College- The Huddle @ gregorydowell.com


Rose Bowl: The Aftermath 01.02.2008 4:12PM I'm not about to pretend had Jacob Willis not fumbled at the five yard line and the Illini managed to score a touchdown to close the gap to 21-17, that Illinois would have gone on to win the Rose Bowl (that is one of many bad "breaks" the Illini encountered through out the game). Nope, I don't think it would've happened. I think the USC Trojans were more talented, too fast, and ultimately more experienced (6th straight BCS bowl game) than the Illini for the result to be any different. Ultimately I think the score would have been closer, the result more respectable, but still a USC win. And even in the rout, this was a necessary step towards becoming a perennial Big Ten contender Some quick observations from the game: - Good luck in the NFL, Reshard. The Illini must find a replacement for Mendenhall as yesterday's game was most definitely his final tune-up for the NFL. I think Daniel Dufrene can be that guy, but its going to take some work. - Juice must become a better passer. He'll never be a pocket passer, so he must learn to roll out and make some passes down the field. The glaring problem with the Illini yesterday was the lack of plays down field. Without a vertical passing game the option oriented offense can only go so far. Illinois has the receivers to make the big plays, so Juice must work on making this a possibility. I think Juice is the quarterback for the next two years, but I don't think its a closed case as Eddie McGee, while not as explosive in the running game, has proven time and time again that he provides more than enough in the passing game. This plays directly into Ron Zook and company opening up the playbook and not being so conservative. - Anthony Santella can punt. What the hell got into him during the 6+ weeks since the regular season finale. Early in the game when the offense wasn't producing very much I was sure the game was going to get out of hand a lot quicker because of poor punting. Color me shocked. And I think the special teams were as well as on a few occasions Santella out-kicked the coverage. - The Illinois secondary is still the biggest problem. While the offensive line and linebackers struggled yesterday, the secondary is where all the big plays happened (discounting the strange "breaks"). If you're going to get beat in zone coverage, you might as well switch to man-to-man and "chuck" the receivers at the line of scrimmage. The secondary gave the receivers was too much room and it started with a generous "cushion". - There needs to be a change to the rules so that persistent taunting penalties results in more than a 15 yard penalty. USC had a kicker who could boom the ball so the 15 yard penalty didn't really penalize them. Maybe this is extreme, but by the time the third taunting penalty comes about, that player should be ejected. We get it USC, you're better than Illinois, no need to be douchebags. Sure the Illini are going to lose some playmakers, but for the most part the core of the team returns next season and that core will be a year older. There's no doubt in my mind that the stellar recruiting will continue. So I hope Ron Zook expands the playbook a little and the players strive to be better next year. I don't want to get caught up thinking the Illini should win at least 9 games next year. This team overachieved by miles and honestly a lesser bowl with a beatable opponent might be just the thing next year. Next year's schedule starts with what looks like will be a Top 5 ranked Missouri and again will include, at worst, the National Championship runner-up, as well as the spread offense of Rich Rodriguez's Michigan. But this is just the beginning. Things are looking up. Coming Up Roses 12.02.2007 9:45PM If you go back a few posts, to the October 29 post, you'll see that was I projecting the Illini's post season bowl and I had Illinois pinned for the Champs Sports Bowl, in Orlando, FL, as the fifth pick from the Big Ten. I also said with wins over Minnesota and Northwestern and a huge upset of Ohio State, "the season could go from surprising to spectacular". Well those three wins happened and things have changed dramatically. With Ohio State's ascent to the BCS National Championship, the #13 ranked Illinois were selected to replace the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl, to retain the traditional Big Ten/Pac 10 matchup. Their opponent will be the Trojans of Southern California. So while its puts a stop to the proposed bowl road trip, I can't help but excited about the prospect of a Rose Bowl