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Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 11:25:17

Bret article

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 13:12:03, in reply to "Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole"

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/bigten/2025/08/05/illinois-football-bret-bielema-college-football-preseason-poll/83598282007/

Bertie-Bert "fits Illinois like a horseshoe on an empty stomach, or a cold Stag after a deer hunt."

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 13:50:39, in reply to "Bret article"

A) Shoulda made "Horseshoe" a proper noun.
B) I was ready to say "why a Wisconsin beer?" but Google AI tells me this...

Stag is an American-style light lager, first brewed in Belleville, Illinois. It's known for its malty character and smooth finish, often paired with Midwestern staples like steak, taters, and gravy. Stag is brewed by Pabst Brewing Company.

Had a Stag the other day.

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 16:27:01, in reply to "Bertie-Bert "fits Illinois like a horseshoe on an empty stomach, or a cold Stag after a deer hunt.""

Recently (just this year) found out it was from Belleville.

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A) Shoulda made "Horseshoe" a proper noun.
B) I was ready to say "why a Wisconsin beer?" but Google AI tells me this...

Stag is an American-style light lager, first brewed in Belleville, Illinois. It's known for its malty character and smooth finish, often paired with Midwestern staples like steak, taters, and gravy. Stag is brewed by Pabst Brewing Company.

Never had a Stag*

Posted by TarheelIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=TarheelIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 18:48:51, in reply to "Had a Stag the other day."

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Recently (just this year) found out it was from Belleville.

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Recrudescence

#11 in ESPN poll. (Schlabach?)

Posted by redgrange77 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=redgrange77' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 5:54:36, in reply to "Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole"

Would be nice to have more breathing room in q3 and Q4 this year.

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JC Davis in a boot, dealing with plantar faciatis. “Should be good to go” by the opener, per Bert*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 20:36:43, in reply to "Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole"

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Get him some shockwave therapy*

Posted by MtHoodIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=MtHoodIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 18:15:44, in reply to "JC Davis in a boot, dealing with plantar faciatis. “Should be good to go” by the opener, per Bert*"

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JJ Hirdes joins Grant Smith on the "out for the year" list

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 8:55:25, in reply to "JC Davis in a boot, dealing with plantar faciatis. “Should be good to go” by the opener, per Bert*"

both true freshman expected to redshirt.

JJ Hirdes joins Grant Smith on the "out for the year" list

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 8:55:21, in reply to "JC Davis in a boot, dealing with plantar faciatis. “Should be good to go” by the opener, per Bert*"

both true freshman expected to redshirt.

that’s incredible. Has our basketball team team been ranked that high preseason?*

Posted by bbonb <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bbonb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 18:45:26, in reply to "Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole"

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Of course*

Posted by MtHoodIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=MtHoodIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 18:16:21, in reply to "that’s incredible. Has our basketball team team been ranked that high preseason?*"

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Nobody has*

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 18:55:42, in reply to "that’s incredible. Has our basketball team team been ranked that high preseason?*"

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It's provacative, no one knows what it means*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 10:54:18, in reply to "Nobody has*"

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Like ever?*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 18:52:59, in reply to "that’s incredible. Has our basketball team team been ranked that high preseason?*"

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we are never ever ever getting back together*

Posted by VIV <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=VIV' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 8:52:42, in reply to "Like ever?*"

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"the sum value of my outfit will always be higher than yours."

like, ever*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 11:17:33, in reply to "we are never ever ever getting back together*"

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nm*

Posted by ECEIllinois <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ECEIllinois' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 18:47:50, in reply to "that’s incredible. Has our basketball team team been ranked that high preseason?*"

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Something I can’t get past: are we really that talented?

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 August 4, 2025, 16:45:36, in reply to "Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole"

If we accept we were lucky last year and that our talent is better suited to 7 wins, how can we predict 9 or 10 this year?

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Two points:

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 21:53:06, in reply to "Something I can’t get past: are we really that talented? "

1. We should prepare ourselves that while a really *really* magical season is a possibilty, the median outcome is probably something like 8-4 and that's pretty great.

