The Champaign Room - Complete Coverage: Illinois Football Week 2A Fighting Illini community since 2012https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48193/tcr-fave.png2014-09-08T12:30:03-05:00http://www.thechampaignroom.com/rss/stream/58622622014-09-08T12:30:03-05:002014-09-08T12:30:03-05:00The Statistical Brain Dump: Western Kentucky
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<img alt="JEVARIS LITTLE IS HERE TO HURT PEOPLE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QY0ptHbV06vT3XF4hl-X2VWROQM=/0x550:3409x2823/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38175016/20140906_lbm_gb2_033.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>JEVARIS LITTLE IS HERE TO HURT PEOPLE | Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>An in-depth look at all aspects of Illinois Football's 42-34 win over the Hilltoppers. The passing game is great, the defense might be okay, and the running game is still a big issue.</p> <p><span>Welcome to week two of The Statistical Brain Dump, the freshest, newest series at the Champaign Room. It's critically acclaimed and everything. Just look at this testimonial, from the head coach himself:</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p><i><b>Tim Beckman:</b> I tell you what when I see the Statistical Brain Dump, I just can't help but think about how much of a family this team is and how we will continue to improve. I'm sorry, what was your question?</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>It was truly heart-warming to get that kind of support from the leader of the Illini football family. They're a family. A football family.</p>
<p><i>(For the record, I actually like seeing that message relayed unanimously by the entire team and coaching staff. Just a bit of teasing.)</i></p>
<p>Childish, un-funny introduction aside, there's quite a lot to get to in the latest edition of the SBD. Roughly ten topics are on the slate today, ranging from the outstanding performance of the passing game to <span>Taylor Zalewski's</span> slightly exaggerated kicking struggles. This is going to be a particularly extensive one, so buckle up and prepare yourself for everything I learned from the Western Kentucky game.</p>
<p><b>The Running Game is a Problem</b></p>
<p>Taking sacks out of the equation, the Illini are averaging just under three yards per carry thus far in 2014. That's against the formidable defenses of Youngstown State and Western Kentucky. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpUWrl3-mc8" target="_blank">Not great, Bob.</a> <span>Josh Ferguson</span>, whom many (including myself) expected to be Illinois' breakout player of the year, has just 25 carries for 74 yards through two games (3.0 YPC). <span>Donovonn Young</span> hasn't had a much more successful start to his season; he's totaled 23 carries for 86 yards.</p>
<p>The important thing to remember is that the failure of the running game hasn't been the fault of the running backs. The majority of Illinois' broken running plays have been the fault of the offensive line. There isn't really much to complain about with the running backs: it actually seems like they've done a good job of taking advantage when the holes are there.</p>
<p>One statistic that really helps illustrate how bad the running game has been, courtesy of Jordan Wells in <a target="_blank" href="http://westernkentucky.scout.com/2/1443100.html" style="font-size: 12px;">this wonderful statistical analysis of the game:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>First down-WKU held Illinois to a 38 percent success rate on first down, including only 2-for-13 (15 percent) rushing.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>"Success Rate" is a statistic created by Bill Connelly. You can read more about it <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2014/1/24/5337968/college-football-five-factors?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=mustreads&utm_campaign=blogs">via this link </a>if you're interested, but on first down, a "successful play" comes when the offense achieves 50% or more of the remaining yards until they move the chains. For example, a first down run of five yards or more would keep the team on schedule (having a manageable down and distance) and thus be a "successful play".</p>
<p>In this instance, Illinois essentially failed to reach five yards on 11 of their 13 first down rushing attempts. That is just an abysmal effort, and the offensive line is almost certainly to blame for it. On first down and ten, the defense is frequently expecting the opposing team to run--it's the most likely down for that playcall. The burden is greater on the offensive line, and time and again the Illini OL failed to create any space for Fergie and DY at the line of scrimmage. Next time Bill Cubit draws up a pass on first down, be sure to consider Illinois' struggles to run before complaining.</p>
<p><b>BRIEF INTERMISSION TO WATCH JIHAD WARD HURT SOMEBODY</b></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>JIHAD WARD <a href="http://t.co/DrxD2ZRpXD">http://t.co/DrxD2ZRpXD</a></p>
— IllinoisLoyalty (@IllinoisLoyalty) <a href="https://twitter.com/IllinoisLoyalty/status/508291787509989377">September 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p><b>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Defense: A Tale of Two Halves</b></p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Category</th> <th>WKU 1st Half</th> <th>WKU 2nd Half</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Drives</th>
<td>7</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Pass Plays/Yards</th>
<td>27 - 142</td>
<td>15 - 80</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Pass Yards Per Play</th>
<td>5.3</td>
<td>5.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Run Plays/Yards</th>
<td>19 - 112</td>
<td>5 - 10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Run Yards Per Play</th>
<td>5.9</td>
<td>2.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Third Down Conversions (%)</th>
<td>5/11 (45%)</td>
<td>1/4 (25%)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>A couple quick notes before I dive in here:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>The passing numbers from the second half only cover the six non-garbage time drives. The final WKU drive saw <span>Brandon Doughty</span> throw for 75 additional yards on seven pass attempts. However, that drive began with WKU down 15 points and under two minutes remaining in the game. It's not too much of a stretch to suggest that the Illini weren't giving it their all on that drive: the other six drives are much more representative of their second-half effort. </span></li>
