Wow, the voting numbers here are insane. 18-19 in favor of Illinois. I thought at least it would sway one way or the other.
Juice has improved during camp, but can he bring it over to the practice field and not use his head to try and use his feet?
We will see, I'm on Missouri -8.5.
Juice has improved during camp, but can he bring it over to the practice field and not use his head to try and use his feet?
We will see, I'm on Missouri -8.5.
Wait til everybody gets to see Regis Benn with a year under his belt and finally at full strength. He will be a man among boys this year. There aren't very many receivers as fast as him that can run D-backs over and deliver brutal stiff arms. He will get plenty of touches and Juice can get him the ball on short passes worst case. Also keep an eye on soph. Martez Wilson, he is the fastest LB in the country this year and an absolute freak. Finally, now that the D can really key in on Macklin who was an unknown last year, look for top ten draft pick CB Vontae Davis to put the clamps down. I can't wait for this game!!!!!
Now I really hope the freshman kicker who has been getting blocked in camp can deliver
hno:
Now I really hope the freshman kicker who has been getting blocked in camp can deliver
hno:
Just my two cents: I've looked at this game up and down. And I think there are just too many variables here to have a strong opinion for one side or the other. Things we don't know coming into this game is whether Illiniois will be able to fill the void left by Mendenhall. You can say what you want, but the facts are we just don't know. I love good defensive running teams getting this many points more than anything. But you can also argue that Mizzou is also a good defensive team (10 returning starters). Will they have as good a rushing game as they had last season with Tony Temple? Not known. Who do I think wins the game? Missouri...I think they have a comparable defense to Illinois. But I think their wildcard is Jeremy Machlin. He is a gamebreaker. And in my opinion the most valuable player outside of QB than any player in the Big 12.. And one thing that Mizzou has over Illinois is better special teams. So we're looking at two strong weapons on Mizzou's offense in Daniel and Machlin vs Juice Williams on the other side. Illinois has what should be a very good set of WR's. Especially Benn. But he is still no Jeremy Machlin. Even though I think Mizzou wins barring things like turnovers or injuries, I still think 9 points is alot of points considering these were two BCS caliber teams last season. Do I think Mizzou is capable of covering this spread if they play their game...Yes...Do I think Illinois can cover if they haven't fallen any from last season...Yes...In my opinion there are better games out there to play. But I'll be watching this one closely.
I agree GS, a lot better games out there with less ?'s but what about the under in this game. It's at 59.5 pts. Being a huge Illini fan I have looked at this game for a long time every which way and I don't see this being the shoot out it was last year. Machlin, McGee, and turnovers were unknowns and ended up being the perfect storm that made this a high scoring game. Now you have two defenses that are very capable of controlling this game. The only hesitation is the Illini could be more pass oriented this year but the OC and Zook stand by the fact they will conitue to be a run first offense in '08(could be trying to throw mixed signals). Word out of Mizzou is their D should allow them to play more ball control this year as well. I just don't see either team scoring over 30.
Tootight....I was looking at the under for this game. But then again I look at the unders for all of the games this early in the year. The only problem with playing the under is it breaks my rule of playing a game with two star opposing QB's who are capable of making big plays. And as I said, don't underestimate the Jeremy Machlin factor. He can make things happen. Special teams can be a big factor in games like this. And they can be responsible for adding a couple extra scores onto the totals that people don't anticipate. Like Jeremy Machlin's 64 yard punt return for a TD in this game last season. This year Illinois has a freshman playing in his first game back there punting the ball to him. So many things could happen. And they're all bad for Illinois if this kid makes a freshman mistake.
Mizzou is extremely talented and top of that they are home but I just don't think you can give Illini 9 points in a revenge matchup like this...Either way I am looking forward to this game and I am glad I live on the east coast and don't have to watch that Michigan State game like some of you west coasters...PUUUUKE...should be an excellent game for any fan of the game
Season ticket holder for IL, and I know quite a bit about them.
Offense
RB- Dufrene, Small but very quick and a hard runner, might see a couple freshman get some carries
Offensive line- Replacing the right side of the line
WR- Benn is a stud, Cumberland is 6'5 250 and can run
QB- Juice will not run as much this year, as they say he has looked great passing the ball
Defense
Defensive line- Supposed to be one of the best in the big ten this year. Will Davis is a freak and DT Josh Brent is manchild
Linebackers- Britt Miller will move from outside to middle to replace Leman, who had about 20 tackles in this game last year. The guy to watch is true sophomore Martez Wilson who is 6'4 245 and has been timed at 4.4. I guess pro scouts are already drooling over his talent
Defensive backs- V. Davis will be guarding Maclin, which could both be top 15 picks in the NFL when they are both eligible, so should be a great matchup.