Championship. As totally unexpected this spot in "The Granddaddy of Them All", I expect the Illini to put up a great fight and in the end have a shot at one final upset this season. The Illini already upset ranked teams in Penn State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State. The last was in Columbus, a very hostile environment, just as the Rose Bowl will be, considering its in USC's backyard. Four months ago I was hoping for 6-6, but was predicting 5-7. The Illini made the greatest turnaround of any program this season and hopefully this is just the beginning. So don't bother me on New Year's Day, because I have plans. Hopefully 2008 starts out on the right foot, with the Illini taking down the Trojans in the Rose Bowl. Be sure to stop and smell the Roses, because it smells awesome. Instant Classic 11.11.2007 12:00AM A little perspective before I gush about the Illini's huge upset of #1 ranked Ohio State. During my four years at Illinois, the Illini won a grand total of 8 games (1, 3, 2, and 2 wins, respectively, each season). The victory today was the Illini's 8th victory this season. To say the least I'm giddy like a child on Christmas morning. Oh yeah, payback's a bitch. Some of you may not remember Sunday March 6, 2005 but on that day the #1 ranked Illini headed to Columbus sitting at 29-0 for the regular season basketball finale. The Ohio State won, though their victory was not as crippling to Illinois as today's Illini victory is, as Illinois didn't even fall from the #1 spot. But not only will OSU drop from #1, but for all intents and purposes, their National Title hopes are dashed. Ah, sweet, sweet revenge. So for the first time all season the Illini played a complete game. Even in victory against Wisconsin and Penn State, there were things to be improved upon. Not so much tonight. Juice followed up his best performance with a more impressive encore performance. I wasn't sure Juice would ever throw for 4 touchdown passes in a game. Now couple that with no interceptions and it seemed completely impossible. And yet he achieved just that in the most important game of his short career. While Juice was impressive, it was a complete team effort that led to the upset. The Illini committed no turnovers, was flagged for one penalty, and picked off OSU three times (once in the endzone). For the third time this season against a top ten ranked rush defense, the Illini ran for over 200 yards. The most impressive runs came from Juice on the game's final drive which included him converting first downs on fourth and inches, and three separate third downs. The fourth down conversion came after a lot of indecision and an Ohio State timeout because they had too many men on the field. Following the timeout, Zook sent the offense on the field and Juice converted. And now if the Illini take care of business at home against Northwestern next week, they're most likely headed to the Outback Bowl. So lets check out the Illini resume, a la, the NCAA March Madness selection committee. Illinois (9-3, 5-2 in Big Ten) 4-1 home, 4-1 road, 0-1 neutral Big Wins: vs. #21 Penn State, vs. #5 Wisconsin, @ #1 Ohio State Bad Losses: @ Iowa The Iowa and/or Michigan loss(es) hurt when they happened, and now they sting even more. It's time like these where you really wish Illinois hadn't laid an egg against Iowa. Not even considering the questionable decisions by Zook, it was a completely uncharacteristic game when you consider the whole of the season. You also wish Kyle Hudson didn't muff a fair catch inside the Illini 20 against Michigan with the game tied at 17 late in the game. In all honesty we should have only lost one of the two games. Man, winning makes you greedy. Here the Illini sit at 8-3, way ahead of expectations, and I'm bitching that they should be 9-2. Now I can die a happy man. The Illini beat #1 ranked Ohio State. I'm going to enjoy this for a long time. Looks like my New Years plans will involve bowling. Let's Go Bowling! 