<li><span>The rushing numbers are solely those of lead WKU running back <span>Leon Allen</span>. I could've included a couple more carries from other players, but they wouldn't have changed the statistics much. That was also an easy way to eliminate sacks from the numbers. I tried to add the sacks back into the passing numbers-- hopefully I did my math correctly.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Now, for some serious, hard-nosed analysis. Those second half rushing statistics are ugly: just the way Illini fans should like them. There aren't quite enough attempts there to make any overarching statements, but after two games, it seems we can officially say that this run defense is better. They may not be great, and they may not even be good, but I highly doubt they will be as atrocious as last season's. I've seen a bunch of people calling WKU a passing team: while they predominantly work with the pass, they have a solid rushing attack as well. Holding them down like that in the second half is a nice accomplishment.</p>
<p>To play devil's advocate for a moment though, there was a pretty clear change in strategy from the first half to the second. Illinois' safeties were more aggressive playing the run in the second half, and WKU was forced into passing more as a result. The results of this change were twofold: they make the rushing numbers look less impressive (there were more defenders in the box in the second half, so it's just easier to stop the run) and the passing numbers of the second half look a bit more impressive. Even with safeties a step in and linebackers focused on the run, the Illini pass D held up against a pretty formidable passing attack and equalled their first half effort. Not bad for a secondary that really struggled last year.The young pups are growing up.</p>
<p><b>Big Plays Were...Big</b></p>
<p>Turnovers have eluded the Illinois defense for the better part of the last few years, but Saturday finally saw the ball swing the Illini way when the going got a little tough. I'm not one for "this defense came up big at the perfect time" clichés, but the drives on which Illinois forced their two fourth quarter turnovers were very threatening.</p>
<p>The first came just after Illinois took the lead 28-27 by way of a long touchdown drive. Western Kentucky was easily moving the ball down the field through the air when <span>Taylor Barton</span> undercut a pass and returned it 77 yards--all the way for Illinois' first pick six since <span>Ashante Williams</span> took one to the house against Western Michigan in 2012. It put the Illini up 35-27 and extended the lead that they wouldn't relinquish for the rest of the game.</p>
<p>The second turnover of the quarter came just after Taylor Zalewski (we'll get to him in a few moments) missed his second field goal. That field goal would've all but put the game away entirely, as Illinois would've led 38-27 (my final score prediction!) with just five minutes to play in the game. Instead, WKU began their drive on a quest to tie the game at 35. The Hilltoppers had a bit of trouble moving the ball, but LEO Dawuane Smoot got to Doughty fast enough for Jihad Ward to come over and punch the ball out. Illinois recovered and later took their largest lead of the game, 42-27.</p>
<p>Sadly, the Illini can't expect these turnovers to happen so conveniently from week to week. It's nice that they came through in the fourth quarter, but this defense has yet to prove that they can consistently punch the ball out. Three forced turnovers in one game is a great start and all fans can do is be hopeful that it continues against Washington this week.</p>
<p>There were a few fans on Twitter saying that Illinois was extremely lucky to have those turnovers in this game. I mostly think this comes from the fact that it's been a while since Illinois forced important turnovers. T<span>here were eight fumbles in this game and each team recovered four. That's perfectly normal fumble luck. </span><span>One has to look at the other side of the ball as well-- the offense was rather unlucky in a couple of key moments. Taylor Zalewski missed two field goals on long drives, <span>Wonderful Terry</span> (Name of the Week award winner) ripped a ball out of <span>Malik Turner's</span> hands and took it 95 yards to the house, and the Illini just barely weren't able to punch it in from the one.</span></p>
<p>Those are situations that go Illinois' way roughly 90% of the time and they are a big reason why I'm optimistic about the team's performance Saturday. Without those key turnovers, this looks even more like a fairly dominant win. Yes, it's easy to say that a win looks better if the team doesn't make big mistakes, but that doesn't mean it isn't an encouraging performance. The team still moved the ball and defended the ball significantly better than Western Kentucky.</p>
<p><b>BRIEF INTERMISSION TO VIEW A COACH'S TWEET OF JEVARIS LITTLE HURTING SOMEBODY</b></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Opening hit of the game yesterday. J Little laying the "Smackdown".<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OSKEE?src=hash">#OSKEE</a> <a href="http://t.co/WplEGZ5D2W">pic.twitter.com/WplEGZ5D2W</a></p>
— <span>Mike Ward</span> (@mkeward) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkeward/status/508757905395691520">September 7, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>That's linebacker coach Mike Ward. REMINDER: I tried to tell y'all about Jevaris last week:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Back-up CB Jevaris Little really stood out to me on special teams. The sophomore only finished with one tackle of a return man, but he was down the field forcing fair catches on nearly every single punt return. I was thoroughly impressed with his quickness and ability to get past blockers on the outside.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>For once in my life, I was right. I must be honest, I jumped up in the air and squealed when Jevaris made that hit on the opening kickoff. He will continue to get weekly shout-outs as long as he continues to dominate on special teams.</p>
<p><b>Kicking-- Who is really at fault?</b></p>
<p>This is probably going to be the most controversial point of the whole piece. I don't think Taylor Zalewski was <i>that </i>bad on Saturday. The main problem people have with Zalewski is that he missed both of his field goal attempts. That's fine, but he wasn't set up for success on the first field goal.</p>
<p>The Illini had fourth and three from the Western Kentucky 33-yard line. That's prime position to go for it on fourth down, especially when the offense is moving the ball pretty well. People hate being so aggressive in the first quarter, but that's not aggressive; it's just smart. Taylor Zalewski shouldn't be expected to make a 50-yard field goal. That is really difficult for NFL kickers, let alone a college kicker.</p>
