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new illini football thread *

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 12:08:46

1985 for sure...for me, anyway*

Posted by LWillhite <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LWillhite' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 18:50:23, in reply to "new illini football thread *"

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Why 85 instead of 84? Too young to remember preseason stuff like that *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 21:42:32, in reply to "1985 for sure...for me, anyway*"

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You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

nm*

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 22:25:46, in reply to "Why 85 instead of 84? Too young to remember preseason stuff like that *"

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85 was #11 preseason nationally

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 22:25:45, in reply to "Why 85 instead of 84? Too young to remember preseason stuff like that *"

returned something in the neighborhood of 15 starters, including 7 all big ten guys from 1984: David Williams, Cap Boso, Jim Juriga, Thomas Rooks, Chris White, Craig Swoope, and Trudeau.

Lots of senior talent in 85 that was part of the 83 Rose Bowl team and couldn’t get back to that level

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Man, some all-time names on that list.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 1, 2025, 8:54:27, in reply to "85 was #11 preseason nationally "

Other memorable names (at least to me) from that era: Guy Teafeatalier, African Grant, Rob Gleimi...

Those were the days!

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84 was a no postseason ban, 85 had no ban, senior 3 year QB/WR & USC/Ohio St./Michigan

Posted by illini222 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini222' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 22:00:21, in reply to "Why 85 instead of 84? Too young to remember preseason stuff like that *"

in Champaign. Never remember a crowd going so quiet so fast when Chris White's kick to beat Michigan bounced off the crossbar.

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For Valentine's Day, find someone that loves you as much as Brad Underwood loves analytics.

Free Tre White.

mcfly?*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 18:51:13, in reply to "1985 for sure...for me, anyway*"

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Can I pull out all the stops, and get out of this town?
I wanna make you proud, but I really don't know how.

"get yer damn hands off [Jack Trudeau]"*

Posted by LWillhite <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LWillhite' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 20:22:43, in reply to "mcfly?*"

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Springsteen, Madonna, way before Nirvana*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 19:54:10, in reply to "mcfly?*"

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10 college football teams poised to disappoint this season

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 18:48:21, in reply to "new illini football thread *"

Illinois is getting plenty of pub as the Big Ten dark horse this offseason. That’s a recipe for disappointment — even if the Fighting Illini end up having a pretty good season! And that’s where I fall on this version of Bret Bielema’s team.

Another 10-win season could be hard to replicate against a slate of opponents that’s not as intimidating as it is selectively dangerous. The Illini’s schedule includes road tests at Duke and Indiana in the first four weeks. Then Ohio State visits later on, and the week after that Illinois travels to play a Washington team we're high on. Factor in a possible Big Ten misstep, which the Illini had last year against a decent Minnesota team, and eight regular-season wins feels more realistic.

Getting to nine regular-season wins, like last year, is possible. But even then, Illinois would be on the outside of the College Football Playoff looking in. Is that a disappointment? It feels like it, with the way Illinois is being talked about right now.

Look, there’s a lot to like up and down the roster. Gabe Jacas is listed as an EDGE, but more than anything he’s a nightmare for opposing offenses. There’s stability in the back end. Luke Altmyer quietly posted the third-most “Big Time Throws” (Pro Football Focus’ metric for passes “with excellent ball location and timing) of any Big Ten quarterback last year. Without last year’s top-two receivers, namely third-round pick Pat Bryant, Altmyer will need West Virginia transfer Hudson Clement and Ball State transfer Justin Bowick to step up.

Still, the Illini are fourth nationally in ESPN’s returning production rankings. It’s no gimme, though, they'll bring back the good fortune that helped make 2024 so magical. In addition to dodging serious injury issues, Illinois won two overtime games and beat Rutgers on the final play of regulation. Kansas and South Carolina both had chances for game-winning drives late, and Illinois held. We're not predicting an Illinois collapse. We just don’t see a run to the CFP, either.

https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/10-college-football-teams-poised-to-disappoint-this-season-172033573.html

Can I pull out all the stops, and get out of this town?
I wanna make you proud, but I really don't know how.

No one actually takes the time to see that there's a bye week between tOSU & @Washington.

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 1, 2025, 8:56:46, in reply to "10 college football teams poised to disappoint this season"

Not just this guy, seen / heard it other places as well.

Doesn't mean that the @Washington game is easy, but the extra week off to get healthy, two weeks for the staff to prepare, and maybe more time for the team to travel and adjust may soften it a bit.

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8-4, 9-3 viewed as a minor disappointment. What a world. *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 22:18:15, in reply to "10 college football teams poised to disappoint this season"

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You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Right?!*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 1, 2025, 9:12:38, in reply to "8-4, 9-3 viewed as a minor disappointment. What a world. *"

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Perfectly reasonable and most likely outcome*

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 19:12:36, in reply to "10 college football teams poised to disappoint this season"

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roughy says this is the most anticipated season of his lifetime.

