Fan Blog

Does anyone see a pattern here?

Posted by: Kim Johnson

Sunday, October 26, 2008 5:42 PM

Patterning. It's what both of my kids are doing in math these days. One is in 5^th grade; one is in 1^st. However, both are doing some sort of patterning in their math. I asked my kids to help me see the pattern in the Illini football season. With 8 games down, we have a pattern like this: L, W, W, L, W, L, W, L. You can probably predict the rest of the season just by looking at this pattern.

 

We've got Iowa next, and originally I thought we would win that game. Patterning suggests we will. But I don't know if I believe it. And trust me, Iowa is about as dear to me as Michigan. It is a happy day when the Illini beat Iowa in anything. I am just not certain it will happen, especially they way they played against Wisconsin.

 

Every other week, I struggle to come up with something positive to talk about on a loss. Yes, it is every other week. Look at the pattern. One week, I'm happy. The next week, I'm not. Back forth, back forth. Which Illini team will show up? Will it be the one with the stunning offense? Or will it be the one that gets so many penalties? Will it be the Illini that gets the big plays or the one that gives up the big plays?

 

Obviously this weekend, it was the Illini that we didn't want to see. The team that played against Minnesota. This was an opportunity to ruin the pattern. It didn't happen.

 

I can't even write about the atmosphere, the tailgating, nothing. I didn't even call my Wisconsin friends, the Willis Family. I didn't have to. They already commented about this game on last week's blog. They didn't even wait for me to post one about this game. Yes, they are the happy ones, and I am the one in the bad mood. I don't like it.

 

I think the Illini are trying. At least I assume they are. But when I see a Badger (don't even remember who it was; it doesn't matter) running with the ball and still have 15 yards to run before scoring, and the Illini player who is chasing him give up when he could have caught him between the 5 and 10 yard line, well, that is irritating. Why would you ever give up on tackling the guy with the ball if he is still in bounds? I don't care if you tackle him on the 1 yard line, make them try to score from there. That wasn't the turning point of the game or anything, but with the Illini season the way it is, a player can't let up for a second. If you let up on one like that, when do you play hard? I'll take a deep breath now.

 

Juice wasn't the man today, like he has been before. Benn was well covered. And everyone else? Don't know what happened. Miller had a good day, but he can't do it alone.

 

Did you see the stat about interceptions? Yes, Juice had 3 yesterday, and that is equal to the number that the Illini have intercepted the entire season. Wow. They've gone 6 games without a pick off? Interesting.

 

I am all over the page today. This is a maddening season. I'll get back to the patterning. If we follow the pattern, the Illini will win against Iowa, win against Western Michigan, lose to Ohio State, and win at Northwestern (pattern would be L, W, W, L, W, L, W, L, W, W, L, W). That would make them bowl eligible. But the pattern suggests a loss at the bowl game.

 

Looks like I'll be free on New Year's Day, though. I don't have to wring my hands and agonize over how we could afford the cost of going to a big bowl game. For now, I'll just worry about what happens next week against Iowa. Which team will show up? Hopefully the Illini we all love! Go Illini!

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