2. The reason to think that this isn't 2008 is that 2007 lost a lot of the unheralded but experienced guys and we thought a bunch of raw 4*s would make for a better team. This group still has those guys.

I’m prepped for 7-8 wins this season. Anything better is gravy *

Posted by illini thunder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini+thunder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 10:38:47, in reply to "Two points: "

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I'm already looking forward to your optimistic and uplifting gamethread posts*

Posted by jjlocke923 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jjlocke923' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 11:15:42, in reply to "I’m prepped for 7-8 wins this season. Anything better is gravy *"

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Proud Winner of the 2024 Deuce ROY Award

On this, we have found an accord. *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 11:27:20, in reply to "I'm already looking forward to your optimistic and uplifting gamethread posts*"

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You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Bielema + staff>>>Zook + staff*

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 8:06:30, in reply to "Two points: "

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

"I'm already looking forward to your optimistic and uplifting gamethread posts"

no stretch there. dude did get us the Rose Bowl, however, and I will always like him for that*

Posted by cpsteine <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=cpsteine' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 10:49:20, in reply to "Bielema + staff>>>Zook + staff*"

A top 10 day in my life, regardless of the score.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 11:11:17, in reply to "no stretch there. dude did get us the Rose Bowl, however, and I will always like him for that*"

Dreamt about it as a kid... experienced it in person... will always respect Zook for bringing us that (and thanks to Uncle Jim for the assist).

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Not attending top 5 worst decisions I ever made. Not sports decisions. Life*

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 August 5, 2025, 14:51:35, in reply to "A top 10 day in my life, regardless of the score."

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Dreamt about it as a kid... experienced it in person... will always respect Zook for bringing us that (and thanks to Uncle Jim for the assist).

Yeah. It's way up there on my list as well*

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 16:27:33, in reply to "Not attending top 5 worst decisions I ever made. Not sports decisions. Life*"

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Dreamt about it as a kid... experienced it in person... will always respect Zook for bringing us that (and thanks to Uncle Jim for the assist).

Not gonna blow sunshine up your asses... you guys blew it.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 16:58:10, in reply to "Yeah. It's way up there on my list as well*"

But I didn't get back to STL for the Final Four, nor was I in Chicago for the Elite 8, so my FOMO has been in full gear for a long time.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Same. *

Posted by harb <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=harb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 11:39:07, in reply to "A top 10 day in my life, regardless of the score."

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Dreamt about it as a kid... experienced it in person... will always respect Zook for bringing us that (and thanks to Uncle Jim for the assist).

[Assassin] Harb is the epitome of a Goldfish Troll.
[Opey] Assholes gonna asshole
[tiki] #### all the way off with that, you bloodthirsty hilljack.

Oooh, goin' waaaaay out on a limb with that one...

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 8:40:56, in reply to "Bielema + staff>>>Zook + staff*"

Trained monkey and staff >> Zook and staff.

We're going for two, OR we might shift out of it!! You'll have to be prepared for just about anything!!!

Elaborating on my comments about the Pick 6 Previews magazine…

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 18:45:43, in reply to "Something I can’t get past: are we really that talented? "

Other than QB at #4, he had no other position group of ours higher than #7 in the Big Ten.

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If we accept we were lucky last year and that our talent is better suited to 7 wins, how can we predict 9 or 10 this year?

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

We have a handful of guys who will get drafted next year

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:51:13, in reply to "Something I can’t get past: are we really that talented? "

A CB who some draft guys have at CB2 already, an edge/DL coming off an 8 sack season who was just on the freaks list, a LT who is going to be drafted, a QB who is poised to be really good and very experienced.

That’s a decent amount of talent at premium positions.

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If we accept we were lucky last year and that our talent is better suited to 7 wins, how can we predict 9 or 10 this year?

