|
 We arrived early today because we wanted to see if
the hype has really set in. And judging by the size of the crowds,
the buzz and excitement in and around Grange Grove, the way people
have been scurrying around looking for tickets on third party sites,
the recent recruit signings, etc. let’s just say that the hype is
off to a good start. I don’t know if I’m supposed to say this or
not, but I even spotted the Chief. At least for now the good spirits
are hovering over Memorial Stadium.
But how will we know that this is going to work? What will the signs
be and what will it look like? As for me, it will all be contingent
on wins. I don’t care what we look like, how nice our facilities
are, or even how good our band is (and in my mind it is one of the
elite marching contingents in the nation). I just want to win. And I
want to win consistently.
That may not happen this year or even next year. But I’m hoping that
in 3-5 years this program is competitive every Saturday with a lot
of wins along the way. IF we can get to that level than I feel that
this early hype will have been justified. Recruiting will be the
key. I don’t care who’s coaching, even if it’s a decorated former
NFL coach who has made it to a Super Bowl. I believe it is all in
the Jimmies and the Joes. You just can’t win in the Big Ten or in
big time college football without the talent.
 That being said, I believe that Lovie Smith could well be the coach
who gets it done here. It will however require patience. Patience
from the fans, and yes, patience from the media. Rome wasn’t built
in a day and neither are competitive Big Ten football programs!
Every aspect of this program needs to be analyzed and evaluated.
Tons of energy needs to be put into place when it comes to
recruiting. When you’re going head to head with the Ohio States and
the Michigans you have to become even more resourceful and creative.
Having grown up on California Junior College football, I regularly
saw players I thought could play in the Big Ten or in power leagues,
though nobody was calling me for my tips and insights. However,
former Illini coach Mike White sure showed how valuable those JC
players could be as they led our faithful to some exciting
campaigns. Getting in good with young players in the area JFL
leagues and junior high leagues will also pay dividends for Illinois
down the road. Plugging back into our alumni players all over the
nation and using their insights and connections will also be big for
the Illini.
I probably sound hesitant. I probably sound jaded. But being an
Illini fan the last few decades has shown me what Cub fans have been
through. It’s been a long ordeal. And I know I’m not supposed to be
a passionate fan, but an impartial observer and reporter. I can’t
help it. I love Illinois football. And I want the fans to have
something to cheer about! [to top of second column] |
At any rate, Saturday’s 52-3 rout of the Murray State Racers
followed the perfect Greg Taylor script for disposing of early
non-conference opponents. What is that script?
1) Jump on the opponents early
2) Win the turnover battle
3) Establish the run early and often
4) Put points on the board on every possession
5) Place opponents in 3rd and long situations often
6) Be solid in all phases including special teams
7) Don’t make dumb decisions or take dumb penalties
And on and on this list could go, but I think you get the idea.
Illinois won the toss and deferred and that paid rich dividends
as the Illini snagged two early interceptions that led to an
early 14-0 Illini lead. That lead provided courtesy of two Wes
Lunt passes to Malik Turner, one of 5 yards and the other a
68-yard version.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn took one in from 2 yards out to make it 21-0
Illinois though the Illini really struggled to run the football
in the first quarter. But not in the 2nd quarter. The Jr.
running back from Peoria, Kendrick Foster, broke off two 56-yard
gallops that basically blew the game open as Illinois led 35-3
at intermission. He finished the day w/118 yards rushing and two
touchdowns.
Sr. QB Wes Lunt of nearby Rochester, IL finished the day
15-of-21 passing for 226 yards and 3 tds.
From there it was just a contest to make sure that none of the
Illini front-liners sustained any injuries.
We could say a lot more about both the offense and the defense’s
prowess but keep in mind this was definitely an overmatched
opponent. The best thing we can say is that Illinois defended
home turf and took care of business.
Things will get a lot tougher next week as Illinois will host
#22 North Carolina for a 6:30pm kickoff.
And so it has begun…if Lovie and the Illini can keep delivering
the wins, Champaign Illinois could be a great destination spot
for your future Saturdays. Let’s hope so. [By JEFF MAYFIELD]
Respond to the writer at
jeffqmay@gmail.com.
|
