Well, I've glanced at this thread a couple of times this week but been too lazy to chime in so I'll try to catch up on some of the things you guys have been talking about.
1. The bootleg against Baylor. I didn't have a problem with it but I can see where others might. Of course, as an Illini fan, I haven't seen us get the chance to run up the score very often, so I'm not quite sure how to handle it.
Besides, I don't see a final score of 38-14 as being too far out of whack. Personally, I would have had our guys take a knee, but then I'm not the coach.
Wisconsin put up 83 against Indiana earlier this season and was passing right down to the end. Now THAT'S running up the score!! I usually root for the Big Ten, but I didn't shed any tears when TCU beat them in the Rose Bowl. I was at a game back in the early 90's when Wisconsin came in and ran the ball down our throats. We had the 4th best defense in the country against the rush going into that game but couldn't stop them. It was 35-10 and Wisconsin had 1st and goal on our 3 with about a minute and a half left. Heck, any one of us could have scored another TD behind that line, but Barry Alvarez had his QB take a knee and run out the clock. Always thought very highly of him after that. Alvarez is the AD at Wisconsin now. I wonder what he thought about that Indiana game.
2. Speaking of TCU, I've come full circle on that one. Didn't think they deseved a shot because of their schedule, but they proved me wrong. Thought Wisconsin's size and strength would wear them down but they were up to the task right down to the end. I agree that a team that goes 13-0 and beats a good team in a BCS bowl deserves a shot. Same thing happened to Auburn a few years ago. Gotta get that playoff to eliminate that sort of thing.
3. The Big Ten had a lot of good teams this year, but not one that I'd call great or even really good. Can't see things getting any better next year, which gives me hope. My Illini were a "middle of the pack" team this year. If we get a little better and everyone else stays the same, well, who knows? By the way, RB Mikel Leshoure, LB Martez Wilson, and DL Corey Liguet (all juniors) are thinking about turning pro. A lot will depend on what happens there. We're not the type of program that can reload with great players year after year. We have to seize the moment when it comes and, unfortunately, it doesn't come very often.
4. Was sorry to see Virginia Tech lose. Don't have any ties to them, but I'm a huge Frank Beamer fan. A real class act.
5. While I have a great deal of respect for Ohio State and their athletic programs, those five kids should not have been allowed to play in their bowl game. As far as I'm concerned, their win is tainted. The way the NCAA enforces it's rules is a joke.
6. Last but not least there is the matter of Oregon's uniforms. For God's sake, Alan, use your influence and do something!! They look like a dam softball team, for crying out loud!! :lol2: I don't know what's worse, watching Oregon in those uniforms or Boise State play at home. Has Oregon ever played at Boise State? Lord what a nighmare that would be.
