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The Illini are more or less where we expected them to be heading into the bye week. At 2-2, the remainder of the Illini’s 2018 season will be determined by how much improvement they can make coming off the bye.
So far this season, the Illini offense has averaged about 27 points and 409 yards per game. The defense has given up about 31 points per game and over 500 yards of offense.
Now, with #Illinutgers week here, the Illini have an opportunity to show significant improvement on both sides and notch their first Big Ten win in almost two seasons. But, when forced to pick between what unit shows significant improvement this week, Illini nation was divided.
Defense wins Championships
The defense has been terribly inconsistent so far and several fans prefer to see that unit improve.
2 because that all but ensures a win. 1: not really.
— onanyesfbb (@onanyesfbb) October 1, 2018
Would like to see the defense finish a game strong, so 2.
— Bryan W. Hernandez (@bwhernandez) October 1, 2018
Most of all, I want a win.
— Jerry (@Jerry_Kidz) October 1, 2018
Second, big improvements on defense. Your scenario is good.
An ‘average’ offensive output (maybe another td) would be fine.
Others agree.
2
— Joe Kretz (@Kretzy13) October 1, 2018
2
— Alana Church (@ChurchOfErotica) October 1, 2018
Option 2
— Dylan Kerr (@whamboozle) October 1, 2018
Offense is Fun
The “good offense is fun” crowd had something to say about this.
The former because I like exciting football.
— Alexander J. Orr (@theorryouknow) October 1, 2018
I want the offense to come out on fire and have a breakout game. 300 yard passer, 100 yard rusher and 100 yard receiver.
— TOM JOHNSON (@SINGLEDAD4) October 1, 2018
Also, let’s not forget that from a perception standpoint, a transitive property win over Kansas is kind of important:
Kansas hung 55 on Buttgers, you want to see the offense explode for sure
— Quinton Strong (@el_duderino813) October 1, 2018
Who Cares! Just Win!!
David L. Brown does make a valid point here. The Illini have not won a Big Ten game since they beat Michigan State on Nov. 5, 2016. Just win!!!! We’ll worry about the rest later.
I propose #3–just win a damn B1G game please. Can’t believe we’re debating how we’d rather win a game. How about we just win a freaking game however we win it. Geez.
— David L Brown (@dlbrown1988) October 1, 2018
Dont care. Just want the dub.
— Mr. Magoo (@mixed2themaxx) October 1, 2018
TCR’s own, Thumpasaurus, chimed in:
I would take a 2-0 win.
— Steve Braun (@thumpasaurus1) October 1, 2018
I would take an 84-83 win.
Wait, why can’t we have both?
With Rutgers being the most winnable game left on the schedule, some fans want both and we don’t blame them. Forrest Chump sees the bigger picture with #Illinutgers.
If we can't do both or something close to it, we'll have played a game that won't beat anyone left on the schedule.
— Forrest Chump (@ForrestChump_) October 1, 2018
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