My thoughts on the game (since I was there).....
Our opening drive was excellent. Despite an under thrown ball by Boeckman, Hartline made a great play and took us down the field....finished by a Beanie TD. Illinois opening drive was about the same, just swapped (long run, short pass for TD). After the opening drive, I thought the D would've really settled down and played like the #1 defense in the country....but it didn't happen. It was extremely frustrating because it seemed like the Illini were running the same play over and over again (PA fake and Williams takes off or straight hand off out of the gun) and we couldn't stop it. Boeckman's first INT was just a forced throw, which was a bad decision. During the 2nd quarter, our O line play was absolutely dreadful. Boeckman had NO time, which led to some mistakes. Going in to the Half and only being down 7, I thought Tressel would get the boys fired up and we'd come out firing in the 2nd half, as we usually do. From my point of view, it honestly looked like the WRs would run their routes and then just stop. It didn't really seem that they were "trying" to get open for TB and as a result, he would have to scramble. Taking nothing away from the Illini, I think they played excellent on both O & D, but it just seemed like the Bucks "gave up", especially on O.
Anyway, I'm over the loss and looking ahead to scUM. Like I said in the "It Ain't Over" thread....we can't make the NC game every year guys. We are STILL one of the best teams in the Country and will continue to be for many years. I'd be very happy with a 11-1 regular season record and be the Big Ten Champs once again, with a trip to the Rose Bowl. If we somehow make it to the NC game, then great....but if not, it's not the end of the world. Hopefully this loss was a huge wake up call and the team will come out pounding on TSUN.
On another note....I was truely disappointed with our fans yesterday. I couldn't stand the fact that people were leaving with over 3 minutes to go in the game and saying the game was over. Have some respect for the guys that you call "your team" and stick it out with them. I was also disgusted with fans booing the Buckeyes at the end of the game. I also overheard some moron (wearing scarlett & grey) claim that the Buckeyes suck and that Ohio would take it to us next year. I really wanted to stand up and beat the shit out of this kid, but I held myself back. Whether we win or lose, I will NEVER down the players nor the coaching staff. I'm with this team through wins and losses, no matter what.