Special teams- Well this is where IL might struggle. I'm not even sure they have decided who will be this years kicker. A couple missed fg's against Mizzou's offense could lead to being down 14 points pretty quick.
My prediction Mizzou 31 IL 24
I won't be surprised one bit if IL wins this game. Special teams is the only reason why I'm picking Mizzou.
Offense
RB- Dufrene, Small but very quick and a hard runner, might see a couple freshman get some carries
Offensive line- Replacing the right side of the line
WR- Benn is a stud, Cumberland is 6'5 250 and can run
QB- Juice will not run as much this year, as they say he has looked great passing the ball
Defense
Defensive line- Supposed to be one of the best in the big ten this year. Will Davis is a freak and DT Josh Brent is manchild
Linebackers- Britt Miller will move from outside to middle to replace Leman, who had about 20 tackles in this game last year. The guy to watch is true sophomore Martez Wilson who is 6'4 245 and has been timed at 4.4. I guess pro scouts are already drooling over his talent
Defensive backs- V. Davis will be guarding Maclin, which could both be top 15 picks in the NFL when they are both eligible, so should be a great matchup.
Special teams- Well this is where IL might struggle. I'm not even sure they have decided who will be this years kicker. A couple missed fg's against Mizzou's offense could lead to being down 14 points pretty quick.
My prediction Mizzou 31 IL 24
I won't be surprised one bit if IL wins this game. Special teams is the only reason why I'm picking Mizzou.
Only way I put money on this game is if I do really good on the early games but I think it will be close. Mizzou's o-line is their only weakness and the Ilini's biggest strength is the fact they are 8 deep on the d-line with a weak side linebacker that's faster than Maclin. Chase D. has a lightening quick release and can run a little so I think this comes down to a turnover or special teams deciding the outcome. Not a good one to bet on but this will be the best game for the first week. I like the under but the dome just screams shoot out so I will more than likely sit back and enjoy.
Rivals article....
Saturday night at 7:30 central time Ron Zook's 20th-ranked Fighting Illini take on Chase Daniel and the sixth-ranked Missouri Tigers at the Jones Dome in St. Louis. The Orange&Blue News previews the contest and gives our pick to win in this gameday report. The contest will be televised by ESPN. The Illini will be without senior defensive tackle Sirod Williams (torn ACL out for the season), junior wide receiver Jeff Cumberland (stress fracture out likely till the Penn State game) and junior safety Donsay Hardeman (knee) is doubtful. Illini have some bumps and bruises but all the rest of the players should be ready to go Saturday night against Mizzou.
<!--Start Image--><script language="Javascript">document.write(insertImage('/IMAGES/Player/video/JUICEWILLIAMS250_0624A.JPG', '', 0, 300, 250, 1, 'Prime time for Juice Williams Saturday night.', '', 1220060147000, '', 1014, 'Align=Left'));</script><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="258"><tbody><tr><td width="252">
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</td></tr><tr><td align="center">Prime time for Juice Williams Saturday night.</td></tr></tbody></table><!-- End Image-->The Illini will win if
The Illini are successful running and or passing on first down. Illini plus five or more on first down and they control the tempo of the contest, establish their ground game, toughness and keep the explosive Mizzou offense off the field.
Punting and place-kicking doesn't betray Illinois. Area I am most nervous about because right now I still don't have a lot of confidence in either position for the Illini.
Get a consistent four man pass-rush on Daniel. If Illinois can exploit early the inexperience of Mizzou's left tackle and get a solid pass-rush on Daniel, dropping seven defenders into coverage, forcing the QB to dink and dunk his way down the field and not give up big plays, Illini defense has a good chance to slow down Missouri.
Missouri will win if
Get big plays early on offense, turn the game into a shootout because Daniel is a better QB at that kind of contest. Illini QB Juice Williams is improved but I don't think he is good enough yet to beat a veteran Mizzou defense if he has to pass Zook's team to a come from behind win.
Block the Illini four man rush and force Zook's team into blitzes. If that happens, Daniel will pick Illinois apart with his quick reads and throws.