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Todd McShay called Jacas the #8 defensive prospect in all the 2025 draft*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 18:49:26, in reply to "We have a handful of guys who will get drafted next year"

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If we accept we were lucky last year and that our talent is better suited to 7 wins, how can we predict 9 or 10 this year?

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We're tough, deep and well coached. Something I've never said about an Illinois team.

Posted by Toonces <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Toonces' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:52:20, in reply to "Something I can’t get past: are we really that talented? "

We've had teams with parts of those 3 things, but never like this.

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If we accept we were lucky last year and that our talent is better suited to 7 wins, how can we predict 9 or 10 this year?

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Legitimately bronchial.

On balance, I think we are well-coached. Bert is just terrific managing a game.

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 August 4, 2025, 17:01:21, in reply to "We're tough, deep and well coached. Something I've never said about an Illinois team."

That’ll win you some games. I’m just not sure if it’s enough to get us to 9 with our mid talent as a backdrop.

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We've had teams with parts of those 3 things, but never like this.

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If we accept we were lucky last year and that our talent is better suited to 7 wins, how can we predict 9 or 10 this year?

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9 wins was a hair from being 7 last year...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:52:15, in reply to "On balance, I think we are well-coached. Bert is just terrific managing a game. "

...and I don't mean 80s hair metal hair... I mean a porn star after 2 days of not shaving hair.

...if not for Schiano shitting himself and the officials graciously not ending the Purdue game on the Altmyer non-fumble, that's a 7-5 season, and the narrative is a whole lot different.

That's the difference. Right there... and then you can add in the Mac Resetich muffed punt against Kansas that miraculously worked out our way...

Those are the margins in which we operated last year.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

For sure. Another thing we have in spades is experience/continuity. Stars aligning.*

Posted by Toonces <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Toonces' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:06:59, in reply to "On balance, I think we are well-coached. Bert is just terrific managing a game. "

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That’ll win you some games. I’m just not sure if it’s enough to get us to 9 with our mid talent as a backdrop.

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We've had teams with parts of those 3 things, but never like this.

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If we accept we were lucky last year and that our talent is better suited to 7 wins, how can we predict 9 or 10 this year?

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Legitimately bronchial.

No, but we have a lot of experience where it matters (QB, OL, etc.)*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:51:57, in reply to "Something I can’t get past: are we really that talented? "

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If we accept we were lucky last year and that our talent is better suited to 7 wins, how can we predict 9 or 10 this year?

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I’m very curious what Feagin looks like too

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 20:24:22, in reply to "No, but we have a lot of experience where it matters (QB, OL, etc.)*"

He was being gassed up by NFL types as a freak athlete last offseason and then came out and looked completely lost before the injury. Part of me wonders if there was something was off that was part of the injury. Maybe he comes out this year and looks like a different player if he’s 100%

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If we accept we were lucky last year and that our talent is better suited to 7 wins, how can we predict 9 or 10 this year?

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I can’t dispute that. And I agree that maybe three of our OL…

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 August 4, 2025, 16:54:38, in reply to "No, but we have a lot of experience where it matters (QB, OL, etc.)*"

….will be late round draft picks. Yet, as we’ve lamented over and over, our OL was below average most of last year outside of NW and SC.

It’s confusing. I just don’t know how to predict this season.

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If we accept we were lucky last year and that our talent is better suited to 7 wins, how can we predict 9 or 10 this year?

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3rd straight year of preseason metaphorical BJs for the OL.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:55:26, in reply to "I can’t dispute that. And I agree that maybe three of our OL…"

Time for Officer Bart's crew to earn the hype.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

(whispers) it’s not the offensive line, it’s the play calls *

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 20:19:50, in reply to "3rd straight year of preseason metaphorical BJs for the OL."

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Time for Officer Bart's crew to earn the hype.

