Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 17, 2023, 04:41:17 PM
It was Jacob Willis who fumbled at the goal line in the 3rd qtr, down 21-10.
Booty bounced one to McKnight after that and McKnight went for 65 yards and the rout was on.

My bad. Graham was sweater number 83 the following year. Later transferred to Pitt. Was a PA fella.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on August 24, 2023, 09:24:26 PM
Some game day info for home games.

https://fightingillini.com/news/2023/8/24/new-enhancements-highlight-the-2023-fighting-illini-football-fan-experience
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 24, 2023, 10:13:46 PM
Some game day info for home games.

https://fightingillini.com/news/2023/8/24/new-enhancements-highlight-the-2023-fighting-illini-football-fan-experience

Thanks, Mn. Insightful!
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Custard on August 24, 2023, 10:51:43 PM
Hopefully people download their E tickets this year.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on August 25, 2023, 06:51:12 AM
Thanks, Mn. Insightful!
You might have to put up with chicken and waffles instead of Orange Chicken if you need to grab a bite to eat at a food truck.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: frankiew on August 25, 2023, 07:18:05 AM
I heard the wyoming game last year went poorly

Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 25, 2023, 07:28:55 AM
You might have to put up with chicken and waffles instead of Orange Chicken if you need to grab a bite to eat at a food truck.

Man, I could go for some good Orange Chicken. Been awhile since my go to place downtown closed during The COVID....
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on August 27, 2023, 09:29:58 AM
Rah rah rah. Sis boom bah.
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/8/25/23844778/illinois-roster-is-ready-for-the-expectations-football-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-bret-bielema

Jordan Anderson is listed at 6'4" 245 lbs.
Josh McCray 6'1" 235 lbs.
Kaden Feagin 6'3" 250 lbs.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Reacher on August 27, 2023, 10:07:40 AM
Rah rah rah. Sis boom bah.
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/8/25/23844778/illinois-roster-is-ready-for-the-expectations-football-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-bret-bielema

Jordan Anderson is listed at 6'4" 245 lbs.
Josh McCray 6'1" 235 lbs.
Kaden Feagin 6'3" 250 lbs.

Ok
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: ThePAMan on August 27, 2023, 11:38:44 AM
Rah rah rah. Sis boom bah.
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/8/25/23844778/illinois-roster-is-ready-for-the-expectations-football-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-bret-bielema

Jordan Anderson is listed at 6'4" 245 lbs.
Josh McCray 6'1" 235 lbs.
Kaden Feagin 6'3" 250 lbs.

Are these confirmed weights or Trump Self Reported Jail Weights.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on August 27, 2023, 12:18:46 PM
Are these confirmed weights or Trump Self Reported Jail Weights.
These are straight from an approved source, FightingIllini.com.

But I can not confirm that the heights or weights are accurate.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Reacher on August 27, 2023, 12:57:21 PM
These are straight from an approved source, FightingIllini.com.

But I can not confirm that the heights or weights are accurate.

This is crucial information to us. We need this verified.
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: Judge Judy on August 27, 2023, 01:35:02 PM
This is crucial information to us. We need this verified.

Are you a conspiracy theorist nut?! You don’t believe the information straight from the horse’s mouth that they’ve given you?!
Title: Re: 2023 fighting illini season
Post by: frankiew on September 11, 2023, 07:01:38 AM
I changed my prediction 6 and 6