IlliniKrush

I'm still excited to be there tonight as well. The place should be rocking...hopefully the Hawks can keep the energy going.

I'm not very encouraged by the Havlat info. Call me a pessimist, but it easily sounds like it could be a case of holding him out a week or two, then they realize he needs surgery, and bye bye Marty. I sure hope I'm wrong and if it is indeed only a few weeks, that'd be huge.

Who the f*** pissed off the hockey Gods? This is a sick f***ing joke.

Let's do this s***, then let's do it again on Saturday.

Your first quote, you think there will be little problem with Wisky winning. You'd be shocked if Illinois won (or even hung in the game, perhaps?) Your second quote, you think that it perhaps might be a close game, and Wisconsin might have to struggle to beat the Illini. I didn't think it was that hard to figure out what I was highlighting. Also, by your standards, any upset is a shocking win? That's interesting. South Florida beat WVU. Was it an upset? Yes. Was I shocked. Certainly not. And so on.

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Oct 1, 2007 -> 12:04 PM) I would be really shocked if Illinois wins. I can see them putting up 30 points, but I really dont see how Illinois can stop Wisconsin from putting up 40 in that scenario. The reason that Wisconsin plays close games is that they play ball control and run the ball. They dont go out there and just start airing it out trying to put up a huge lead. But then again I guess its cool to be disrespectful to the team with the longest winning streak in the nation? Because thats just luck right? Its not about being good winning 14 games in a row, its all about being lucky. College football is about winning every game, its not about style points, its not about how it gets done, its about at the end of the day still being undefeated. In each of the games this season Wisconsin has walked onto the field as the more talented team, and in each game they have walked off the field with a victory. Call me old fashioned, but last I checked Wisconsin was 5-0 QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Oct 3, 2007 -> 11:19 AM) Illinikrush, I dont even know where to begin, youve stretched my argument to parts that I never have even said. I said that I thought the game would be high scoring and that in the end Illinois would most likely not be able to stop Wisconsin as consistently as Wisconsin can stop Illinois. How the hell is that being a homer? That is just watching the games and having a feeling for what is going to go on. I feel that Wisconsin has one of the best offenses, and could score many more points, but most of the time they are just happy grinding it out and playing time of possession. You can disagree on Wisconsin being one of the top offense's, there is no problem with that, the season will play out, one of us will be right, and one of us will be wrong. The problem I have is that when you come in here and start trying to personally insult me and constantly misquote me to try and make my argument weaker, it is just annoying. I dont mind talking about football and really I dont think that Wisconsin will win this game no questions asked. I never said Wisconsin is a GREAT team, I said that they were deserving of the 5 ranking because they have done nothing to lose that ranking. By the end of the season if they still are undefeated they will have been a GREAT team regardless of how close these games were, because no one will care. If they are not a great team, then they will lose a few games to OSU, PSU, Michigan, Illinois, etc, and these games will show that Wisconsin was just beating on weaker teams. But at 5 games into the season, its impossible to really say any of those things, so I guess I just go based on this: Like it or not, the past does matter. Its not like this Illini team is not playing players from last year, or the year before. And its not like Wisconsin is playing a brand new team, the fact that Wisconsin has consistently won more games and played in more pressure situations will help them on Saturday. Experience does matter, hence why all things being equal I would take the program who over the last 5 years has been head and shoulders better, who was ranked in the top 10 to start the season, who hasnt lost in almost a year. I guess those are my homer reasons as to why I think that Wisconsin will win in a close one. /lol And I said that about Zook to show that he agrees that Illinois should not be favored. And you keep harping on why Wisconsin must be bad because they arent favored, when even your coach disagrees with that statement. Jenks, I think even more important for Illinois is to run WR screen to Benn and other plays that get your most talented players into open space. Against MSU, Wisconsin put on the worst tackling performance that I have ever seen, and it has happened in other games where a LB has had to run down a RB because of blown tackles in the secondary. Wisconsin does not play press coverage, they give generally 10 yards, if they play this way against Illinois it is going to be a long day on defense. Wisconsin has not really seen the option this year, I always have hated it as a fan because I used to dislike Nebraska, but I also know that its pretty tough to stop. Wisconsin has shown little discipline, so that is some what scary. Wisconsin has faster LB's than PSU, but they are not as strong or polished, so not sure whether thats a good thing or bad thing. What I would love to see out of Wisconsin (and they wont) is for them to come out in a 4-6, with cb's pressed and a lb or safety shading Benn. I would want to force Illinois to beat Wisconsin through the air, especially down field.

The show got better as it went on - even I was turned off a bit by the first week but I kept with it and it got a decent following. Having it on Fridays is going to hurt I'd imagine. And yeah, winning state in season one was kinda meh.