Trust me, you won’t get an argument from me on that. *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 21:22:25, in reply to "(whispers) it’s not the offensive line, it’s the play calls *"

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Time for Officer Bart's crew to earn the hype.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Never forget that if Schiano doesn’t shit the bed at Rutgers last year

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 20:26:31, in reply to "(whispers) it’s not the offensive line, it’s the play calls *"

Lunney had already shit the bed a couple of plays prior with his 1st down option call that got Altmyer tackled behind the line and forced us to burn our only timeout and cost us FG range

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Time for Officer Bart's crew to earn the hype.

I think Lunney is just average

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 20:31:32, in reply to "Never forget that if Schiano doesn’t shit the bed at Rutgers last year "

He won’t give us much of an advantage. We run the same homogenized 11 personnel offense 90% of college football runs. But we are really heavy on inside zone, and unless you have a Notre Dame like OL, that’s not a great place to be. IMO the #1 reason all our backs, including Chase Brown, have or had really weak YPC numbers.

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Lunney had already shit the bed a couple of plays prior with his 1st down option call that got Altmyer tackled behind the line and forced us to burn our only timeout and cost us FG range

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Time for Officer Bart's crew to earn the hype.

No argument here

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 1:02:08, in reply to "I think Lunney is just average"

That said, I do think he has improved. Don’t have the numbers in front of me, but IIRC our red zone efficiency improved dramatically last year

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Lunney had already shit the bed a couple of plays prior with his 1st down option call that got Altmyer tackled behind the line and forced us to burn our only timeout and cost us FG range

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Time for Officer Bart's crew to earn the hype.

Red zone was a lot better from year 2, when it cost us the big ten west

Posted by illiniranger <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illiniranger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 7:13:17, in reply to "No argument here"

But I think it went from terrible to average. We’re not excellent down there.

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That said, I do think he has improved. Don’t have the numbers in front of me, but IIRC our red zone efficiency improved dramatically last year

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Lunney had already shit the bed a couple of plays prior with his 1st down option call that got Altmyer tackled behind the line and forced us to burn our only timeout and cost us FG range

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Time for Officer Bart's crew to earn the hype.

We are a better RZ passing team now. Or so it seems. *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 5, 2025, 9:40:10, in reply to "Red zone was a lot better from year 2, when it cost us the big ten west"

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But I think it went from terrible to average. We’re not excellent down there.

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That said, I do think he has improved. Don’t have the numbers in front of me, but IIRC our red zone efficiency improved dramatically last year

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Lunney had already shit the bed a couple of plays prior with his 1st down option call that got Altmyer tackled behind the line and forced us to burn our only timeout and cost us FG range

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Time for Officer Bart's crew to earn the hype.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

I swear that every season I talk myself into an Illini offensive line being good…

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:13:50, in reply to "3rd straight year of preseason metaphorical BJs for the OL."

I find myself halfway through the week 1 game against a mid major or FCS team being super-concerned that our RB’s are regularly getting stuffed at the line of scrimmage.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

experience, especially at QB.

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:49:14, in reply to "Something I can’t get past: are we really that talented? "

several NFL dudes on defense you hope

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If we accept we were lucky last year and that our talent is better suited to 7 wins, how can we predict 9 or 10 this year?

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Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

So... yeah... the Lovie "coached" teams were a complete shit show...

...but what I noticed when I was bored to death and watching the Big Ten Network on Sunday was the 2019 game against Wisconsin featured an insane number of future NFL guys on the field... and I'm talking a lot of guys at Illinois who would end up being top 75 level draft picks.

We have 1 that seems to be guaranteed for that future, and that is Gabe Jacas. Maybe X Scott, but we'll see how he measures up for the NFL.

So... IDK... the pure talent on our side of the field isn't going to overwhelm too many teams... but we do football pretty damn well, it seems.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

I think this defense is going to start 5 guys who end up top 100 picks this draft or next.

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:28:19, in reply to "So... yeah... the Lovie "coached" teams were a complete shit show..."

I think this defense is overall morw talented than 2022. I don't think we have a Spoon like talent thoughp

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I respectfully disagree.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:49:26, in reply to "I think this defense is going to start 5 guys who end up top 100 picks this draft or next. "

The 2022 defense will go down with the 1994 group in the long run.