10.29.2007 6:33PM With a 28-17 Homecoming victory over Ball State, the Fighting Illini became bowl eligible for the first time since the conclusion of the 2001 regular season. That year the Illini lost to LSU in the Sugar Bowl to cap a 10-2 season. At 6-3 and 3 games to go, along with what is almost an assured bowl berth, 10 wins is still a faint possibility. Its been a rough go since the 2001 season, but things are looking up and with two very winnable games (@ Minnesota, vs. Northwestern) and what would be a huge upset (@ Ohio State) remaining, the season could go from surprising to spectacular. But lets look ahead and see where you should be planning your bowl road trip. The Big Ten has 6 bowl tie-ins along with the Big 10 champion playing in a BCS game. The bowls are listed based on what I believe is the most likely to least likely destination. Champs Sports Bowl- December 28- Orlando, FL This game pits the #5 pick from the Big Ten against the #4 pick from the Atlantic Coast Conference. While the destination is nice in sunny central Florida, I'd rather face a team from the SEC or Big 12, whom are the opponents in the other bowl tie-ins except for one. Alamo Bowl- December 29- San Antonio, TX The selections for this bowl game would be the #4 picks from the Big Ten and Big 12. I've heard San Antonio has a very nice river walk, but I'm not really a fan of Texas, at least as displayed by Houston, which I've heard isn't a fair assessment of the Lonestar State. Outback Bowl- January 1- Tampa, FL #3 Big Ten against #3 SEC in this New Year's Day bowl. Considering the picks aren't based on actual standing in the conference, the Illini would need a lot of help considering, Penn St. and Wisconsin probably travel better. But the Illini fans are hungry and would probably buy their share of tickets. Insight- December 31- Tempe, AZ Another match up between the Big Ten and Big 12, with these being the #6 teams from each conference. Ah, the nice dry warm air of the desert on New Year's Eve. I'd say this is least appealing bowl option, but just wait for the next one. Motor City Bowl- December 26- Detroit, MI There are so many things wrong with this bowl. The least of which is not that its the #7 Big Ten team against a MAC opponent. Lets continue...it's in Detroit...its the day after Christmas....but hey after not bowling for 6 years, I can't complain. I've got my flak jacket and gun on backorder. Capitol One Bowl- January 1- Orlando, FL This one goes to the #2 team from the Big Ten who takes on the #2 SEC team. And with Michigan and Ohio State both undefeated in conference, this one probably goes to the loser of their matchup. The best scenario would be that both Ohio State and Michigan make a BCS game (very unlikely considering the plethora of very good 1 loss teams, but it depends on how many of those are conference champions), because that would bump every Big Ten team up one pick. If I had to guess right now, I'd say pack your bags for Orlando and the Champs Sports Bowl. And don't take too long to pack, because its almost bowling season. So Close, but Still a Loss 10.21.2007 11:44PM It's all so clear now following back to back losses. The reason the Illini reeled off 5 straight victories, following the opening weekend loss to Mizzou, was due to the near perfect football the Illini played. The Illini are far from perfect these days, costing themselves dearly in games they should have won, with costly penalties and turnovers. Two are quite vivid. The first was the 83 yard go ahead touchdown against Iowa that was taken off the board due to an illegal formation penalty. Then last night with the game tied at 17, Kyle Hudson muffed a punt inside the 20 yard line after signaling a fair catch. Both, combined with a bevy of other lapses in fundamentals, were enough to make the Illini losers. So where does the team go from here? The good news is that 3 of the 4 remaining games are very winnable. Two of those, vs. Ball St. and @ Minnesota, happen before the team heads to Columbus to take on current #1 Ohio State. A few games against lesser opponents is just what the Illini needs. So hopefully the Illini will be no worse than 7-5 heading into the season finale against Northwestern, with a much better bowl awaiting the 8-4 Illini. Ron Zook needs to make a decision about quarterback and stick with it. It appears as though Zook makes the switch to McGee at a time when the team needs a change of pace, but from my perspective its seems he makes the switch when the team needs some stability. And making the 3 or 4 switches he made last night was clearly too much. And I say the guy should be McGee. Which leads me to this. Open up the play book. The game plan of the first quarter looked like a winning recipe. But per usual, the Illini took a lead of more than a signal possession and Zook shut things down. I find it hard to believe we don't have the ability to complete passes such as quick hitches, quick outs, and quick slants. Enough going for the homerun every pass play. Teams have figured out the way to victory over the Illini is through the passing game. While Mike Hart's replacement did rush for 100+ yards, that's not the reason we lost the game. The reason we lost, as I suspected it would be