<p>The second miss is all on Taylor, but sometimes kickers just miss. Fans will complain about the lack of clutch kicking, but at the end of the day it's no different than a 34-yard kick on the first drive of the game. Zalewski missed, and hopefully he figures out what he can improve upon. Kicking out of bounds on the kickoff is once again ridiculous, and those duties should probably go to somebody else if it continues to happen. Don't burn Zalewski at the stake just yet: a kicker without confidence is one of the worst things to have on a team. Just hope that Zalewski improves on his short-range kicks. If it truly becomes a recurring problem, <span>Ryan Frain</span> will be there to take over.</p>
<p><b>The Safeties are Surprising</b></p>
<p>There's still plenty of football to play, and the Illini have yet to face a team that can truly challenge them with the deep ball, but it looks for now like the Illini have a nice pair of safeties this year. It's not great for safeties to have too many tackles because it means that running plays are getting to the second level, but it's still really encouraging to see Taylor Barton and <span>Zane Petty</span> wrapping up in the secondary. Barton currently leads the team with 10 solo tackles and is tied for the team lead with <span>Mason Monheim</span> in total tackles (21). He also has the aforementioned 77-yard interception return.</p>
<p><span>Zane Petty</span> was arguably the best player on the Illini defense last Saturday. He was constantly involved in stopping runs even at the line of scrimmage, just as he did against Youngstown State. Petty is third on the team in total tackles (19) and is the team leader in pass break-ups (2). These two have had stellar starts to the season and will need to keep it up if the linebacker core continues to struggle.</p>
<p><b>Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers-- Oh my.</b></p>
<p><iframe src="//instagram.com/p/sqS-8IFCJT/embed/" width="612" height="710" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowtransparency="true"></iframe><span>Look at these numbers:</span></p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Passing</th> <th>Comp./Att.</th> <th>Completion %</th> <th>Yards</th> <th>Yards Per Att.</th> <th>Touchdowns</th> <th>Interceptions</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th><span>Wes Lunt</span></th>
<td>59/88</td>
<td>67%</td>
<td>741</td>
<td>8.42</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Receiving</th> <th>Receptions</th> <th>Yards</th> <th>Average</th> <th>Touchdowns</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th><span>Geronimo Allison</span></th>
<td>10</td>
<td>140</td>
<td>14.0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Malik Turner</th>
<td>10</td>
<td>98</td>
<td>9.8</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th><span>Justin Hardee</span></th>
<td>8</td>
<td>126</td>
<td>15.8</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th><span>Mike Dudek</span></th>
<td>7</td>
<td>116</td>
<td>16.6</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th><span>Martize Barr</span></th>
<td>6</td>
<td>86</td>
<td>14.3</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>There's not much you can say that properly address how important the passing game has been over the first two games. The level of competition is still a question mark, but in the absence of any running game whatsoever, Wes Lunt and the receivers have been huge thus far.</p>
<p>There was hype surrounding Lunt's performances all summer long, but it's hard to do much better as a first-year starter than Lunt has been through the two non-conference games. His decision-making is somewhat questionable at times, and that interception total will rise steadily throughout the year, but there's no avoiding it: Lunt is a really good quarterback that could become a great one with time.</p>
<p>He's already coming close to placement in the upper echelons of Big Ten quarterback play this year. Who else in the Big Ten would fans take before Wes Lunt to quarterback their team for a drive (provided they've watched his first two games)? <span>Connor Cook</span> and <span>Christian Hackenberg</span>, but after that <span>Devin Gardner</span> is probably the only man who has an argument to be placed above Lunt (I would take Gardner this year).</p>
<p>It's also important to remember that he's doing this in the face of solid pressure from opposing defensive lines. The offensive line still hasn't worked out all the kinks, and Lunt continues to get the ball out on time and on target. His accuracy isn't perfect, but it's coming along. He still throws it into coverage too often, but that's something that should improve with more experience. Put simply, Wes Lunt is going to be a really good one, folks.</p>
<p>One final note about quarterbacking: a lot of people have tweeted at us and commented about the absence of Aaron Bailey. Personally, I'm thrilled with his lack of usage thus far (though obviously bummed if it's due to an injury). If Aaron Bailey is truly dedicated to playing quarterback, as he says, then the best plan for him is to redshirt his sophomore season. Currently, he and Wes Lunt have the same number of remaining years of eligibility (three) but Bailey has yet to take his redshirt. Doing it this season, with Lunt in the starting role and O'Toole as the back-up, means Bailey will have a redshirt-senior season all to himself in 2017 (unless Lunt goes to the draft earlier). I'm already excited for redshirt-senior Aaron Bailey. Don't fault Tim Beckman for Bailey's absence: at this point it just seems like he's planning for the future.</p>
<p>Now: the wide receivers. This group was almost a complete unknown coming into 2014. Geronimo Allison is fresh off two season at an Iowa community college. Martize Barr is the most familiar name but he had an unspectacular 2013 at best. Justin Hardee is the only other returning name, but he has been rather invisible in his first couple years with the program. Turner and Dudek are hyped freshmen, but they are still freshman. And to a man, these five receivers have come in and excelled through the first couple games.</p>
<p>G-Mo is still developing his chemistry with Lunt, but he's been running solid routes. Allison can catch a lot of things with those long, lanky arms, and once Lunt does a better job of timing his throws, these two should start hooking up for a whole lot of yards. Allison has size and speed as impressive as any receiver in the B1G and he should continue to improve on his use of it as the season rolls on. On the other hand, chemistry hasn't been a problem for Lunt and the two freshmen.</p>
