Illinitalk: Flagging

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Flagging

My apologies for the lack of activity here the past week. Yes, the Ohio State game was depressing. Yes, the Penn State game was also depressing. But my lack of Internet connection, combined with multiple fall weddings, is to blame for the quiet on Illinitalk. (It's still not fixed...so please be patient...)

So the Illini are really struggling. And the biggest challenge is themselves. At any sign of momentum, they often do something on their own to stop it.

Flagging: The little yellow ones, not necessarily their energy level, although the first often leads to the second. The Illini have been penalized generously for a variety of reasons, and on both sides of the ball. Mental mistakes, for the most part, that a team with their experience should be able to eliminate.
Turnovers: The Illini offense has talent – no question. But when they let go of the ball, they limit themselves. Fumbles and interceptions effectively end promising drives, and both Juice and Eddie McGee have proven their ability to turn the ball over. Though they are certainly not alone.
Downward spiral effect: Mistakes can have various effects on a team. They can be galvanizing. Or derailing. In the case of the 2009 Illini, they seem to start a descent that spirals out of control. Or a snowball effect. One leads to another to another to another…and before you know it, you’ve been shut out.

However, as I’ve said in the past, true fans support their team. No matter what.

So it was nice to see a little activity on offense during the Penn State game, including a bit of production from the Florida transfer. And despite the major losses to injury on defense, they are holding better than they could (or maybe my expectations are just really low). And Memorial Stadium looks really good in Illini orange.

Changes are necessary, and the coaching staff finally seems to be willing to make some big ones. Let's hope they make a difference against Michigan State this weekend. However, the Spartans are looking pretty good this year...

Yes, it looks at this point to be a long football season. But I'll say it anyway...go Illini!

Labels: Illini football

# posted by Alma Mater : 8:55 PM

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Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Flagging

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