MSU Thoughts, Standings, & PSU Predictions

Today’s game was another one where I had an idea of what I was going to blog about at around halftime. That being – Illinois was probably going to lose, but it was going to be close, and if the squad were to capitalize on missed opportunities, they may have even been able to pull off the upset. I was even ready to draw a parallel to one of my favorite country songs. Then…this happened, and the wind was taken out of the sails of Illini Nation…
- We are not kidding you, Brian.
And it was all downhill from there. MSU’s offense had not been performing well coming in to this one, so the fact that they put up 42 and were nearly perfect on third down really tells you how much the Illini need to do to get up to par. I’ll give the O and B offense the benefit of the doubt…they had some momentum early, and I’m sure they were on the cusp of continuing that in the second half. But when you’re forced into so many three and outs, it kills any momentum you have.
There are some who are calling for some immediate drastic changes (e.g. to the coaching staff), but I’m waiting one more week before those thoughts start to creep in my head. In the meantime, Coach Beckman summed up the Achilles heel for his team in this one in his postgame radio interview.
- The enemy of my enemy is myself...or something like that.
Twenty-two of our 32 pickers this week correctly picked the victor, however illinifaningeorgia had the only respectable RSDT. He or she also gets kudos for predicting a big MSU offensive performance. Overall, walker drops out of first place by way of his/her pick for Illinois. Bwp 5P is our new lead dog, with DarrenAlman in second and my colleague Matt Daniels in third.
Now, time to get happy (valley)…
Penn State has been a tough team to get a read on this year, with losses to UCF and Indiana (who I still think isn’t as good as many think they are) and a slew of injuries and the big win a couple weeks ago over Michigan. The team likes to pass, with Allen Robinson being the top target of freshman (and just 18 year old) QB Christian Hackenberg. They also like to get their tight ends into the mix. Conversely, the Lions’ pass defense has left a little to be desired this year. So I expect both teams to air the ball out.
Earlier in the year, I lumped this one together with MSU as games that the Illini could steal. But in the present moment I see no indicators that will happen.
MY PREDICTION: Penn State 45, Illinois 14
I’m going to finish this week by talking a little about NCAA compliance staffs. I feel for these guys. Their job is to come down on people for violating rules that many think are ridiculous. There was some great back and forth on social media this week about students welcoming a certain recruit to town…then compliance swooping in to put the kibosh on it. And rightfully so. Small things like tweeting at someone could get a school in hot water and negatively impact its ability to land a recruit. My colleague Matt Daniels had a nice write up on the topic not too long ago.
So I told you that story…to tell you this story. With such a difficult job, I’m sure the work week can get maddening for compliance staffs. So I was delighted to see Maryland take a lighthearted approach to the topic on its Twitter page (see photo at left for an example). I salute you, turtles, and compliance staffs everywhere.
And in case you wondered what that photo sounds like...
- (raises eyebrow)
-Tim
Coming up next Saturday: PSU thoughts, standings, and Indiana predictions
[Beaver Stadium photo via gopsusports.com, Rock audio via RideTheLightning728 on YouTube]
Penn St.- 30
ILLINI-20
Nothing good to add here.
Shout out to Ryan Lankford! Thanks for being an Illini and wishing you the best on your recovery and career!
Illini 35
Penn State 30
PEN ST 38
ILL 17
Really,really disapointed in this team (?) Wheres Ray Nusspickle when you need hjm ? Hate to say it, but I think it's time for all the "T" boys to be relieved of their duties. Does "Homecoming" mean anything to these people?
There's no Fighting left in these Illini. PSU 35, Illini 17.
ILLINI 21
PSU 35
I agree 100% that we are not improved from last year. Then why do you have us losing by only 10 points? Last year we lost to Penn State by 28 points.
PSU 34 UI 24
pen st.............31 illinois.........14
pen st.............31 illinois.........14
Nittany Lions : 41
Illini : 20
Wish I could be more hopeful. I'm really learning to hate these PSU guys.
PSU 35 Illini 21
Penn State 38
Illinois 17
A horrible time to have to play them after the embarrasment they suffered through last week at Ohio State: PSU 34 ILLINOIS 14
Illini shocks us!! Illini 38 Penn St. 27
PSU 35
Ill 14
PSU. 41. Illinois 28! Ugh, sad to say we might not win again!!!!
Illinois 23
Penn St 40
ILLINI............35
Penn St........21
this is the week, the stars the moon and the plants all line up we win.
ok I'm dreaming
as always GO ILLINI
More pain and suffering. The PSU squad has not forgoitten Beckman and his merry band showing up to recruit PSU transfers. They will make us pay. No mercy. PSU 49 Illini 6.
ILLINOIS 14
PENN STATE 41
Illinois 10
Penn St 31
PSU 38
Illini 14
ILLINOIS 34
Penn State 24
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