<p>Truthfully, Dudek and Lunt already seem to have some sort of telepathic bond going on. Dudek's knack for getting open is unbelievable: I think I saw him juke a cornerback out of his shoes (to the point of falling over) at least three times Saturday. He is a weapon in the slot. Malik Turner has the same bond with Lunt but it seems like he's exclusively reserved for third downs with a million and a half yards to go. These three seem to be the primary receivers this fall, or at least they seem to be Lunt's favorites. Check out this ridiculous drive from the Western Kentucky game, which ended with the Wonderful Terry fumble return:</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4986326/Screen_Shot_2014-09-08_at_11.45.37_AM.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2014-09-08_at_11.45.37_am"> <br id="1410195709240"></p>
<p>Lastly, there are the two returning wide receivers. After struggling last year to find a role and avoid the dropsies, both Barr and Hardee have been solid options in 2014. Bill Cubit loves to use as many WRs as possible, so these two will still probably finish with some nice numbers this year. They may take a step back as the newcomers continue to improve, but through the first two games they have had their roles.</p>
<p>Martize Barr has been a solid safety valve for Lunt and Hardee has looked a bit like <span>Ryan Lankford</span> did last year before his injury. He has as much ability to make a game-breaking play as anyone on the team, and the Illini saw that Saturday with his 62-yard touchdown catch-and-run. The year-to-year improvement of these two vets has been extremely important for Wes Lunt and the offense.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">So, that's just about everything I can think of that happened against Western Kentucky. Thoughts? Questions? Concerns? Disagreements? Suggestions? Be sure to share them all in the comment section.</p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2014/9/8/6118021/statistical-brain-dump-illinois-fighting-illini-football-western-kentucky-hilltoppers-recapMatt Silich2014-09-06T18:34:16-05:002014-09-06T18:34:16-05:00Illinois vs Western Kentucky Highlights<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_8YSOL_FX8g?list=UU6uoECOXIzf2jDAWfWZU3vw" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Highlights from Illinois' Week 2 matchup against Western Kentucky.</p></p></div>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2014/9/6/6115709/illinois-vs-western-kentucky-highlightsJim Vainisi2014-09-06T18:04:21-05:002014-09-06T18:04:21-05:00Illinois 42-34 Win Recap in Tweets and Gifs
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9nmUMNceohhvpa7rbR9vNx50Xg0=/0x266:4000x2933/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38112992/20140906_lbm_gb2_549.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Illini won once again today. Once again we bring you the best of social media from the win over WKU.</p> <p>The Illini had a nice win over Western Kentucky today and the score really does not indicate how this game went. And here's the best of social media from the win. Same setup as last week except no videos because you just saw that.</p>
<h4>The Tweets:</h4>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Here come the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a>! <a href="http://t.co/LruH3LqV2i">pic.twitter.com/LruH3LqV2i</a></p>
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/508282481284743168">September 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>And after the first fumble:</p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Yes. Give us all the havoc chaos.</p>
— The Champaign Room (@Champaign_Room) <a href="https://twitter.com/Champaign_Room/status/508285449623052288">September 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>TOUCHDOWN ILLINOIS. Ferguson with the 1-yard leap. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a></p>
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/508285835608084480">September 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Jawun Evans on campus:</p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Jawun Evans on the sidelines pregame <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a> <a href="http://t.co/nBje9gzmp5">pic.twitter.com/nBje9gzmp5</a></p>
— Josh Getzoff (@JGetzoffWICD) <a href="https://twitter.com/JGetzoffWICD/status/508283340366282752">September 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>TURNOVER FAIRY IS BACK IN LOVE WITH US!</p>
— The Champaign Room (@Champaign_Room) <a href="https://twitter.com/Champaign_Room/status/508290059880398848">September 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>And the 2nd fumble:</p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Dude K! Catch him if you can. Down to the WKU 7 yard line for 32 yards. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a></p>
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/508293537822429184">September 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>END of 1Q: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/illini?src=hash">#illini</a> 7, WKU 3. Illini defense has a good game plan. Illini offense (101 yards) failing to capitalize.</p>
— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) <a href="https://twitter.com/WernerESPNCU/status/508295475985145856">September 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Finish. Your. Tackles.</p>
— The Champaign Room (@Champaign_Room) <a href="https://twitter.com/Champaign_Room/status/508297296732491776">September 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>TD WKU: 16-yd pass from B Doughty to T Higbee. Q2: WKU 17, ILL 7 LIVE STREAM: <a href="http://t.co/7da3qQ6Hfe">http://t.co/7da3qQ6Hfe</a></p>
— Illinois on BTN (@BTN_Illinois) <a href="https://twitter.com/BTN_Illinois/status/508302927824699392">September 6, 2014</a>
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<p>I was unable to watch the first quarter and when I turned it on:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>In the 3 minutes I've watched we look terrible</p>
— Bryce (@OrangeBlueCraze) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrangeBlueCraze/status/508303055578599425">September 6, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Really needed that one. Ugly weird TD, but I do not care.</p>
— The Champaign Room (@Champaign_Room) <a href="https://twitter.com/Champaign_Room/status/508306037246803968">September 6, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>HALFTIME. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a> down 17-14 to WKU.</p>
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/508307174339411968">September 6, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
<p>2nd half:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/BP3">@BP3</a> <a href="http://t.co/cCEQDUWCiB">pic.twitter.com/cCEQDUWCiB</a></p>
— The Champaign Room (@Champaign_Room) <a href="https://twitter.com/Champaign_Room/status/508311532170928128">September 6, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>TOUCHDOWN ILLINOIS! Lunt to Martize Barr for 8 yards. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a></p>