This year's group is more try hard than talented, and that's ok.

Now, this year's version of #17 will be better than 2022's and the same goes for Bailey and X Scott (who was a revelation in the bowl game that year)... but beyond that... sell me.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Jacas, Scott, Thompson, Bailey and JAM are really really good.

I think Xavier Scott is going to be better than Quan Martin. I think he has All American type season. I think Bailey is going to be better and drafted higher than Sydney. Jacas was the #8 defensive prospect on McShay's last mock draft. James Thompson is the a first 2 days pick right now. I think Clarke ends up a top 100 pick in 2 years. I really like him

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These might end up being true, but right now they’re just things you’re saying.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 19:04:57, in reply to "Jacas, Scott, Thompson, Bailey and JAM are really really good."

A lot needs to happen for Bailey to get drafted ahead of Sydney. One guy has X. Scott as a top 5 CB, no one else does yet. I don’t know what the basis for the James Thompson comment is but that would be like a 99th percentile outcome, I hope it happens but a day 2 pick is an awfully high bar for a guy who doesn’t really have any draft buzz right now.

Obviously no one had Spoon or Quan on draft boards going into their last season so all of this could happen, it’s just very hard to predict.

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Certainly not more talented than a lot of other teams, no.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:47:50, in reply to "Something I can’t get past: are we really that talented? "

IDK what to make of it... regression feels inevitable for a handful of reasons, ranging from pure talent to we are Illinois.

And yet, we haven't had a coach this "college footbally" since Mike White and the rebellious and glorious shit show surrounding it.

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Does the Beloved finally get a College Gameday this season?*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 15:36:04, in reply to "Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole"

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We are a Fox owned property now. Big Noon, baby*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:24:47, in reply to "Does the Beloved finally get a College Gameday this season?*"

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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.

No one cares about BNS*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:30:54, in reply to "We are a Fox owned property now. Big Noon, baby*"

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Azz-kissed Neon Deon two weeks in a row when he arrived. That second week woulda been us.

Hey don’t forget they’re adding Dave Portnoy!*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:09:20, in reply to "No one cares about BNS*"

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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.

The allure of having Gameday is mostly gone too.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:32:20, in reply to "No one cares about BNS*"

And god bless any college kid willing to stand there for 3 hours just to listen to that show over a loud speaker instead of tailgating.

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Pat McAfee ruined it*

Posted by JeffFrank <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JeffFrank' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:04:35, in reply to "The allure of having Gameday is mostly gone too. "

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And god bless any college kid willing to stand there for 3 hours just to listen to that show over a loud speaker instead of tailgating.

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I had to stop once the Lee Corso thing became too uncomfortable to watch.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:15:43, in reply to "Pat McAfee ruined it*"

They scaled that back a ton but now it’s just at the point where I have no interest in any pregame or postgame shows. Might flip it on at 9:00 to hear the “We’re coming to your city-ay” song and to see the crowd, but I rarely make it longer than 5 minutes.

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And god bless any college kid willing to stand there for 3 hours just to listen to that show over a loud speaker instead of tailgating.

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

The Jesus banners are horrible too*

Posted by JeffFrank <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JeffFrank' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:35:50, in reply to "I had to stop once the Lee Corso thing became too uncomfortable to watch."

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And god bless any college kid willing to stand there for 3 hours just to listen to that show over a loud speaker instead of tailgating.

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Corso is doing one more and then retiring*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:28:27, in reply to "I had to stop once the Lee Corso thing became too uncomfortable to watch."

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And god bless any college kid willing to stand there for 3 hours just to listen to that show over a loud speaker instead of tailgating.

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Unless you’re a man between the ages of 16 and 40*

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And god bless any college kid willing to stand there for 3 hours just to listen to that show over a loud speaker instead of tailgating.