all week, is Mario Manningham. Mario had 9 catches for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns. Yep, we can't stop the pass. So here the Illini sit at 5-3, still much better than I imagined for this point in the season, but its a team that should be no worse than 6-2, since the Illini handed victory to both the Hawkeyes and Wolverines. But thats what teams are supposed to do, take advantage of the opponents mistakes. Something we didn't do with the Wolverines 3 turnovers. The Fighting Zooks 09.29.2007 6:27PM Let's check out the basics to start. The Illini are 4-1 on the season. The 4 wins are the most since 2002 when the Illini finished 5-7. That's the season before I started classes in Champaign. The Illini beat a ranked opponent (Penn St. was #19/21) for the first time since 2001, when the Kurt Kittner led Illini defeated #25 Ohio State. The Illini have a 4 game winning streak for the first time since that same 2001 team. After winning their first Big Ten opener since 1993, last week against Indiana, the Illini took it up a notch and won their first two Big 10 games since 1991. As you can see history is being made in Champaign, and its good history following years of bad history. The Illini have reached 50% of their win total of the last 4 years in only 5 games this season. On now to today's game. While the defense definitely bent, it did not break. After allowing a opening drive that led to a field goal, the Illini responded, returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. And from there the Illini did not look back. Ok, maybe they took a few peeks, but they never relinquished the lead. The Illini followed the kick return with a sustained drive for a TD, and then scored on a quick hit big play. And to be nice, Zook isn't known as an X's and O's guy, but he opened up the playbook (at least for the first 20 minutes) and allowed the Illini to post a lead, and then used the tried and true run game to hang on. And hang on they did. While Penn St. marched down the field almost without fight, Illinois stood strong in the redzone as the Nittany Lions finished 3 for 6 inside the Illini's 20. While the defense allowed 400+ yards, they collected 5 turnovers (3 INTs, 2 fumbles). Three of the turnovers came at critical points in the game. J Leman grabbed an interception at the goalline to prevent PSU from grabbing any points late in the game. Later the Illini caused the PSU QB to fumble after collecting a first down on 4th and 13, and then the game was sealed with a Kevin "The Original Juice" Mitchell interception with under 1 minute to play. A win is a win. And this was a signature win. It was at home, against a ranked opponent, and for once the Illini didn't fold under late game pressure. Now 2 games from bowl eligibility the Illini are looking for more. The remaining schedule includes very winnable games against Ball St., Minnesota, and Northwestern. Then there's Iowa looking worse and worse each week, and if we can beat Penn St, the prospect of beating Wisconsin or Michigan (both at home) looks a lot better. And not looking too far ahead, and not bursting the bubble on this huge win, the Illini still have a long way to go. Juice Williams was replaced late in the game, following a very good first 20 minutes. However he finished with less than 50% completion rate and only 120 yards. The two interceptions also seemed like underthrown/poor passes. And then there's the defense. Bend don't break works...sometimes. The PSU defense came in highly ranked and played an uncharacteristically poor game. Not all defenses will do that. So in the perfect world if we could take the first twenty minutes of offense and take the redzone defense, than the Illini would be set. At this point I'm comfortable guaranteeing 6 wins, but more realistically 7 wins, with the possibility of 8 wins. This is awesome! A Winning Record 09.17.2007 7:17PM If you aren't sitting down, please take the next few moments to find a seat, because the following is simply stunning. Ready...got your seat...because here I go. The Fighting Illini have a winning record of 2-1. I will repeat that because it bears repeating. The Fighting Illini have a winning record of 2-1. Granted the Illini were 2-1 in 2004 and then 2-0 in 2005 but there was only one more win among those season and it came in 2004. So I know what you're thinking, but I'm here to tell you that its not that same thing. Saturday pits the Fighting Illini against the 3-0 Indiana Hoosiers (yes, also quite stunning). Its another Dowell v. Dowell Big Ten showdown, and I'll be in Bloomington, along with the Older