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/508315481531752448">September 6, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Earnest Thomas misses tackle in the backfield, then gets up and still makes a tackle in the backfield.</p>
— Aaron Rench (@ARench89) <a href="https://twitter.com/ARench89/status/508316783527215104">September 6, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>A Malik Turner sighting, and of course it's on a big third-down conversion. That's what he does apparently.</p>
— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) <a href="https://twitter.com/WernerESPNCU/status/508318672461783040">September 6, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
<p>Optimism!!:</p>
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<p>Is the Illini offense getting hot? Because that would be wonderful.</p>
— The Champaign Room (@Champaign_Room) <a href="https://twitter.com/Champaign_Room/status/508319175258165248">September 6, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
<p>And Downfall:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>What. Just. Happened? Turner caught it but has it wrestled away and WKU returns it for a touchdown. Wow. Illini offense was looking so good.</p>
— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) <a href="https://twitter.com/WernerESPNCU/status/508319463423627264">September 6, 2014</a>
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<p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Momentum changer. Wonderful Terry recovers the fumble and returns it 95 yards for the <a href="https://twitter.com/WKUSports">@WKUSports</a> TD. <a href="http://t.co/evLWemKW5X">http://t.co/evLWemKW5X</a></p>
— Illinois on BTN (@BTN_Illinois) <a href="https://twitter.com/BTN_Illinois/status/508321054016536577">September 6, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Illinois football doing Illinois football things. I should just turn it off now, right?</p>
— Tyler Griffey (@tylergriffey) <a href="https://twitter.com/tylergriffey/status/508321414890676224">September 6, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/illini?src=hash">#illini</a> defense forces 4th and 2 and a field goal attempt. That's a win in itself.</p>
— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) <a href="https://twitter.com/WernerESPNCU/status/508321501637251072">September 6, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>End of 3rd. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a> 21 | WKU 27</p>
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/508322741922328576">September 6, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
<p>4th quarter:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Have a game Justin Hardee. 61-yard TD with plenty of YAC. He has 109 yards receiving today.</p>
— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) <a href="https://twitter.com/WernerESPNCU/status/508324575978213376">September 6, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>TOUCHDOWN ILLINOIS! Lunt hits Justin Hardee for a 62-yard score. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a></p>
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/508324640675360768">September 6, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Taylor Barton steps in front of one and takes it to the house. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a></p>
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/508326571850366976">September 6, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/Hungry_humble0">@Hungry_humble0</a> enjoy yourself my dude ILLINI</p>
— Dee Brown (@deebrown11) <a href="https://twitter.com/deebrown11/status/508328740745912321">September 6, 2014</a>
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<p>And of course, Zalewski misses the field goal that would have all but iced the game.</p>
— The Champaign Room (@Champaign_Room) <a href="https://twitter.com/Champaign_Room/status/508331812838731776">September 6, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Ball is on the ground. Bentley picks it up. First down <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a>. Nice pressure from Smoot to set that up. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a> 35 | WKU 27</p>
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/508332675577692161">September 6, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>TOUCHDOWN ILLINOIS. Young punches it in this time from the 1-yard line. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a></p>
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/508334287817830400">September 6, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Two Games, Two Victories. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a> <a href="http://t.co/p0XyyVYBX6">pic.twitter.com/p0XyyVYBX6</a></p>
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/508337625590423552">September 6, 2014</a>
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<h4>The Gifs:</h4>
<p>Justin Hardee</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4979838/http___makeagif.com__media_9-06-2014_azpDKl.gif" class="photo" alt="Http___makeagif.com__media_9-06-2014_azpdkl"></p>
<p>Taylor Barton</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4979846/http___makeagif.com__media_9-06-2014_3QWi_A.gif" class="photo" alt="Http___makeagif.com__media_9-06-2014_3qwi_a"> <br id="1410044336061"></p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2014/9/6/6115441/illinois-42-34-win-recap-in-the-form-of-tweets-gifs-and-youtubeBryce Smith2014-09-06T17:04:29-05:002014-09-06T17:04:29-05:00Illinois vs Western Kentucky Postgame Interviews
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l3rT8RfbONKKdQKANTe8Ih2Cseo=/0x250:3200x2383/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38113266/20140906_lbm_gb2_546.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Postgame interviews from Illinois' Week 2 matchup against Western Kentucky</p> <h3>Tim Beckman postgame press conference</h3>
<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UCAs5FW8VMA?list=UU6uoECOXIzf2jDAWfWZU3vw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></p>
<h3>Wes Lunt postgame interview</h3>
<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4_GAZlKcPmI?list=UU6uoECOXIzf2jDAWfWZU3vw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></p>
<h3>Taylor Barton postgame interview</h3>
<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Y4NxO9hDs5E?list=UU6uoECOXIzf2jDAWfWZU3vw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></p>
<h3>Bill Cubit postgame interview</h3>
<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fl1hpfeKaOA?list=UU6uoECOXIzf2jDAWfWZU3vw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></p>
<h3>Tim Banks postgame interview</h3>
