Fan Blog

A Homecoming Game to Forget

Posted by: Kim Johnson

Tuesday, October 14, 2008 9:53 AM

Wow. I didn't predict that this would happen. I didn't think there would be any let-down. I didn't think the Illini would get beat by the Golden Gophers.

 

But they did. Despite quite an offensive showing, despite an improvement in kickoff and punt return coverage, despite being the better team, the Illini managed to blow a winnable game. As I sat in disbelief, sunburned and hot, I realized there were a few things to be thankful for.

 

I am thankful for tailgating. There's nothing like coming out of Memorial Stadium after a loss knowing that good friends are waiting, grill heating up, cool drinks in the cooler, and a beautiful afternoon to be spent discussing that ridiculous loss.

 

I am thankful that I wasn't in the locker room after the game. I don't think it was a happy place to be. I was much happier on the west side of First Street.

 

I am thankful that I am not a Michigan fan. Toledo? Yikes.

 

I am thankful that it was a perfect day (maybe a little warm) for enjoying a football game. So many Homecomings have been spent in the cold, either rain or snow. Seems like the same result has occurred many times before though-we end the game with a loss.

 

I think that's it for my game-day thankful list. Now for the questions.

 

How is it that Juice gets sacked 5 times? Yes, he had a zillion passing yards, but last time I checked, he can run, too. It seemed like he held the ball for too long many times. Why not take off running like he normally does?

 

What is up with the penalties? I am still confused about the fair catch signals (granted, one worked out in favor of the Illini), along with the sideline penalty. Penalties like this take the wind out of a team's sails, and the Illini needed all the momentum they could get.

 

How does an outstanding player like Benn not realize he could down the ball in the end zone on that kickoff after he bobbled it? I have never played the game, but I am just assuming that when you are a sophomore scholarship player at a major university, you should know the rule. Don't they go over "situations" in practice? Something like, "ok guys, the ball bounces off of you on a kickoff and rolls into the end zone. What are you going to do?"

 

How can we not get the ball into the end zone, twice, with a yard or less to go? I have lots more questions, but no more room.

 

I hate being negative on this team. I just can't figure out how the Illini lost. I hope I am not writing that next week. Indiana is coming, and they are desperate. It is a night game, and you know that's usually not a good thing. Maybe my thankful list will be really short next week: "I am thankful for an Illini win." Go Illini!

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