Brother Dowell, who always ends up in the mix simply because he can. When its all said and done, if all goes as planned, both teams will be 3-1 and sitting pretty for a chance at a bowl game. While there are still some issues with Juice Williams and his throwing, the Illini offense is more than getting it done on the ground. Reshard Mendenhall is making sure the Big Ten team rushing title remains in Champaign. And the defense (even without defensive coordinator Tom Selleck look-a-like) has made major strides since giving up 40 on opening weekend. They held Western Illinois to a shutout and then help the Orange of Syracuse without a point in the first half to record 6 consecutive shutout quarters. And that's how its different. There is actual progress being made and it shows. The Hoosiers are 3-0 thanks to crackerjack opponents of Indiana State (Go Sycamores), Directional Michigan (Western in this case), and Akron. And now their first real test comes to town, and with a defense that looks like it gives up a lot of points, the game could be a real shoot out. Both the Illini and Hoosiers have a schedule to reach the necessary 6 wins, though Illinois has less room for screwing up with Michigan (I don't care what their record is), The Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Penn State as half of their remaing games following this week. But lets not look further than this Saturday. Its Dowell v. Dowell. Game 1: Missouri 40 Illinois 34 09.01.2007 6:47PM In a game Illinois practically gave away in the first half, only to see Missouri return the favor, the Fighting Illini couldn't overcome the mistakes of substitute redshirt freshman quarterback Eddie McGee. McGee entered the game after Juice Williams left the game after having his bell rung. Its hard to lose the turnover battle and win the game especially when one of the turnovers occurred as the Illini were driving into the endzone only to have Missouri return the fumble recovery 100 yards for their own touchdown. And despite the loss (which I expected despite my prediction) hope and optimism remain for the season and at least it appears Illini football is once again exciting. There were some bright spots in this Arch Rivalry shootout. - J Leman on defense. Without a doubt one of the best linebackers, if not the best, in all of college football. Despite being somewhat out of his element, having to defense tight ends and wide recievers, Leman rose to the occassion with a 15+ tackle game. - Running a punt block. Bonus: Successfully executing the punt block and scoring a special teams touchdown. Props to stud in the making Vontae Davis for the block and recovery for touchdown. - Eddie McGee filling in. Between his two lost fumbles and two late interceptions (all very, very, very costly) McGee looks like a great backup. Chalk up the turnovers (more so the interceptions) to inexperience. And heap some blame on Ron Zook and the coaching staff based on play selection and not getting into his head to throw the ball away and live another down (especially following the game ending interception coming out of a timeout). But with the good comes the bad, especially with the first game of the season and the circumstances to which the Illini were left early in the game. - The defense. However, only four defense backs made the trip to St. Louis making it nearly impossible to run anything but the standard set against the Tigers spread defense. - Special teams- Starting with the blocked PAT, followed by allowing the punt return touchdown, only to ice the cake with a lost fumble on a kickoff return. Did I mention the punting game? Three punters and none of them have any hangtime? -The running game- It got going late but where is the Reshard Mendenhall of last year? It looked like he was trying to hit a homerun every touch instead of taking what was there and bursting through the holes. But all in all, it wasn't a terrible start to the season. When it came down to it the Illini had a chance (maybe multiple chances) to win this game. I can't quibble too much about the play calling (which is rare) and in time the offense and defense will run smoothly. Say against an opponent like Western Illinois back in Memorial Stadium in front of a psyched crowd. Granted it would've been nice to have this game (and gone a long way to helping the Illini get to 6 wins) but the season is young and as I said, hope and optimism remain. The Illini fought a great battle through some early adversity. Illinois Fighting Illini 08.02.2007 8:45PM I didn't sit through 95% of the Illini's home games during my time at Illinois to give up