Who are those guys?

Illini thump Penn State 33-13

By Jeff Mayfield

[October 11, 2010]  Before last week's contest versus No. 2 Ohio State, I wrote and thought I turned in my Mutterings column (my high school teachers heard that same story every once in a while on some of my homework). Apparently that article ended up in cyberspace or is somewhere happily bouncing along the hills of Happy Valley, Pa. To recap what I said, or at least what I think I wrote is that Illinois' Fighting Illini football team would be improved, but this current three-game stretch that featured a home game with the Buckeyes and two road tilts -- one with Penn State and one with Michigan State -- would be the Illini's undoing. I just couldn't paint a scenario in which the beloved would find a way to win against these quality opponents.

Once again, this is why the LDN went to great lengths to bring me on as a sports analyst. It's the spot-on predictions and understanding of the game that they pay top dollar for. Too bad they're getting their money's worth each and every story or who knows where I might be today.

I think I also wrote that IF Illinois were to have any chance of winning any of the three games during this brutal stretch, the most likely would be versus PSU. But I wasn't drinking enough Kool-Aid to actually predict it. However, after playing Brutus Buckeye much tougher than I could have ever imagined (in fact, I think I wrote that OSU would win 38-10... I wasn't even close) the thought did cross my mind that I ought to go to Pennsylvania this weekend. Unfortunately, that idea never panned out and I was reduced to watching the game along with the rest of the home viewers. When I flipped to the correct channel, I noticed that the home team was down and the team in white uniforms was holding a slight edge. This team in white was making sure tackles and running its offense with intentionality, purpose and proper execution. Can anybody tell me whom the Nittany Lions played today (Saturday)?

In the classic movie "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," Robert Redford and Paul Newman are being chased by posses, armies and half of the known world. They think they're finally gaining some separation and traverse to a hillside to see how much distance they've put on their would-be captors. They are stunned to discover that their enemies are nipping at their heels. They keep looking at each other from time to time asking the rhetorical question, "Who are those guys?" Well, if you want some real insightful sports reporting, that's what I've been saying about the Illini this season...Who are those guys?

Armed with two new coordinators, Vic Koenning on defense and Paul Petrino on offense, Ron Zook's Illini have resembled a big-time Division I football squad in most every game this year. A bounce here or there, or one less penalty, and the Illini may have had none or only one loss. Even as it is, after the improbable 33-13 thrashing they put on the beleaguered Lions on this beautiful day, the faithful stand at a very respectable 3-2.

I know that fans have so many things pent up that they just want to come unglued and wish and will the Illini into a bowl game right away. I know they want me to write that Illinois only has to win so many games over their last seven to get to make a December or January trip. But I'm not gonna do it. I want to see them do it the old-fashioned way. I want to see Illinois earn it! I want to see them stay this focused. I want to see them stay on task. I want to see them not let anything distract them. For IF they do, maybe they won't just reach the minimum; maybe they can fashion a special season that we'll be talking about when we're strumming harps sitting in the clouds! That's what I want to see.

IF you need further proof as to the amazing, most unlikely, most incredible day in State College, either roll the film or consult the stats. Your investigation will yield convincing proof that Illinois not only won the contest, but also dominated the Lions like they are seldom beaten. I almost hate to bring it up. But do you realize that the last four teams to win at PSU have ended up playing in BCS bowl games? I know it's hard to imagine that, but that's what one of the studio hosts on the Big Ten network had to say about this ballgame. It appears that nobody expected Illinois to beat Penn State on homecoming. Probably a smart bet when you consider that Illinois had NEVER won a game at PSU in the history of the program. I'm sure glad the players aren't reduced to just doing what it says on paper.

I'll save you some of the trouble. IF you were to go to the stats page, here are a few of the indisputable facts:

Stats	Ill.	PSU
First downs	23	7
Net rushing	282	65
Total offense	437	235
Possession time	38:12	21:48
Third downs converted	5 of 13	2 of 14

And the list could go on and on. I am not sure if I can personally remember a more dominating Illini road performance. I certainly can't remember a more dominant one over a quality opponent. Sure Illinois upset No. 1 Ohio State a couple or three years ago, but I wouldn't say the Illini dominated the Buckeyes. And this time I will say that Illinois dominated Penn State. And to think, they thought it was a good idea to play us on homecoming. I would still be dancing in the streets and staying as euphoric as I possibly could at least until the Michigan State game if I only knew who the guys wearing white were this past Saturday. Who are those guys?!

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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