Stuff the Illini run game and force Juice Williams into 2nd&3rd and long passing situations. I don't know if Illinois can consistently block the Mizzou pass rush if the Tigers get ahead, pin their ears back and know the Illini will be throwing a lot. Illini establish that running game and keep Mizzou off-balance, they can move the ball but if Zook's team falls behind early.....it could be a long night for the offense in the dome.
Storylines
Matchups and players to watch on Saturday in the Dome.
How many touches will Arrelious Benn get?-Illini offensive coordinator Mike Locksley can use the super sophomore receiver in many ways, see how different ways the former D.C. prep gets the ball on Saturday night.
Chris Duvalt-The junior moved from cornerback to wide receiver last spring and replaces Cumberland at the outside spot. Duvalt had a good camp and is a speed burner that can stretch the field but it's his first college start at the position.
Can the Illini interior line block Mizzou defensive tackle Ziggy Hood?-By all accounts, the 6-foot-4, 295-pound senior defender has been unstoppable in pre-season camp for Gary Pinkel's squad.
Hit the hole strong-Which Illini running back will show his stuff against Mizzou early on? Junior Daniel Dufrene will get the start but Illinois will likely go three deep at the position.
Mizzou left tackle Elvis Fisher gets his first start Saturday night-I expect the Tigers to see early on what Illinois will do against Fisher. Power rush him? Stunt, twist against Fisher using Will Davis, Antonio James at the defensive tackle, Doug Pilcher at end caving in the left side of the line while a speed defensive lineman comes around the corner. Will Missouri keep a tight end in to help out in pass protection? Or maybe a back? Or will they keep #72 Fisher on the island to see if he can fend for himself early?
The Illini safeties-What a test the first game of the season for young Illini safeties Travon Bellamy, Bo Flowers, Nathan Bussey, and Garrett Edwards. Expect Mizzou to isolate receivers on the Illini safeties to see if they can confuse them, take advantage of their inexperience creating a big play early in the game.
Can Illinois contain Jeremy Maclin?-The sophomore will likely be the best receiver the Illini face this year. As the cliche' goes, 'you can't stop Maclin, you can only hope to contain him'.....keep Maclin in front of the Illini defense and smack the crap out of him everytime he catches a pass. I don't see Illinois trying to match up Vontae Davis one on one versus Maclin. Zone coverage on both sides rolling the nickel to Macklin's side would be my guess how Illinois will play him.
Pass to the Illini tight end?-With junior Michael Hoomanawanui and freshman Hubie Graham both having solid pre-season camps, is this the game Illini fans finally see the tight end being used as an important part of the offense?
Martez Wilson-The highly touted sophomore linebacker has been very good in pre-season camp, Saturday night is as good as any to demonstrate why every top school in the country offered the five star recruit a scholarship. Wilson can be a true differnce maker for the Illini on defense when he is focused, running to the ball, making plays.
Prediction
Just seems like yesterday not nine months ago that I was riding in a cab to LAX the morning after that Illini Rose Bowl defeat....72 degrees in Los Angeles when I left, -3 in Chicago when I land at O'Hare but enough about me. Time flies....in one of the most anticipated Illini openers in many years, the Illini are able to run the ball early and often, keep Daniel and Mizzou off the field on their way to a 27-24 win for Ron Zook's team Saturday night in St. Louis.
Saturday night at 7:30 central time Ron Zook's 20th-ranked Fighting Illini take on Chase Daniel and the sixth-ranked Missouri Tigers at the Jones Dome in St. Louis. The Orange&Blue News previews the contest and gives our pick to win in this gameday report. The contest will be televised by ESPN. The Illini will be without senior defensive tackle Sirod Williams (torn ACL out for the season), junior wide receiver Jeff Cumberland (stress fracture out likely till the Penn State game) and junior safety Donsay Hardeman (knee) is doubtful. Illini have some bumps and bruises but all the rest of the players should be ready to go Saturday night against Mizzou.
<!--Start Image--><script language="Javascript">document.write(insertImage('/IMAGES/Player/video/JUICEWILLIAMS250_0624A.JPG', '', 0, 300, 250, 1, 'Prime time for Juice Williams Saturday night.', '', 1220060147000, '', 1014, 'Align=Left'));</script><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="258"><tbody><tr><td width="252">
The Illini are successful running and or passing on first down. Illini plus five or more on first down and they control the tempo of the contest, establish their ground game, toughness and keep the explosive Mizzou offense off the field.
Punting and place-kicking doesn't betray Illinois. Area I am most nervous about because right now I still don't have a lot of confidence in either position for the Illini.
