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 And most amazingly, they seemed to steal victory
from the hands of defeat – words that are almost never written in
the same sentence as Illinois football. So what does this mean? What
are the positives? What are the concerns? Where do they go from
here?
What does this mean?
First, with four wins, Illinois is just two more wins away from bowl
eligibility. By contrast, Illinois didn’t achieve win #4 until
mid-way through the conference schedule last season, and needed an
unlikely two game winning streak to get to 6-6 in 2014. While
Illinois could certainly lose out, they have put themselves in a
very good position early in the Big Ten season.
Second, the Illinois team seems to be responding positively to the
coaching change that happened just one week before their first game
of the season. Bill Cubit appears to have the support of his players
and looks comfortable as head coach – a role he held for several
seasons at Western Michigan prior to his time with the Illini. This
is by no means an endorsement to remove the “interim” tag from his
title – five games is far too small of a sample size to make such an
important decision – but facts are facts, and the Illini and head
coach Cubit seems to be a good fit early on.
Finally, fans are talking about Illini football – in a positive
manner! In my 46 years on this earth, this happens far too
infrequently.
What are the positives?
#1 – Without a doubt, the best part of this team five-games into the
season is their defense. The defense has been a major problem the
past three seasons during the Tim Beckman era, and to hear experts
declare the defense is carrying Illinois is music to my ears!
#2 – While the offense has struggled at times this year, QB Wes Lunt
has been able to make big plays when needed, and the Cubit offense
looks like it is not far from clicking. Freshman RB Keshawn Vaughn
stepped right in for the injured Josh Ferguson on Saturday and
Illinois didn’t miss a beat. This is very good news!
#3 – The schedule is somewhat favorable: No Michigan or Michigan
State this year, a season where the Eastern division of the
conference appears to be much stronger than the West (where Illinois
finds itself). Games against Purdue, Minnesota and Penn State are by
no means victories in waiting, but are games Illinois should be able
to compete in.
What are the concerns?
Two major concerns come to mind and I’ll throw in a third for good
measure.
#1 – Special teams – Illinois missed two FG’s and punting was a
serious disadvantage on Saturday against Nebraska. Illinois did
enjoy one nice punt return thanks to VeAngelo Bentley but need to be
at least even in the special teams arena – something that has not
happened during the first five games of the year.
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#2 – The schedule is by no means perfect: Illinois is on the
road for somewhat “winnable” games against the Boilers, Gophers
and Lions, along with a trip this Saturday to Iowa City to play
the Squawks. And only two true home games remain on the schedule
– October 24 against Wisconsin and November 14 against #1 Ohio
State. Wisconsin is struggling at this point – much like
Nebraska – but the Buckeyes are the #1 team in the land and will
be really difficult to beat! Are there at least two more wins on
the schedule? We hope so, but at last one (or more) will
probably need to happen on the road!
#3 – I shouldn’t write it but here goes: Big Ten football
officials strike again. I have NEVER witnessed what took place
Saturday – a down was taken away from Illinois early in the
third quarter during a crucial time of the game – and once
again, Illinois received a letter of apology from the
conference. Maybe I’m just too jaded, but the 2000 Michigan game
in football and the 2013 NCAA basketball game against Miami are
still too fresh in my memory. When will the madness end? OK, I’m
finished – let’s wrap this up.
Where do they go from here?
I have absolutely no idea where they go from here! Therefore,
simply enjoy the ride. I think Illinois could finish 8-4. And I
think Illinois could finish 4-8. Best guess has the Illini
coming in at about 6-6. Whatever the results, enjoy Wed Lunt –
he has a great arm! Enjoy RB’s Ferguson and Vaughn. Enjoy a
defense that appears to be the team strength. Go to one of the
two remaining home games – I promise tickets are available. And
why not consider a post-Thanksgiving trip to Chicago to see the
Illini play Northwestern in Soldier Field?
Bottom line? Illinois football is 4-1! Illinois football needs
just two more wins for a repeat trip to a bowl game! All is not
lost, Illini fans! [By JEFF MAYFIELD/GREG
TAYLOR]
Respond to the writer at
jeffqmay@gmail.com.
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