Seems weird to be doing this on a Thursday morning--I almost forgot. I think I've only missed one opening game day in the last 20 years.
As Illini fans most of us have developed a bit of caution. It's rare that our beloved even meet, much less exceed preseason expectations or hopes. But I always awake game day with an irrational hope I'm going to be starting a 3-month journey of witnessing something memorable in a special way. And the feeling abides.
As usual with this type of opponent I'm looking for Illinois to be sharp, efficient, and business like. I want to see plenty of opportunity for key reserves to get out there and work with the rest of the first team at live speed. In other words, I'd like to see them dominate the first half and put the game effectively out of reach.
It's quite likely the coaches will try to hide as much as they can. The reasons are obvious but I hope they don't overdo it to the point they can't put the game away early, or wind up having to work out kinks in any new things they are trying or that new players haven't repped live, in front of a more capable opponent where a gaffe might cost them a game. By now the playbook/system in place should be comprehensive enough that they can play aggressively without detrimentally tipping their hand for week 2.
The key things I'll be looking for is how quickly/decisively QBs execute passing plays, how well the Oline opens things up for RBs, how well the defense can cover receivers, and whether they can disrupt the QB.
Go Illini!!!
As Illini fans most of us have developed a bit of caution. It's rare that our beloved even meet, much less exceed preseason expectations or hopes. But I always awake game day with an irrational hope I'm going to be starting a 3-month journey of witnessing something memorable in a special way. And the feeling abides.
As usual with this type of opponent I'm looking for Illinois to be sharp, efficient, and business like. I want to see plenty of opportunity for key reserves to get out there and work with the rest of the first team at live speed. In other words, I'd like to see them dominate the first half and put the game effectively out of reach.
It's quite likely the coaches will try to hide as much as they can. The reasons are obvious but I hope they don't overdo it to the point they can't put the game away early, or wind up having to work out kinks in any new things they are trying or that new players haven't repped live, in front of a more capable opponent where a gaffe might cost them a game. By now the playbook/system in place should be comprehensive enough that they can play aggressively without detrimentally tipping their hand for week 2.
The key things I'll be looking for is how quickly/decisively QBs execute passing plays, how well the Oline opens things up for RBs, how well the defense can cover receivers, and whether they can disrupt the QB.
Go Illini!!!
