Fan Blog

Perfect day. Perfect outcome.

Posted by: Kim Johnson

Sunday, November 2, 2008 1:43 PM

Dad's Day.  It is so nice to get a win for the dads in the crowd.  For many, it's their only game of the season.  Who wants to take their dad to a bad football game?  Especially after they have put on such a good show with the Marching Illini at halftime (it's always my favorite halftime show of the season).  I think they got their money's worth with an Illini victory on Saturday.

 

And what a perfect day for football.  The Illini made it that way in a must-win game against the dreaded Hawkeyes.  I think that Iowa thought they were going to march in here and have the outcome they were accustomed to seeing in the last 5 matchups against Illinois.  But it was the Illini defense that stepped up their game to deny them this time.

 

I'll admit that on the outside I was saying, "I think it'll be a victory" but on the inside thinking, "I am very worried."  The whole first half gave me no reason to commit to one feeling or another.  I was encouraged by the good opening kickoff coverage and first punt coverage, but then the Illini got a penalty and I thought, "Here we go again." 

 

Really, much of the game left me thinking that at any moment the tide could turn and Iowa would be right back in it.  What kept bringing me back to positive thoughts, though, was something different than most games this season:  the defense.   It seems all the defensive players made contributions.  From the number of sacks, to the slowing down of Iowa's run game, to holding the Hawkeyes to field goals instead of touchdowns, the defense knew they had to get it done.

 

My favorite defensive play (and play of the game) was probably the same for everyone.  It should be shown to every kid in sports to teach about never stopping and never giving up.  When Dere Hicks rushed through the Iowa line and hit Stanzi, forcing the fumble, he could have stopped and thumped his chest to let everyone know he just made a great play.  But he didn't stop; he was the first one to the fumbled ball, picked it up, and scored.  Never give up; never quit.  That is what makes the difference in games like this. 

 

On offense, I loved Sykes' catch for the touchdown in the 3^rd quarter.  There's nothing better than those big plays.  I wasn't too worried about Juice's interceptions, as the first one was a good pass, but just a missed catch.  I am still undecided on Eddie McGee the receiver.

 

For my weekly complaint of the game, I can't figure out the lack of penalty calls on the fair catches by Benn.  He was either crowded or bumped twice, but there were no calls.  I know the Illini have gotten called for it before.  Oh well.  Iowa still lost!

 

How could I wait so long before I mentioned Matt Eller?  Do you think he felt the pressure?  If he did, we'll never know.  Pretty big kick for a redshirt freshman.

 

What a day for football games, not only in the Big Ten, but all over.  Too bad Minnesota got beat (do you detect the sarcasm?), but I am even more nervous now about the Illini playing Northwestern.  I feel a tiny-bit sorry for Indiana (I can't believe I just said that).  Ah, and then there's Michigan.  What more is there to say but "Go Boilers?"  Lastly, I was cheering for Texas Tech last night.  What a game that was.  Glad to see Texas get beat. 

 

It was a long day of football, but what a day it was.  I am wondering if I will be watching the Illini on TV next Saturday.  It could make for an interesting blog next week if I haven't seen the game!  Regardless, I know I'll have an opinion.  Seen or unseen, I think we'll come away with an Illini win.  Go Illini!

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