The E-Files

What they got out of the Eastern Illinois game

Posted by: Eric Loy

Sunday, September 7, 2008 9:53 PM

Looking back to last blog, and seeing how it shaped up:

 

"First, of course, you want a win. No Appalachian State-ing here please."

Done. Though the first quarter was abysmal.

"Second, you want to re-establish the run. Yes, another giant pasing game from Juice would be fun to watch, but after the porr line play against Missouri, it'd be better in the long run (no pun intended) to get some confidence back in that dimension of the offense."

Okay, though most of the running was done by Juice. Dufrene came close to 100 and there were some good runs. I need to spell-check better, or learn how to type 'poor'.

"Third, shut down the Eastern offense. After getting 45 points scored on them (one TD was against the offense) the D has to feel more than a little singed. Dont let them get any sustained drives going and break their spirit early."

Didn't happen early at all. The run defense wasn't very good up the middle. Martin O'Donnell brought up this point in the post-game show...that the linebackers were getting too close to the line and getting swept up in the blockers rather than stepping back and hitting the correct hole to make the play. It looked to me that Brit Miller did this a lot, and smothered himself on those plays. This has to get better NOW.

"Fourth, and most important (well, second most to the win anyway) NO INJURIES. Once the game is well in hand, get the starters out of there."

Miami Thomas. Ouch. Benn looked hurt on his last catch but Coach after the game said he'd be okay.

"My pick: Illinois 45, Eastern 10."

Illinois 47, Eastern 21. Close enough.

Brian Moline and I will have a special look at Illinois Football on Monday night's Sports Night at 6 pm.

 

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