on them upon graduation. When it comes to rebuilding there is 1)lose big, 2)lose close, 3)win close and then finally 4)win big. Well its Ron Zook's third season at the helm so that would mean the Illini are ready to win close. Closes losses last year included Indiana by 2, Ohio by 3, Wisconsin by 6, and Ohio State by 7. Not to mention three other losses by 9, 10, and 11 points respectively. And with a proven defense for all intents and purposes still intact and a Top 25 recruiting class the pieces are there...to at least improve on back to back 2 win seasons. I'm as full of hope and optimism as the next guy, but I'm also realistic. Juice Williams returns at QB with #1 WR receiver recruit Arrelious Benn at his disposal. Juice must drastically improve his completion percentage for the Illini to have a chance to win. On defense J Leman will once again anchor the heart of defense at middle linebacker. Leman averaged over 11 tackles a game last season and will need continue to be a force to help the Illini win. Jason Reda will once again kick the field goals but there will be a battle for punter as Kyle Yelton's inconsistent (to be nice) punts last season cost the Illini many yards of field position. So what are the Illini's chances this season? Must Win Games - Western Illinois- The Illini kick off their home schedule against the Bulldogs and must beat this NCAA Football Subdivision team (formerly Division 1-AA) to get things rolling. - Ball State- For the first time in quite some time the Illini will take on a non-Big Ten opponent for homecoming and there's no excuse for not beating the Cardinals. Chalk these 2 games up for the Illini. Should Win Games - Syracuse- The Orange managed to come into Champaign last year and defeat the Illini following a crushing OT loss to Iowa. Expect the Illini to exact revenge. - Indiana- In what proved to be the Illini's most exciting, yet sorry excuse for football, game last year the Illini fell to their neighbors on a last second field goal. With the uncertainty that faces the Hoosiers this year, the Illini need to pull this one out. - Northwestern- The Wildcats have owned this series as of late, and as the last game on the schedule could prove very important for the Illini if they are stuck on 5 wins coming into it. No matter what the situation the Illini need to bring Sweet Sioux back to Champaign. Call it a Toss Up - Missouri- The Arch Rivalry game is back and an important game to starting the season on the right foot. The only good thing about a possible loss in the opener are the 3 games that follow, despite back to back weeks on the road. - Minnesota- All I know is this game is being shown on the Big Ten Network and God knows you don't want to lose a game on a premium cable channel being watched by people in 2 states. Most Likely A Loss - Penn State- The last time Penn State came to Champaign, I left after the first quarter as the Illini were promptly down four touchdowns. I say its a lot closer this time and just maybe the Illini squeak it out. - Iowa- Good year? Bad year? Its anybody's guess. When expectations are high, they seem to fail. And vice versa. However the game is at Iowa and therefore the Illini are huge underdogs and very unlikely to leave with a victory. Not Going to Happen - Wisconsin- The Illini have been somewhat unlucky the past few season when it comes to the Badgers. Is this the year the luck turns? Probably not. The Illini do get them in Champaign, so atleast there won't be a sea of red. - Michigan- Muck Fichigan! Haha. A lot of Illini like to claim the Wolverines as their rival, but I'm not one of them. That's absurd. Maybe one day we'll come to play. I knew I should've stormed the field two years ago when the Illini were leading at half. - Ohio State- As entertaining, close, and unlikely last season's game was, Illinois has to travel to Columbus this year so its already game over. Though nothing would be more satisfying then an upset of the Buckeyes. So where's this leave the Illini? Well my gut tells 5-7, but damnit I want to go to a bowl game so I'm letting my heart call this one. The 2007 Fighting Illini will finish the season 6-6 and have a chance at a bowl game.	College Illinois Schedule September 1st vs. Missouri (Neutral Site) September 8th vs. Western Illinois September 15th @ Syracuse September 22nd @ Indiana September 29th vs. Penn State October 6th vs. Wisconsin October 13th @ Iowa October 20th vs. Michigan October 27th vs. Ball State (Homecoming) November 3rd @ Minnesota November 10th @ Ohio State November 17th vs. Northwestern I Pick 'Em Challenge Links Fighting Illini