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 16:40:38, in reply to "new illini football thread *"

Personally I was more jacked for 1985, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2009...but I am excited.

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Alright, we get it. You don't need to bring him up constantly. He doesn't post here anymore."

Hyperbole much*

Posted by Mrap24 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Mrap24' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 21:23:54, in reply to "roughy says this is the most anticipated season of his lifetime."

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Personally I was more jacked for 1985, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2009...but I am excited.

Maybe for our age, but for anybody under 25..: gotta think it is *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 21:43:45, in reply to "Hyperbole much*"

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Personally I was more jacked for 1985, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2009...but I am excited.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

I can get on board with that, but since roughy is around 50………..

Posted by Mrap24 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Mrap24' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 1, 2025, 9:30:43, in reply to "Maybe for our age, but for anybody under 25..: gotta think it is *"

But I get it, those subscriptions don’t sell themself

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Personally I was more jacked for 1985, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2009...but I am excited.

Yeah... something during the Mike White or Mackovic era.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 17:15:33, in reply to "roughy says this is the most anticipated season of his lifetime."

Just waaayyy too much roster turnover in today's college sports.

But: ride that wave, I guess.

I hope that poor guy doesn't get kicked in the teeth again

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 17:13:54, in reply to "roughy says this is the most anticipated season of his lifetime."

I want this for him.

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Personally I was more jacked for 1985, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2009...but I am excited.

Meh. I want this for every Illini fan.

Posted by Illiniphil <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Illiniphil' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 19:08:51, in reply to "I hope that poor guy doesn't get kicked in the teeth again"

All of us have suffered....he just has the bully pulpit. Props to him for creating his niche, but a lot of us have had our hopes crushed time after time, too.

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I want this for him.

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Personally I was more jacked for 1985, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2009...but I am excited.

Something like this. All are welcome to ride along on the fire tru... er, bandwagon.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 1, 2025, 9:00:41, in reply to "Meh. I want this for every Illini fan."

A lot like the Chicago baseball teams winning the World Series. A lot of people who are still with us can celebrate; and we can remember those who aren't here but were huge fans too.

JMHO.

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All of us have suffered....he just has the bully pulpit. Props to him for creating his niche, but a lot of us have had our hopes crushed time after time, too.

Yeah, 2008 was more. And then optimism turned to despair. I can never be as….

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 16:51:50, in reply to "roughy says this is the most anticipated season of his lifetime."

….excited as I was that off-season. The trauma was too deep.

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Personally I was more jacked for 1985, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2009...but I am excited.

Sitting in the EJD that first quarter, I’ve never fully recovered lol,*

Posted by nash <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=nash' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 19:38:17, in reply to "Yeah, 2008 was more. And then optimism turned to despair. I can never be as…."

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….excited as I was that off-season. The trauma was too deep.

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Personally I was more jacked for 1985, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2009...but I am excited.

man, that was rough.*

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 1, 2025, 8:58:37, in reply to "Sitting in the EJD that first quarter, I’ve never fully recovered lol,*"

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….excited as I was that off-season. The trauma was too deep.

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Personally I was more jacked for 1985, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2009...but I am excited.

As long as the loss of Pat Bryant isn't on par with the loss of RM5...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 16:53:28, in reply to "Yeah, 2008 was more. And then optimism turned to despair. I can never be as…."

...because... that was quite a dropoff.

Not to mention all of the other noise and dysfunction.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Wasn’t that 09? *

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 16:52:57, in reply to "Yeah, 2008 was more. And then optimism turned to despair. I can never be as…."

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….excited as I was that off-season. The trauma was too deep.

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Personally I was more jacked for 1985, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2009...but I am excited.

No*

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….excited as I was that off-season. The trauma was too deep.

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Personally I was more jacked for 1985, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2009...but I am excited.

Nothing like an offseason of excitement being crushed violently in 15 minutes.*

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….excited as I was that off-season. The trauma was too deep.

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Personally I was more jacked for 1985, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2009...but I am excited.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

2000 prior to BL getting hurt also... which obviously was a precursor for the Michigan debacle.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 16:43:00, in reply to "roughy says this is the most anticipated season of his lifetime."

Still remember Mel Kiper picking Illinois to win the Big Ten in 2001 on the old ESPN Radio...

But for me... 1994... hadn't been kicked in the balls long term yet... 1993 was frustrating (and the Wisconsin game was a terrible end), but the Michigan game was still fresh, and the whole team was back.

Anyway...

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Man, Bert carries that 2023 OL situation around like a fucking disease.

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 15:55:13, in reply to "new illini football thread *"

He brought it up again in today’s presser.

And, you know, good. Cannot win with OL depth that sketchy.