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I'm not afraid to admit, I think Pat McAfee is really fun

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:10:37, in reply to "Unless you’re a man between the ages of 16 to 40*"

and I wish that I didn't feel that way.

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And god bless any college kid willing to stand there for 3 hours just to listen to that show over a loud speaker instead of tailgating.

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Maybe but getting Gameday for the first time has way more cache than having BNS

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:39:37, in reply to "The allure of having Gameday is mostly gone too. "

no one is clamoring to have Fox on campus

Getting to be a big deal*

Posted by JeffFrank <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JeffFrank' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 17:04:59, in reply to "Maybe but getting Gameday for the first time has way more cache than having BNS"

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no one is clamoring to have Fox on campus

Tom Rinaldi too*

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no one is clamoring to have Fox on campus

I mean... Fox probably does.*

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You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

Sure, but Gameday is still the standard

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:33:34, in reply to "I mean... Fox probably does.*"

Gameday isn't what it was but I have never watched Bog Noon and have no reason to start

Of course... just having some fun*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:45:12, in reply to "Sure, but Gameday is still the standard"

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Gameday isn't what it was but I have never watched Bog Noon and have no reason to start

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

No*

Posted by ISeeDeadHawkeyes <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ISeeDeadHawkeyes' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 15:52:10, in reply to "Does the Beloved finally get a College Gameday this season?*"

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October 11th vs. Ohio State*

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:02:34, in reply to "No*"

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If we can be 5-1 when that game arrives then we have an outside shot, but still doubtful.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:31:09, in reply to "October 11th vs. Ohio State*"

Red River Shootout would be counter-programming on ESPN/ABC if we’re in the Big Noon slot so I’m sure they’d pick that.

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

USC could be an option, too*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:30:32, in reply to "October 11th vs. Ohio State*"

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Those are my two games*

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I bought the Pick Six Preview magazine and oh boy is he not high on Illinois

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 14:02:47, in reply to "Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole"

Or any of our players for that matter.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

For the first time in years, I actually looked at the magazines at the grocery store this weekend

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 14:10:32, in reply to "I bought the Pick Six Preview magazine and oh boy is he not high on Illinois"

Hoping to find some CFB previews, and sadly it was all Fantasy Football previews. Not a single CFB rag to be found.

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Or any of our players for that matter.

just head over to Borders*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 14:15:03, in reply to "For the first time in years, I actually looked at the magazines at the grocery store this weekend"

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Hoping to find some CFB previews, and sadly it was all Fantasy Football previews. Not a single CFB rag to be found.

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Or any of our players for that matter.

Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Good idea. I need to hit up Circuit City right next door anyway*

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 14:15:34, in reply to "just head over to Borders* "

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Hoping to find some CFB previews, and sadly it was all Fantasy Football previews. Not a single CFB rag to be found.

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Or any of our players for that matter.

Sports Authority down the block might have some stuff also

Posted by IlliniSax05 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=IlliniSax05' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 14:20:03, in reply to "Good idea. I need to hit up Circuit City right next door anyway*"

Why do you hate me, Sammich?

MAJOR UPDATE: "Maybe you're not such a bad egg, Lisle-y"
-Sammich, 1/15/2011

try one of the many conveniently located Kroch's and Brentano's locations*

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 14:21:32, in reply to "Sports Authority down the block might have some stuff also"

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strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime

Waldenbooks should have a stock, too*

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 16:00:16, in reply to "try one of the many conveniently located Kroch's and Brentano's locations*"

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People have raved about the Pick Six version so I bought the digital copy for $20.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 14:13:31, in reply to "For the first time in years, I actually looked at the magazines at the grocery store this weekend"

And it is definitely very good and thorough so I’ll use it to learn about the other teams, but was definitely a bummer on the Illini side of things.

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Hoping to find some CFB previews, and sadly it was all Fantasy Football previews. Not a single CFB rag to be found.

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Or any of our players for that matter.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

AP is the one all the networks use, right?*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 11:54:32, in reply to "Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole"

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Doesn't ESPN have their own ""rankings"" or something like that?