<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Sb-aL2JPdjo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></p>
<p><i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Follow The Champaign Room on Twitter at </i><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #203165; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Champaign_Room">@Champaign_Room</a><i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> and </i><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #203165; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheChampaignRoom?ref=hl">Like us on Facebook</a><i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">. You can follow Jim Vainisi on Twitter at </i><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #203165; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JVainisi005">@JVainisi005</a><i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">.</i></p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2014/9/6/6115449/illinois-football-week-2-postgame-interviews-wes-lunt-tim-beckmanJim Vainisi2014-09-06T16:45:15-05:002014-09-06T16:45:15-05:00Game Recap: Roller Coaster-ing, Illini Win 42-34
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<figcaption>Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Up and down and up again.</p> <div>One more game, one more step in the right direction. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com/">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> are now 2-0 after beating Western Kentucky during a wishy-washy 42-34 victory. It wasn't always pretty, but improvement could once again be found in Champaign.</div>
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<div>The first quarter started with WKU easily running past our D-line. My body started to curl into ball, hugging my knees, preparing. But before long, the Illini forced the Toppers into a punting situation at midfield. The snap flew over the punter's outstretched hands, allowing the Illini to start the next drive from the WKU 32. The botched punt has become a good omen for Illinois -- last week, the Butt Punt turned the tide of the game in the Illini's favor.</div>
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<div>
<span>Wes Lunt</span> had a phenomenal day, passing for 456 yards hitting 35 of 50 passes including 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. This guy is going to be a hoot to watch while he's here, but he's still got work to do. At times, he'll be impatient, trying to fit his passes into tight coverage. He again and again displays the arm strength -- there doesn't seem to be a player his passes can't reach, but accurately hitting those receivers isn't always guaranteed. He's young, so I'm not expecting him to be flawless, but he's got so much potential that I can't help but imagine what he could be someday.</div>
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<div>Before the season began, Illini fans (including me) were wondering how our wide receivers would pan out. There was little to no experience from that group, but two games into the season, we don't have to worry about that anymore. Four different receivers had over 50 yards of receiving. <span>Justin Hardee</span> had 110 yards, including a 62-yard reception where his afterburners toasted the trailing WKU safeties. Juco transfer <span>Geronimo Allison</span> had a team-leading 8 catches for 98 yards. Freshmen Malik Turner had 6 receptions for 56 yards, including several vitally important first downs.</div>
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<div>But then there's freshmen Mikey Dudek. Every catch he made became greatness. He caught a pass 7-yards down field and jaw-dropping-ly wove through defenders for another 25 yards. Later, he pulled in a pass along the sideline, somehow stopping on his toes, like a cartoon starring down into the depths of a canyon, then forced himself 2 yards upfield to get the first down. I fall in love with him more and more every play.</div>
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<div>The passing offense was great, but there is still concern about the running game. <span>Josh Ferguson</span> and <span>Donovonn Young</span> combined for 28 carries and a whopping 79 yards, a sickly 2.8 YPC. Here's the deal. I've been a fan of running backs for my entire footballing history -- I was one in high school -- but this offense is not meant for them. O-Coordinator Bill Cubit is going to pass, and pass, and pass. His idea of a run is really a screen pass. Let the receiver catch a easy pass in the flat and run from there where's there's less defenders to stop him. While we have Cubit, appreciate the true rushing attempts, and come to terms with the new version.</div>
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<div>On the other side of the ball, there seemed to be temporary lapses in concentration. WKU was regularly finding ways to push our D-line around to find running lanes, receivers were only loosely covered. They allowed WKU's lead running back <span>Leon Allen</span> to gain 118 yards on 24 rushes, a 4.9 YPC, (most of those yards came in the first half) and a total of 297 passing yards. Those numbers aren't horrendously horrible. The defense would stop WKU, but it felt like a dice-roll at times.</div>
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<div>The game, itself, can be described as frustrating yet good. Illinois would play great on two plays, followed by one bad one. During one drive in the first quarter, the defense allowed a 14-yard pass, then sacked the quarterback, then gave up a 14-yard run to the outside, then created and recovered a fumble. It was like that the whole game. Each play, I would lean a little further towards the front of my chair as the offense got closer to the end zone, only to slam backwards when WKU made a 95-yard fumble recovery into a field-covering touchdown.</div>
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<div>And, yes that play did happen.</div>
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<div>In the third quarter, the Illini started a drive at their own 31. They marched down the field, building that inevitable feeling that they were going to score. Ten plays and 3-ish minutes later, the Illini were nine yards from the end zone. Lunt passed to his left into the arms of a receiver only for it to be stripped by a WKU corner named <span>Wonderful Terry</span>, who proceeded to run 95 yards to give the Toppers the lead.</div>
