Good night, Champaign...
Illinois 14 Michigan [#24] 31
This looked like it was going to be a bit of a blowout. Michigan (and Robinson) was looking good and Illinois sucked. However, even though we dominated the first half, we only had 14 points. We blew at least 17 on a lot of "run up the middle" plays that just weren't working. Illinois' defense had Robinson's number--nearly any time he tried something, he got shut down.
What was good was seeing Gallon, Toussaint and Shaw making plays. Robinson, on the other hand, isn't a quarterback who likes to share. Robinson hurt his hand in the 3rd quarter and Gardner came in. Gardner is young, but looking better and better. And, let me mention Toussaint again. He's going to be worth watching in the coming years, too. This was his best game yet. Our defense had the best game this season, too--I think Illinois ended up with a net zero yards in the whole first half.
Illinois' game woke up in the second half but their offensive line wasn't the best. I was watching a chat feed on ESPN when their quarterback (Scheelhasse) got gang-sacked for the third or fourth time. The best comment was "Do we get extra points for gang sacking?" (Yeah, that sounds dirty, too.) Gardner coming in during the latter half of the 3rd quarter and the rest of the game seemed to confuse Illinois and we took advantage and finally capitalized on big turnovers--no more leaving opportunities on the field. Floyd picked off a Scheelhasse pass and nearly ran it in, then Gardner delivered to Odoms for a 24-7 lead, in the middle fourth quarter, which was basically the end for Illinois.
Nebraska is next week, then Ohio State. Nebraska and Michigan are now tied for second in the Legends division. There can only be one number two and that game will probably decide it. (There can also only be one number one: that one is likely to be Michigan State, who plays the hapless Indiana next week, then the almost hapless Northwestern.) Of the two remaining, I think Nebraska will be the tougher opponent, but Ohio State is always a challenge.
The first Hoke season looks like a success: eight wins overall and a good chance at more. It's also been cool that Michigan games have been pretty much on the big networks all season, unlike the last few seasons with Rodriguez. It's been a great season so far--bring on those carpetbagging cornhuskers! Have to remember to wear my 1997 sweatshirt, since in that year, Michigan ended up splitting a national championship with Nebraska.
This looked like it was going to be a bit of a blowout. Michigan (and Robinson) was looking good and Illinois sucked. However, even though we dominated the first half, we only had 14 points. We blew at least 17 on a lot of "run up the middle" plays that just weren't working. Illinois' defense had Robinson's number--nearly any time he tried something, he got shut down.
What was good was seeing Gallon, Toussaint and Shaw making plays. Robinson, on the other hand, isn't a quarterback who likes to share. Robinson hurt his hand in the 3rd quarter and Gardner came in. Gardner is young, but looking better and better. And, let me mention Toussaint again. He's going to be worth watching in the coming years, too. This was his best game yet. Our defense had the best game this season, too--I think Illinois ended up with a net zero yards in the whole first half.
Illinois' game woke up in the second half but their offensive line wasn't the best. I was watching a chat feed on ESPN when their quarterback (Scheelhasse) got gang-sacked for the third or fourth time. The best comment was "Do we get extra points for gang sacking?" (Yeah, that sounds dirty, too.) Gardner coming in during the latter half of the 3rd quarter and the rest of the game seemed to confuse Illinois and we took advantage and finally capitalized on big turnovers--no more leaving opportunities on the field. Floyd picked off a Scheelhasse pass and nearly ran it in, then Gardner delivered to Odoms for a 24-7 lead, in the middle fourth quarter, which was basically the end for Illinois.
Nebraska is next week, then Ohio State. Nebraska and Michigan are now tied for second in the Legends division. There can only be one number two and that game will probably decide it. (There can also only be one number one: that one is likely to be Michigan State, who plays the hapless Indiana next week, then the almost hapless Northwestern.) Of the two remaining, I think Nebraska will be the tougher opponent, but Ohio State is always a challenge.
The first Hoke season looks like a success: eight wins overall and a good chance at more. It's also been cool that Michigan games have been pretty much on the big networks all season, unlike the last few seasons with Rodriguez. It's been a great season so far--bring on those carpetbagging cornhuskers! Have to remember to wear my 1997 sweatshirt, since in that year, Michigan ended up splitting a national championship with Nebraska.