Illinois Fighting Illini (you'll see)

[OrangeRoughy]

Sorry, this doesn't really blow me away... it's a marked improvement for the Illini, but certainly doesn't warrant chest thumping as the greatest, let alone on a board whose team just dropped $25 million on just their athletic training complex.

I believe that's a picture of the old weightroom. It's my understanding that construction on the new one won't be complete until this summer. The "buzz" around the new weight room is that because it is located 20' from the north endzone underneath the new north stands, the players will be working out with windows overlooking the field in a modern weight room more than twice the size of the old one. Best in the nation? Nah. But 1000% percent better than we where we were at 5 years ago.

 

[OrangeRoughy]

Yeah but with those recruiting classes OSU keeps pulling in, they ain't going anywhere. Plus, don't count out Michigan

Oh, I've already counted out Michigan. Us Illinois fans are very well versed in the confusion brought by a sudden switch from a pro-set offense to a spread option offense. Especially when the QB was recruited as a pocket passer.

As for Ohio State's recruiting - yes, it's been outstanding. But 2009, especially since we play them in September, is the year I think we have a shot at sneaking past them for the Big Ten title. Barring any early defections, Illinois will lose two defensive linemen, two offensive linemen... and that's it. All skill players from 2008 will return for Juice's senior year. Ohio State will lose Boeckman, Robiskie, Nicol, Boone, Rehring, and Person on offense (and could lose Hartline and Beanie early), and Laurinaitis, Jenkins, and Freeman on defense (and could lose Russell and Washington early). They'll obviously reload with blue chippers, but I could see a few early season upsets as their new guys settle in. Here's hoping that Illinois is one of those early season upsets.

 

[SNIPER26]

Oh, I've already counted out Michigan. Us Illinois fans are very well versed in the confusion brought by a sudden switch from a pro-set offense to a spread option offense. Especially when the QB was recruited as a pocket passer.

You should probably beat us once or twice before you do that. Juuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuust my opinion, ya know, considering you haven't done so in the new millenium.

And Rodriguez has repeatedly said he will tailor the O to fit his QB's strengths.

 

[OrangeRoughy]

And Rodriguez has repeatedly said he will tailor the O to fit his QB's strengths.

Then you probably need to find a QB with, you know, "strengths".

 

[SNIPER26]

Then you probably need to find a QB with, you know, "strengths".

Like a former 4* recruit with two years in a collegiate S&C program? Or should we go with a guy who can only complete about 45% of his passes, much like Illinois?

 

[jwinslow]

Like a former 4* recruit with two years in a collegiate S&C program?

0 years in the current offense, besides the largely irrelevant S&C angle when it comes to QBs.

Or should we go with a guy who can only complete about 45% of his passes, much like Illinois?

Try 57.5%. Keep pretending Juice isn't a rapidly improving prospect...

 

[SNIPER26]

0 years in the current offense, besides the largely irrelevant S&C angle when it comes to QBs.Try 57.5%. Keep pretending Juice isn't a rapidly improving prospect...

He is a rapidly improving prospect. Fact still remains that he's completed 48% of his collegiate passes. Just because he took a big dump on OSU doesn't make him that good.

 

[jwinslow]

He is a rapidly improving prospect. Fact still remains that he's completed 48% of his collegiate passes.

Does 48% help you sleep better at night? You and I both know his freshman numbers are pretty irrelevant when he's 20% better a year later, especially at QB.

 

[jimotis4heisman]

Sorry, this doesn't really blow me away... it's a marked improvement for the Illini, but certainly doesn't warrant chest thumping as the greatest, let alone on a board whose team just dropped $25 million on just their athletic training complex.

Some other classic lines from this 'illinois renaissance' website

you comment about illinois' stadium, it is actually one of my favorites ive been to. it is a really cool place to play. i like the pillars, history and the look of the place. plus, anytime you can use the wall to urinate on its a good thing...

 

[SNIPER26]

Does 48% help you sleep better at night? You and I both know his freshman numbers are pretty irrelevant when he's 20% better a year later, especially at QB.

48% tells me he's not some god-like QB everyone on here makes him out to be. Most of his passes are short dumpoffs, real hard to complete.

 

[matcar]

And aside from that, I'd suggest he read up on what Phil Knight has donated to Oregon.

Check out what's happening at Oklahoma State....it's very impressive as well.

 

[Taosman]

It took a near perfect game and a referee decision to win that game. And Buckeye mistakes/lack of interest.
Juice did play well, maybe over his head? But, make no mistake, they have become a solid program. And playing at Illinois is always tough.

 

[jwinslow]

So you're really arguing that he should be judged on his 39% as a frosh as well, and not judged by his 58% as a soph? You don't see the intellectual dishonesty there, ignoring the obvious growth?

48% tells me he's not some god-like QB everyone on here makes him out to be.

So we have to respect Threet b/c of his 2 years in a S&C program and four stars from scout, but have to wait until Juice is an elite qb before appreciating his abilities? Pretty interesting measuring stick you've got there...

 

[matcar]

So you're really arguing that he should be judged on his 39% as a frosh, and not judged by his 58% as a soph? You don't see the intellectual dishonesty there?So we have to respect Threet b/c of his 2 years in a S&C program and four stars from scout, but have to wait until Juice is an elite qb before appreciating his abilities? Pretty interesting measuring stick you've got there...

Juice...reminds me of Stanley Jackson or maybe a smaller Michael Robinson.

 

[BB73]

Juice...reminds me of Stanley Jackson or maybe a smaller Michael Robinson.

A smaller Michael Robinson? Robinson is 6'1" and listed as between 225 and 228 pounds. He was listed at 6'2", 217 at PSU.

Juice is listed at 6'2", and between 220 and 223 pounds, so they're basically the same in stature. Juice is a solidly built guy at QB.