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<div>At that point, a strange feeling overwhelmed me. It was a combination of depression, disappointment and familiarity. It hurt, but I'd been here before. As an Illini fan, am I cursed to get my hopes up too high? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXNQ4NJTYMc" target="_blank">Once-in-a-lifetime comebacks in basketball</a>, only to lose in the Finals? Starting 6-0, only to end the season going 0-6? It's a roller coaster, and the Illini are the best at it. Your stomach does somersaults moments after your brain is doing backflips; an inspiration and a car wreck. The pain seems to draw me back with the promise that the quarterback could one day be great, or that we can beat a #1 Ohio State in football or #1 Indiana in basketball. And the worst part: I can guarantee it will happen to Illini fans again.</div>
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<div>Today, the roller coaster ended before it went too far. After that 95-yard fumble return, Lunt threw an interception born of his impatience. With WKU starting inside the 10-yard line, Illinois held them to a field goal. It was a small, understated victory that finally showed that Illinois is growing up.</div>
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<div>Illinois continued to score two straight touchdowns, including a 75-yard pick-6 by sophomore safety <span>Taylor Barton</span>, to put the score at 35-27 with 10 minutes left. WKU wasn't willing to lay down and take it easy -- they still wanted to win (which, I don't blame them). Illinois found ways to stop them and score another touchdown, putting the score at 42-27 with 4 minutes left. Then WKU drove the field against an apathetic Illini secondary.</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">apathetic</i> <i>adj.</i> - <span>showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.</span>
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<div>The Illini thought they had won, and given the situation, they most likely had, but they almost took us on another trip down the roller coaster. There was no interest in stopping them, no enthusiasm as they nudged the receivers out of bounds, and no concern for the outcome. It has to do with the discipline of the team, which should be entrenched in them by the coaches. It's been a worry of many during Beckman's tenure. Penalties and stupid mistakes have been part of Illini tradition for the past 2.16667 years. It needs to be clean up, no excuses.</div>
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<div>It was a game that could have been won easily with just a few different turns, and alternatively, it could've just as easily been a loss. There was improvement from Week 1, but also new room for <i>other</i> improvements. Next week, the Illini venture out west to take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.uwdawgpound.com/">Washington Huskies</a>. A team like that won't be making the same Illini-saving mistakes that the Toppers did today. Beckman will need a nearly flawless performance if he hopes to remain undefeated, and so far, he hasn't gotten that. Not even once.</div>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2014/9/6/6114833/game-recap-roller-coaster-ing-illinois-fighting-illini-win-western-kentuckyAaron Rench2014-09-06T15:02:08-05:002014-09-06T15:02:08-05:00Illinois 42, WKU 34: Another 4th Quarter Comeback
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xcYBQb4Qw2CdMfrtrI1LPMOcHkc=/0x170:3200x2303/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38109060/20140906_lbm_gb2_037.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>For the second consecutive week, the Illini score 21 points in the 4th quarter for a come from behind victory.</p> <p>I guess the <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> have decided to become a fourth quarter team, which beats the hell out of the alternative. Much like last week, the Illini entered the fourth quarter trailing their opponent only to score three touchdowns to reclaim the lead.</p>
<p>The game frequently alternated between beautiful and hideous, but ultimately ended the way we all hoped it would. A rather nondescript first half gave way to one of the stranger third quarters in recent memory. <span>Wes Lunt</span> was picking apart the Hilltoppers defense with ease, confidently marching the Illini offense into the red zone before Western Kentucky CB <span>Wonderful Terry</span> stripped the ball out of <span>Malik Turner's</span> hands for a 95 yard fumble recovery touchdown. Wes Lunt then threw his first interception of the season on the next drive, leading to a field goal for WKU, giving the Hilltoppers a 27-21 lead.</p>
<p>But <span>Justin Hardee</span> caught a short pass up the middle and decided "Hey, YAC sure are neat", turned on his afterburners, and bolted 62 yards to the end zone to put the Illini back up 28-27. They wouldn't trail again. The next drive for WKU ended with a <span>Taylor Barton</span> 77 yard pick six that seemed to neuter the underdogs. It wasn't a very pretty game and it gave me more grey hairs than I'd like, but the team has two wins and zero losses, so I'll keep my complaining to a minimum.</p>
<p><b>Il bueno:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Wes Lunt, have yourself a day. The Luntslinger (shut up, I know it's a terrible name) went 35 for 50 (70% completion rate) for 456 yards, three touchdowns, and one pick. That's the fourth highest single game passing yardage total in Illini football history. He's going to be all over the Illini record books by the time he graduates.</li>
<li>V'Angelo Bentley. The newly-christened Vanjo had a nice Saturday, returning two punts for 22 yards and recovering the game-clinching fumble. <br> </li>
<li>Justin DuVernois. Kind of weird listing him, but he only had to punt once (!) and booted a 52 yarder.</li>
<li>The entire receiving corps. When your quarterback throws for over 450 yards, your receivers are going to have great days. Justin Hardee had 110 yards, <span>Geronimo Allison</span> had 97, Malik Turner had 56, and Mikey Dudek had 55. Four receivers, all over 50 yards receiving. I love this new offense.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Il cattivo:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>We still have zero running game. <span>Josh Ferguson</span> still hasn't shown up yet, only picking up 32 yards on 14 carries. <span>Donovonn Young</span> was slightly better, but 14 carries for 47 yards isn't good enough either. It's going to be a long year if neither can average more than four yards per carry.</li>
<li>We still can't tackle. The defense should have had a much better game, but holy shit we cannot wrap up on the first hit. So many missed tackles were exploited for additional yards that the Hilltoppers never should have had in the first place.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Il bruto:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Six fumbles. Six. Freaking. Fumbles. We're not going to win many games if we put the ball on the ground six times. We somehow only lost two of the six, but man, that needs to be corrected quickly.</li>