I really wish you would stop posting about anything Wisconsin. You do the same thing with basketball. Most Illini fans on here are extremely objective. You add nothing but bulls*** to the thread and have nothing to back it up. Then, you change your argument/point at every turn when confronted on it. You are a huge homer, it's not possible for you to look at Wisconsin objectively. You write off last year's close game as a one half abberation and that's that even though Illinois hung in with a ton of teams last year just like that. You talk about how Morelli should have won the game, yet talk about how Wisky only needed to score more points than the other team, and the only reason the Iowa game was close was because Iowa played so well because they were amped up (which clearly wasn't the case, that Saturday night game was a s***show), etc. I don't know what you've seen from Wisky this year to make you think they are a GREAT team, outside of not losing. However, they've only played 2 decent opponents, both at home, and barely won both. Bottom line correct? Sure. But if you were impressed by both performances...wow. Illinois shouldn't be favored, but them being favored speaks volumes as to how 'good' Wisconsin is, or is perceived to be. Wisconsin doesn't have one of the more high powered offenses in the nation, end of discussion. BTW, 14 straight wins has NOTHING to do with how good of a team you are right here, right now. Really, only the past 5 games mean anything. Do we look at Illinois' Big Ten record as being 4-30 in the last 34 (I think that's what it is?) or do we look at it as 2-0 this year? Because a 4-30 Big Ten record really, really, really, really sucks. However I don't believe this season's Illinois squad really, really, really, really sucks. I don't even think we'll win Saturday. BTW, where did Zook say he thought Wisky would win Saturday? Please show me. You are putting words in his mouth over who he thinks should be on what side of the betting line. This is getting hilarious now.

Friday Night Lights starts up again Friday.

Using an 'average' to compare who gave up what points? 20 points it not a lot to those teams. Plus, you were ignorant about the Mizzou game and referencing the defense. Man, we really got lit up by Penn St and Indiana, right? You claim to have watched many Illini games this year, yet don't think the defense is worth a damn? However, let's use your logic, and say "What does it matter as long as you have more points than the other team. We would have given up less if we had to, we just didn't need to because we scored enough." Or some bulls*** like that. Holy crap, are you serious with this? So, in theory, a team that has won every game 3-0 this year could have one of the highest powered offenses in the nation because, well, who has outscored them this year? No one. What brutal logic to defend Wisky as being a great offense. Iowa and their pathetic offense didn't outscore you, so during that game your offense was high powered. HA! Now you are just painting a bulls***, stupid picture of Wisky isn't a top 25 team when it's unnecessary. I'm just saying I don't think they are the 5th best team. Hell if they were they wouldn't be a dog in the almighty Memorial Stadium. You are as big a homer as I've seen in some time. But hey, at least you're consistent. It's the same song and dance routine every time with terrible logic.

QUOTE(SouthsideNorthsideFan @ Oct 1, 2007 -> 11:51 PM) Classic retort. No rooting interest, here. He's on the other side of Barrett's foot (though the replay shows him behind Barrett). The most plausible explanation made here was that Holliday dragged Barrett's foot across the plate, with his hand touching the plate. Unfortunately that didn't happen, the ump had to think about it or he would have called him safe immediately, and he chose the call which blew the series. There's no arguing this. This is NOT the first "bang-bang" play a professional umpire has had to call. You just spoke of the most plausible situation yourself. Could he have made the call sooner? Perhaps. However, there is no NEED to rush a call, because you are more likely to kick it, in general, when you do. You take your time, review what you have, and make the call. If you notice, that's how he is with his strike and ball calls, as well. He was consistent in that respect. Again, walk a mile in his shoes instead of sitting back and watching endless replays of it.

QUOTE(SouthsideNorthsideFan @ Oct 1, 2007 -> 11:38 PM) What it shows is you wanted the Rockies to win so you're defending a blown call. It's obvious. Wow, what a classic response. How much money did you lose on the Pads?

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2007 @ Oct 1, 2007 -> 11:32 PM) No disrespect to felix and krush, but if that crap had happened to the Sox, I doubt you would be as understanding. It was a blown call. Incorrect. QUOTE(Felix @ Oct 1, 2007 -> 11:33 PM) Looking at the replay (again), Barrett's foot slides all along the side of home plate after the slide, and ends up behind the plate at the end of the play. Just based off of that, if I were in the situation of the ump, I'd assume that Holliday's hand/arm pushed Barrett's foot back that far, meaning it crossed the plate. Again, I'd make the same call as the ump in this situation. Exactly my reasoning, and his I'd presume. QUOTE(SouthsideNorthsideFan @ Oct 1, 2007 -> 11:33 PM) Done it. He was out of position and blew the call. Quit defending the call already. Did you ump some tball game before? And he wasn't out of position. Shows what you know about umpiring.

QUOTE(Felix @ Oct 1, 2007 -> 11:29 PM) I can't disagree. I didn't like the umpiring crew in general, but I can't fault him for that final call. At least someone gets it.