Get a consistent four man pass-rush on Daniel. If Illinois can exploit early the inexperience of Mizzou's left tackle and get a solid pass-rush on Daniel, dropping seven defenders into coverage, forcing the QB to dink and dunk his way down the field and not give up big plays, Illini defense has a good chance to slow down Missouri.
Missouri will win if
Get big plays early on offense, turn the game into a shootout because Daniel is a better QB at that kind of contest. Illini QB Juice Williams is improved but I don't think he is good enough yet to beat a veteran Mizzou defense if he has to pass Zook's team to a come from behind win.
Block the Illini four man rush and force Zook's team into blitzes. If that happens, Daniel will pick Illinois apart with his quick reads and throws.
Stuff the Illini run game and force Juice Williams into 2nd&3rd and long passing situations. I don't know if Illinois can consistently block the Mizzou pass rush if the Tigers get ahead, pin their ears back and know the Illini will be throwing a lot. Illini establish that running game and keep Mizzou off-balance, they can move the ball but if Zook's team falls behind early.....it could be a long night for the offense in the dome.
Storylines
Matchups and players to watch on Saturday in the Dome.
How many touches will Arrelious Benn get?-Illini offensive coordinator Mike Locksley can use the super sophomore receiver in many ways, see how different ways the former D.C. prep gets the ball on Saturday night.
Chris Duvalt-The junior moved from cornerback to wide receiver last spring and replaces Cumberland at the outside spot. Duvalt had a good camp and is a speed burner that can stretch the field but it's his first college start at the position.
Can the Illini interior line block Mizzou defensive tackle Ziggy Hood?-By all accounts, the 6-foot-4, 295-pound senior defender has been unstoppable in pre-season camp for Gary Pinkel's squad.
Hit the hole strong-Which Illini running back will show his stuff against Mizzou early on? Junior Daniel Dufrene will get the start but Illinois will likely go three deep at the position.
Mizzou left tackle Elvis Fisher gets his first start Saturday night-I expect the Tigers to see early on what Illinois will do against Fisher. Power rush him? Stunt, twist against Fisher using Will Davis, Antonio James at the defensive tackle, Doug Pilcher at end caving in the left side of the line while a speed defensive lineman comes around the corner. Will Missouri keep a tight end in to help out in pass protection? Or maybe a back? Or will they keep #72 Fisher on the island to see if he can fend for himself early?
The Illini safeties-What a test the first game of the season for young Illini safeties Travon Bellamy, Bo Flowers, Nathan Bussey, and Garrett Edwards. Expect Mizzou to isolate receivers on the Illini safeties to see if they can confuse them, take advantage of their inexperience creating a big play early in the game.
Can Illinois contain Jeremy Maclin?-The sophomore will likely be the best receiver the Illini face this year. As the cliche' goes, 'you can't stop Maclin, you can only hope to contain him'.....keep Maclin in front of the Illini defense and smack the crap out of him everytime he catches a pass. I don't see Illinois trying to match up Vontae Davis one on one versus Maclin. Zone coverage on both sides rolling the nickel to Macklin's side would be my guess how Illinois will play him.
Pass to the Illini tight end?-With junior Michael Hoomanawanui and freshman Hubie Graham both having solid pre-season camps, is this the game Illini fans finally see the tight end being used as an important part of the offense?
Martez Wilson-The highly touted sophomore linebacker has been very good in pre-season camp, Saturday night is as good as any to demonstrate why every top school in the country offered the five star recruit a scholarship. Wilson can be a true differnce maker for the Illini on defense when he is focused, running to the ball, making plays.
Prediction
Just seems like yesterday not nine months ago that I was riding in a cab to LAX the morning after that Illini Rose Bowl defeat....72 degrees in Los Angeles when I left, -3 in Chicago when I land at O'Hare but enough about me. Time flies....in one of the most anticipated Illini openers in many years, the Illini are able to run the ball early and often, keep Daniel and Mizzou off the field on their way to a 27-24 win for Ron Zook's team Saturday night in St. Louis.
Ive done little to no capping of this game...I was completely unaware that it was at a neutral site...Makes me like Illini even more...I just dont think Mizzou is that much better than them...I mean home field is worth another what 5-6 points...so ur tellin me if this game was in Mizzou they would be more than a 2 td favorite...I like this Mizzou squad but I dont think they are worthy of this big of a number....only time will tell though