<li>Taylor Zalewski. The kicker might be cooked. There's no shame in missing a 50 yarder into the wind, but you have to be able to hit the 34 yarders. Absolutely have to make those. He also kicked the ball out of bounds on a kickoff for the second time this season and our defense is not good enough to give away free field positioning like that. We've only seen backup kicker <span>Ryan Frain</span> once this season, when he booted the ball out of bounds on a kickoff in week one.</li>
<li>The DJ. I don't know who the DJ at Memorial Stadium is. I don't know how much they get paid, if they do at all. But they are terrible. I know that it's law to play "Sandstorm" and "Seven Nation Army" at football games. It's in the constitution and everything. But this is 2014. There is zero reason to play "Gangnam Style" or "The Fox" in public. Terrible.</li>
<p><i>Follow The Champaign Room on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/Champaign_Room" target="_blank">@Champaign_Room</a> and </i><a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheChampaignRoom"><i>Like us on Facebook</i></a><i>. You can follow Mark Primiano on Twitter at </i><a href="https://twitter.com/SBN_UGod" target="_blank"><i>@SBN_UGod</i></a><i>.</i></p>
</ul>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2014/9/6/6114905/illinois-42-wku-34-another-4th-quarter-comebackMark Primiano2014-09-06T10:30:03-05:002014-09-06T10:30:03-05:00Game Thread: Illinois vs Western Kentucky
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e2vxdT5QFJfHeDtXNioMYBoYCi8=/0x93:4000x2760/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38074412/20140830_tcb_gb2_335.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Game conversation for Illinois' Week 2 matchup against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers</p> <p>Week 2 of Illinois Football is here! After an impressive debut, QB Wes Lunt looks to lead the Illini to a 2-0 record as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/western-kentucky-hilltoppers">Western Kentucky Hilltoppers</a> come to town. Illinois will be looking to improve upon an inconsistent Week 1 performance against Youngstown State. If you haven't already, make sure to check out <a href="http://www.thechampaignroom.com/2014/9/5/6108697/illinois-football-2014-game-two-preview-western-kentucky-hilltoppers-fighting-illini" target="_blank">our preview of today's matchup</a>.</p>
<p>This game won't be a walk a in the park for the Illini as the Hilltoppers posses one of the most explosive offenses in the country. If you like high scoring affairs, this matchup is for you. Will Illinois' defense be able to stand tall and keep the team in the game? We'll find out soon enough.</p>
<p>Join the staff of TCR in the comments as we discuss the game!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thechampaignroom.com/2014/9/2/6098221/complete-coverage-illinois-vs-western-kentucky" target="_blank">Complete Coverage: Illinois Football Week 2</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>*****</strong></p>
<h3>Illinois (1-0) vs Western Kentucky (1-0)</h3>
<p><strong>When</strong>: Saturday, Sept 6, 2014 | 11 am CT</p>
<p><strong>Where</strong>: Memorial Stadium | Champaign, IL</p>
<p><strong>Television</strong>: BTN (<a href="http://btn.com/about/btn-gamefinder/">GameFinder</a>), stream online with <a href="http://www.btn2go.com/">btn2go.com</a></p>
<p><strong>Announcers</strong>: Chris Denari, J Leman, and Rebecca Haarlow</p>
<p><strong>Radio</strong>: <a href="http://bit.ly/ISNAffiliates">Illini Sports Network</a>, <a href="http://www.fightingillini.com/collegesportslive/?media=457190">Listen</a>, and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.siriusxm.com%2Fcollegefootballschedule&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thechampaignroom.com%2F2014%2F9%2F6%2F6110105%2Fgame-thread-illinois-vs-western-kentucky" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sirius 135/XM 204</a></p>
<p><strong>Game Notes</strong>: <a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ill/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2014-15/release/release_20140901aaa.pdf">Illinois</a> and <a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ill/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2014-15/release/release_20140901aaa_wky.pdf">Western Kentucky</a></p>
<p><strong>Illinois Uniforms</strong>:</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a> Uni-Watch Week 2: white, orange, white (again) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ifitaintbroke?src=hash">#ifitaintbroke</a> <a href="http://t.co/MO0lEBRpjn">pic.twitter.com/MO0lEBRpjn</a></p>— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/507688706057457664">September 5, 2014</a></blockquote></p>
<p><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><strong>Illinois Injury Report</strong>:</p>
<blockquote> <p class="p1">#28 <span>Jaylen Dunlap</span> – Doubtful</p> <p class="p1">#58 <span>Kenny Nelson</span> – Doubtful</p> <p class="p1">#4 <span>Darwyn Kelly</span> – Out</p> <p class="p1">#30 Julian Hylton – Out</p> <p class="p1">#32 <span>Chris James</span> – Out</p> <p class="p1">#34 <span>Mike Svetina</span> – Out</p> <p class="p1">#54 <span>Zach Hirth</span> – Out</p> <p class="p1">#66 <span>Scott McDowell</span> – Out</p> <p class="p1">#75 <span>Pat Flavin</span> – Out</p> <p class="p1">#35 <span>Sean White</span> – Out for Season</p> </blockquote>
<p class="p1"><em>Follow The Champaign Room on Twitter at </em><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/Champaign_Room" target="_blank">@Champaign_Room</a><em> and </em><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheChampaignRoom?ref=hl" target="_blank">Like us on Facebook</a><em>. You can follow Jim Vainisi on Twitter at </em><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/JVainisi005" target="_blank">@JVainisi005</a><em>.</em></p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2014/9/6/6110105/game-thread-illinois-vs-western-kentuckyJim Vainisi2014-09-06T09:42:55-05:002014-09-06T09:42:55-05:00Changes to the Offensive Line<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/football/2014-09-05/final-word-brohm-enjoys-view.html">Changes to the Offensive&nbsp;Line</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>In the wake of RT Pat Flavin's injury this week in practice, we suspected that Christian DiLauro would take over his starting role. Per Matt Daniels of the News Gazette, Michael Heitz will actually shift over the right tackle from left guard. That means Joe Spencer, essentially the line's sixth man, will take over at center and C Alex Hill will move to left guard. We'll see if this line does any better than last week's edition.</p></p></div>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2014/9/6/6114071/changes-to-the-offensive-lineMatt Silich