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 12:08:50, in reply to "AP is the one all the networks use, right?*"

At one time, there was a coach's poll and a writer's poll: AP and UPI. Not sure what it is today.

ESPN had their name on the Coaches Poll until 2005

Posted by UIHuskie <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UIHuskie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 12:13:56, in reply to "Doesn't ESPN have their own ""rankings"" or something like that? "

When their name was on it, they used those rankings in their graphics, but since then they've been using the AP rankings and then the BCS/playoff rankings once they're released.

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At one time, there was a coach's poll and a writer's poll: AP and UPI. Not sure what it is today.

As I’ve been saying for years now, colleges are going to “sell off” their teams at some point…

Posted by LeatherneckIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=LeatherneckIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 11:43:39, in reply to "Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole"

https://x.com/WinterSportsLaw/status/1952355905951199350

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yay more enshitification. *

Posted by illini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 12:14:20, in reply to "As I’ve been saying for years now, colleges are going to “sell off” their teams at some point…"

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https://x.com/WinterSportsLaw/status/1952355905951199350

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I shudder to imagine the sports fan version

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 12:20:38, in reply to "yay more enshitification. *"

of trying to do a simple Google search and having to scroll past two pages of sponsored results before you get to anything useful.

strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime

And that will be the line that kills alumni money, and ultimately kills the golden goose.*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 12:09:53, in reply to "As I’ve been saying for years now, colleges are going to “sell off” their teams at some point…"

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https://x.com/WinterSportsLaw/status/1952355905951199350

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You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

I really don't think there will be a need for 80K-seat stadiums for minor league football

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 11:59:32, in reply to "As I’ve been saying for years now, colleges are going to “sell off” their teams at some point…"

divorced from any non-financial link to the schools whose IP they will license

strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime

But this *is* minor league football and has been for 60 years*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 12:04:18, in reply to "I really don't think there will be a need for 80K-seat stadiums for minor league football"

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divorced from any non-financial link to the schools whose IP they will license

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

I'll try to be more explicit.

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 12:09:48, in reply to "But this *is* minor league football and has been for 60 years*"

The "student" part of "student-athlete," sham though it may be, does a lot of the heavy lifting with regard to the popularity of college football and basketball. I don't think the brands will survive the death of that designation; at least, not at the current level of fan interest.

strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime

It is the sole reason the whole system works, despite how unfair it is to athletes...*

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

...I'd say the vast majority of D-I athletes have been overpaid over the years

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 12:18:55, in reply to "It is the sole reason the whole system works, despite how unfair it is to athletes...*"

a lot of that has to do with the student fees, "donations" etc that are garnered and mostly passed through to the athletes.

Any non football/basketball athlete at Illinois has been getting a sweet deal for decades... and most football/basketball too

It's so fucking stupid

Posted by Sounder <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 12:01:39, in reply to "I really don't think there will be a need for 80K-seat stadiums for minor league football"

Name one thing that was made better by venture capital?

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divorced from any non-financial link to the schools whose IP they will license

You mean "private equity," not "venture capital." The answer to "private equity"

Posted by longsnapper <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=longsnapper' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 12:20:15, in reply to "It's so fucking stupid"

Is "nothing."

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Name one thing that was made better by venture capital?

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divorced from any non-financial link to the schools whose IP they will license

Lots of puns, no real answers

Illini # 12, South Carolina #13. Their coach will be PO'd all over again. :-))

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 11:36:38, in reply to "Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole"

Schwing!!!!*

Posted by OWWDig <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OWWDig' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 11:33:24, in reply to "Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole"

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This belongs in the politics thread, jdl.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 4, 2025, 11:27:14, in reply to "Illinois football is #12 in the preseason coach's pole"

Only 1 team that we actually play ahead of us.

Kinda shocking not to see schools like USC, Washington, or Iowa on here... all of which have high expectations this year...

You hear me talking, hillbilly boy?

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