It was an unfortunate day because with the talent we have, the Illini should have played better. I'm not sure what's going on with this team. On defense, we play this zone where the players seem constantly confused. We give up quite a bit of underneath stuff, but also give up the big plays.

On offense, can we all just admit that Juice is not there as a passer? He's a great athlete, but lacks touch, accuracy, and the ability to go through progressions. Eddie McGee should be given some first team reps and allowed to compete for the position.

My last pet peeve...what is up with the goofy thing every time we kick an extra point where the players all run to the sideline and then come back to the middle of the field? Just let the kicker and special teams get set. I don't see any other college team do this.

Posted by quicksand30 on September 5, 2009 at 10:46 PM  |  Suggest Removal

I agree. Juice is a decent player and he didn't kill the team today with interceptions (the one wasn't really his fault) but he doesn't make the critical passes. Everyone knows he can run so I question how much that helps now.

I question whether the injuries really killed them with what I saw. I agree that it is time to give McGee more reps. Juice throws too hard a pass and they don't get caught. The running seemed terrible to me. And where is the defense? Do we really have the players of the quality we need or is it the preparation?

Right now I predict a year no better at best than last year.

Posted by myattitude on September 6, 2009 at 2:10 AM  |  Suggest Removal

You are not going to win any game when you give up 37 points. When was the last time Illinois had even a mediocre defense? When are we finally going to fire our 2 defensive co-ordinators twiddley dumb and twiddley dumber?

And when are we going to get an athletic director that schedules us sacrificial lambs for us to play in our first game like every other team in the big ten instead of scheduling a bcs bowl team?

Posted by dave1956 on September 6, 2009 at 2:47 AM  |  Suggest Removal

Yesterday was a major embarrassment for the Illini Nation. It was a game we were supposed to win. Even the odds-makers believed we would. Nemesis Chase Daniels was gone.

From my perspective, the only bright spot was the offensive line. They gave Juice time to pass, but Tiger defenders knew how to bottle up our receivers. Losing Benn on the first series was a major blow, but a team has to be better than putting all its eggs in one basket.

While the Tiger pass defense was effective against us, ours was almost non-existent. And I'm not talking about their guys being a step or two ahead of ours. I'm talking about totally blown coverage and wide-open Tiger receivers. It was truly pathetic.

I agree with earlier comments here about giving McGee more reps. I've always thought Juice was over-rated. Hey, he's been doing this four years, and yesterday is the best he can deliver?? He was handed his hat by a sophomore, supposedly wet-behind-the-ears Tiger QB.

If yesterday is a harbinger of what's to come, it's going to be a long season. With only ISU lined up as a "little sisters of the poor" easy one, I can easily see just one win in the first half of the season. On the other hand, both Iowa and Ohio State had close ones yesterday, in what were supposed to be easy wins for them. So I suppose there's major concern this morning in Iowa City and Columbus as well.

Posted by anchorman61826 on September 6, 2009 at 6:07 AM  |  Suggest Removal

As a UF Alum, y'all need to expect more of the same under Zook. We suffered less than 3 years with him, but that was too long, and we all know it was a mistake. Lose the games you should win, win the ones you should lose (to delay the inevitable firing). He did not give his patented phrase of "we are making progress" but did say "We'll get back and evaluate that."

I watched the game just to see how the Zooker would do in this year, and sure enough - a couple of good plays then shoot yourself in the foot. That's Zook football - ask anyone in Florida wearing Orange and Blue.

Posted by SouthFloridaGator on September 6, 2009 at 7:09 AM  |  Suggest Removal

Last year against Mizzou, the offence went deep and scored a lot of points. The defense played soft and gave up a lot of points. This year the offense never went long, scored little. The defense played soft, gave up a lot of points. We changed what worked, kept what didn't. Go figure.

Posted by jturner on September 6, 2009 at 9:09 AM  |  Suggest Removal

We lost because we have a coaching staff that sucks. Really, what more needs to be said? Million dollar talent with pea sized brains.

Posted by IlliniHimey on September 6, 2009 at 9:53 AM  |  Suggest Removal

So long Zook. Illini Nation needs a change. Florida was right.

McGee so much better than Juice. ESPN says Juice most over-rated QB in college football. They are correct.

Adios Guenther, Audios Zook. Get the for sale signs in the yard.

Posted by DanGod1 on September 6, 2009 at 10:45 AM  |  Suggest Removal

I'll tell you guys something I live in Illini territory and there is nothing better than a good football team shutting up the Illini fans. It's amazing how a big ten football team would take two time big twelve north champions for granted. It just goes to show Zook= overrated Juice=overrated. This game might have brought you guys back down to earth and maybe it put you in your place.

Posted by MUTIGERS on September 6, 2009 at 12:17 PM  |  Suggest Removal

From what I could see on my TV, the team came out of the tunnel flat & never did show any emotion when the outcome was still to be decided (first half). That's on the coaching staff, especially Ron Zook. As for our 4th year starter at QB: Juice is an exceptional athlete but he's not ever going to be a polished QB. I don't care what Zook says, Juice mostly played like he did freshman year. If this is the way it's going to go all season, I may burn my orange shirts & opt not to watch any more games (on TV or at the stadium). Just kidding about the shirts ...

Posted by cjcohen on September 6, 2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Suggest Removal

How soon can Paul Klee write about basketball. For the love of all that is holy you are only ONE game into the football season. Get over yourselves your basketball team will never be as good as it was without Bill Self recruits.

Posted by MUTIGERS on September 6, 2009 at 2:35 PM  |  Suggest Removal

Sickening trend. No clue Zook = Hot seat. Juice must join him.

Posted by TotalIlliniFan on September 7, 2009 at 9:18 AM  |  Suggest Removal