One of the more high powered offenses in the country. And in your heart of hearts, do you think Wisconsin is the 5th best team in the country? I don't either. We wouldn't have a shot in hell of beating a legit top 5 team Saturday, yet we are (correctly or incorrectly doesn't really matter) favored. Hmm I attacked two specific points you made, both which were ridiculous, call that a hissy fit if you wish.

QUOTE(SouthsideNorthsideFan @ Oct 1, 2007 -> 11:24 PM) He was right on top of it, and should have gotten it right, but he appeared to be looking back over his left shoulder and flat out blew the call and the Padres chances. I don't care for either team, but I hope the Phillies whoop up on the Rockies after that...I'd hate to see the Rockies go far due to a blown call. I'd love to see you in that exact same position. Try it some day, let alone at that speed.

QUOTE(3 BeWareTheNewSox 5 @ Oct 1, 2007 -> 11:18 PM) That was clear to me live, that he didn't touch home, piece of crap umpire probably just wanted to go home. And you know he knew it, with that hesitation. Too bad they had to ruin a good game like that I thought San Diego should've loaded the bases with another walk, but ouch, shouldn't have been over there Sigh...

I'm pretty sure he thought Holliday may have missed the plate, but since he wasn't 100% positive he missed it and figured part of his hand must have got it, he safed it. The problem is he didn't sell it at all. I can easily see how in live speed it would appear he got his hand in there using the 3rd base line extended position.

QUOTE(danman31 @ Oct 1, 2007 -> 09:41 PM) U of I is talented, but doesn't have a passing game with Juice is in. Wisconsin hasn't looked good, but to have them as an underdog is absurd. I don't think we should be favored either. However, billing this matchup as the almighty Badgers vs the craptastic Illini is a joke.

Even if that was a HR, how in the f*** are the umps supposed to see that? You can't even see it clearly on replay. Apparently there is a railing behind the yellow line? WTF sense does that make? Glad it hurt them and not SD for having a ridiculous setup at the fence. Parks should be designed so s*** like that can't happen. Home runs shouldn't be such a hard call based on railings, vertical lines, or fences right above the fence like in Detroit.

Yeah 20 points is a lot in a football game...get a grip. And I'd love to know how Donovan and the Wisky offense is one of the best in the nation. They SUCKED against Iowa and lit up the Citadel, oh my I'm shaking in my boots, they may put up 60 on us. They are one of the best in the nation. And Illinois' defense sucks, they gave up a whopping 20 to a ranked Penn St team. You clearly haven't watched every Illinois game, as the defense has been pretty solid this year. Leman, Vontae and co. are doing a nice job. The two wisky games I've seen, they looked like horse s*** against Iowa on offense and against MSU they couldn't play any defense. Might want to stick to your own team's problems, if you even think they have any.

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Oct 1, 2007 -> 12:28 PM) Last year in Madison was a 1 half aberration. As for better opponents I think that needs to be played out, PSU and MSU are going to be about equal when it all plays out, and teams like Iowa, etc play up for Wisconsin, beating a top 10 team is a make or break game, so generally Wisconsin is seeing teams play at their peak. Its not that I dont think Illinois is talented, I just dont see them being as talented as Wisconsin. Penn State was ranked high, but why? It was nothing more than the belief that Morelli would take the next step with the defense and that they would therefore be a potential Big 10 contender. Morelli could have won that game, he made costly mistakes at in opportune times. I think Wisconsin is a bad match up for Illinois because Wisconsin has one of the the most high powered offense's in the nation and Illinois really has given up a good amount of points in almost every game. Yeah...no WTF? Put down the koolaid. If you win that's fine, but try to learn a thing or two about college football before posting.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Oct 1, 2007 -> 07:58 AM) I read a long time ago that if MJ had actualkly signed all the items people claimed he signed, it would have taken him 60 years. Yeah I only know this because my uncle was there when MJ signed all the basketballs while in the building, and mine came from that box.

Well Keith you're close. This just went down: The Blackhawks are expected to assign forwards Dave Bolland, Petri Kontiola and Jack Skille to Rockford Monday, along with defenseman Cam Barker. Defenseman Karel Pilar, claimed off waivers from Atlanta Thursday, will go back on waivers. Winger Adam Burish has earned a roster spot along with defenseman Magnus Johansson. Andrei Zyuzin suffered a groin injury Saturday night in St. Louis and is day-to-day.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Sep 30, 2007 -> 04:42 PM) I could live with them telling us they're going to try and compete in 2008 if they do it the right way. And by do it the right way I mean sign Bonds. (Yep, get used to it -- until Bonds signs somewhere I'm going to be like Pratt is to JS and the Braves or Fathom is to the Cubs' 'greatness'.) For the love of God Bonds has to sign elsewhere ASAP.