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So... I am generally a pretty big fan and supporter of the work the 247 guys do...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 16:59:57, in reply to "Man, Bert carries that 2023 OL situation around like a fucking disease. "

...but the preseason talk about how good the OL was going to be that year was dumber than shit at the time (receipts are here somewhere), and turned out to be asinine in practice.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

doo-dah, doo-dah*

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 13:00:57, in reply to "new illini football thread *"

strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime

new illini football thread...*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 13:26:42, in reply to "doo-dah, doo-dah*"

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You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Oh, de-doo dah day*

Posted by Herman Blume <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Herman+Blume' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 13:47:25, in reply to "new illini football thread...*"

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Lunney says Feagin is fully cleared to go*

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 12:35:01, in reply to "new illini football thread *"

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maintaining at least 2 healthy and reliable RBs per game is my #2 concern this year

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 12:40:15, in reply to "Lunney says Feagin is fully cleared to go*"

that will require a run of good health from Feagin/Laughery or one of the freshman to be ready to play

My #1 concern is can this WR corp make significant game-changing plays

Valentine too*

Posted by MtHoodIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=MtHoodIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 20:30:34, in reply to "maintaining at least 2 healthy and reliable RBs per game is my #2 concern this year"

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that will require a run of good health from Feagin/Laughery or one of the freshman to be ready to play

My #1 concern is can this WR corp make significant game-changing plays

So much rides on 2 early road games...

...I'm so happy we have an experienced QB.

The more I hear about Indiana, the more I am concerned they're just as good as last year... Cigs has done a damn miracle there.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

I don't like Mendoza as much as everyone else. They also have a makeshift offensive line

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 13:52:02, in reply to "So much rides on 2 early road games..."

We will be their first real opponent. They will be tough but I think we are the better, deeper team.

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...I'm so happy we have an experienced QB.

The more I hear about Indiana, the more I am concerned they're just as good as last year... Cigs has done a damn miracle there.

I'm hoping they split IU/Duke and USC/OSU

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 13:36:13, in reply to "So much rides on 2 early road games..."

Washington may be a really tough one, too. From what I can tell their QB is dangerous and they have a NFL-caliber WR

Id be ecstatic if we split both*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 13:39:57, in reply to "I'm hoping they split IU/Duke and USC/OSU"

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Washington may be a really tough one, too. From what I can tell their QB is dangerous and they have a NFL-caliber WR

Win 2 of those 5 and run the rest... that's the hope, IMO.

While on paper we play a fair number of lower-tier projected teams, Duke, IU and UW on the road are all vicious...

USC and OSU at home will be awesome atmospheres... if we somehow get to OSU at 1 loss or less... ho boy, that will be special.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Who will be KOR? Hank Beatty at PR*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 12:17:48, in reply to "new illini football thread *"

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Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Alright, we get it. You don't need to bring him up constantly. He doesn't post here anymore."

Mario Sanders has been mentioned as a possibility*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 12:33:37, in reply to "Who will be KOR? Hank Beatty at PR*"

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as long as he catches the damn thing, Trimble? *

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 12:30:44, in reply to "Who will be KOR? Hank Beatty at PR*"

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I'm guessing he isn't on the 5-year plan, but I sure don't want him getting hurt...

...doing KO returns if he's not worlds apart from other options.

The hype around him is pretty nuts... Bielema basically called him a 5-star who grew up in the wrong state.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Kevin?? Does he have any eligibility left?

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 13:00:15, in reply to "as long as he catches the damn thing, Trimble? *"

i don't know, but don't think it matters very much

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 12:25:01, in reply to "Who will be KOR? Hank Beatty at PR*"

very few kicks are returned anymore.

Beatty is a real weapon in punt returns. i would guess he's a big reason our ST ranked 7th by FEI.

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Pretty good for a kid labeled a "bust" by so many*

Posted by longsnapper <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=longsnapper' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 13:49:50, in reply to "i don't know, but don't think it matters very much"

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very few kicks are returned anymore.

Beatty is a real weapon in punt returns. i would guess he's a big reason our ST ranked 7th by FEI.

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Lots of puns, no real answers

i thought he and Anderson were the best HS football players in the state when we recruited them

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 14:30:34, in reply to "Pretty good for a kid labeled a "bust" by so many*"

that does not necessarily mean most talented, most ready for the next level, etc. But you won't find a better HS football player than Beatty.

Anderson not working out as much.

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very few kicks are returned anymore.

Beatty is a real weapon in punt returns. i would guess he's a big reason our ST ranked 7th by FEI.

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looking at the NCAA site, only 15 teams averaged a kickoff return greater than 25 yards

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 12:27:43, in reply to "i don't know, but don't think it matters very much"

you get the ball at the 25 regardless of where it is fair caught inside the 25, don't see much of a reason to return them.

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very few kicks are returned anymore.

Beatty is a real weapon in punt returns. i would guess he's a big reason our ST ranked 7th by FEI.

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Why?*

Posted by ISeeDeadHawkeyes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ISeeDeadHawkeyes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on July 31, 2025, 12:15:20, in reply to "new illini football thread *"

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The Bert and Undy thread has 1000 posts. As a mod I've debated killing it for a while.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on July 31, 2025, 12:41:07, in reply to "Why?*"

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Calendar time for Buddy!

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