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Game 4: Illinois, Memorial Stadium, 9pm (FS1)

Judge Smails

Judge Smails

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ESPN updates Football Power Index after Week 3
By BRAD CRAWFORDSun Sep 16 2018

ESPN has updated its Football Power Index after college football's third weekend, one featuring a major upset, a new SEC contenders and other results giving us a closer look at teams entering the realm of the elites.

The Football Power Index (FPI) is a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season. FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Projected results are based on 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, results to date, and the remaining schedule. Ratings and projections update daily.

4. PENN STATE (3-0)
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(Photo: Scott Taetsch, Getty)
Five total touchdowns from quarterback Trace McSorley spearheaded Penn State's 63-10 drubbing of Kent State in Happy Valley. "That's all he does is win," Nittany Lions coach James Franklin said. "And it's because of all those things that he doesn't get enough credit for. It's how he supports the guys. It's how he is when they make mistakes. It's how he is when they make big plays."
 
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After covering each of their last two games in blowout fashion, Penn State has opened against Illinois a near-four touchdown favorite. The Lions according to Oddshark are a 27-point favorite over the Fighting Illini in the Big Ten conference opener set for Friday night.

The Lions this past weekend were 35-point favorites over Kent State and while it was a close second half, the Nittany Lions used a 35-point second half en route to a 63-10 victory.

The Lions are 18-5 against the Illini all-time with their last victory and game against them coming in 2015, a 39-0 victory at Beaver Stadium on Halloween.

Also worth noting is that according to Oddshark, the Nittany Lions are 3-7 against the spread over their last 10 games against the Illini.
 
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Judge Smails said:
usa_today_11254376.0.jpg


After covering each of their last two games in blowout fashion, Penn State has opened against Illinois a near-four touchdown favorite. The Lions according to Oddshark are a 27-point favorite over the Fighting Illini in the Big Ten conference opener set for Friday night.

The Lions this past weekend were 35-point favorites over Kent State and while it was a close second half, the Nittany Lions used a 35-point second half en route to a 63-10 victory.

The Lions are 18-5 against the Illini all-time with their last victory and game against them coming in 2015, a 39-0 victory at Beaver Stadium on Halloween.

Also worth noting is that according to Oddshark, the Nittany Lions are 3-7 against the spread over their last 10 games against the Illini.
Click to expand...

I was at the 2015 Illinois game. That was fun.



We were just learning what we had in #26.
 
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Teddy Greenstein ranks the Big Ten college football teams after the third week of action through Sept. 15, 2018.

1. Ohio State
2. Penn State
etc

Chicago Tribune
Five things we learned about football, beyond the fact that it stinks.

OK, slight exaggeration.

Let’s start with the good: Only a fool would sleep on . The Buckeyes looked dead in the third quarter against TCU, down 21-13. Their only touchdown was a gift; it should have been ruled a safety. And then, faster than you can say “Urban Meyer still wants us to believe wife Shelley didn’t show him those texts,” the Buckeyes led 33-21. They are the Golden State Warriors of college football, able to go on a 20-0 run in the blink of an eye.

The Big Ten’s next Game of the Century will take place one week from Saturday in State College. Penn State has broken out the wrecking ball, and quarterback Trace McSorley (six rushing touchdowns, five passing) should become a Heisman Trophy favorite if the Nittany Lions win Sept. 29. How’s this for fun: ESPN.com’s predictor thingy says Penn State has a 50.5 percent chance to beat Ohio State. Meaning it has the makings of a legit coin flip game.

NU was not alone.

The Big Ten lost seven nonconference games to unranked teams for the first time in the history of the AP poll, which started in 1936, according to The Athletic. The losses were to Akron, BYU, , Missouri, Temple, Troy and South Florida.

Rutgers’ loss to Kansas was so bad, it doesn’t deserve to be mentioned. Nebraska, as you might have heard, is 0-2 for first time since 1957. We all believed Wisconsin, with its experience and stacked roster, was primed for a playoff run. Instead the Badgers got outmuscled (6.8 yards per rush) and outsmarted (pass-back flea flicker) by BYU in a stunning Camp Randall face-plant.

Illinois got outgained 626-380 by South Florida but was still in position to notch a signature Lovie Smith victory thanks to turnovers and missed field goals. Then came the fourth-quarter womp-womp. Illinois fans apparently did not know that Saturday’s game would be played at Soldier Field — the crowd looked like it could fit in a Michigan Avenue bus shelter — so consider this a friendly reminder: the Penn State game is Friday at 8 p.m. CT (Champaign time).
 
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Does anybody else have an issue with FS1 like they have the zoom setting turned on their TV, but when you scroll through the options it is actually on the channel side?

On a lot of our snaps where Sanders was lined up behind Trace, he was cut off the screen.
 
Announce crew for the game on FS1, per the506.com: Justin Kutcher, Petros Papadakis, DeMarco Murray

DeMarco Murray I've heard of; anyone heard of the other guys?
 
djr4rebs said:
Does anybody else have an issue with FS1 like they have the zoom setting turned on their TV, but when you scroll through the options it is actually on the channel side?

On a lot of our snaps where Sanders was lined up behind Trace, he was cut off the screen.
Click to expand...
I've seen that in hotel TVs where they somehow have screwed up the SD and HD signals but never had that problem at home. Have you complained to the cable company?
 
84Lion said:
Announce crew for the game on FS1, per the506.com: Justin Kutcher, Petros Papadakis, DeMarco Murray

DeMarco Murray I've heard of; anyone heard of the other guys?
Click to expand...
Petros was the guy that used to host the Pros vs Joes show....he’s awful....I have no idea why anyone would hire him to be a real live broadcaster. That would be like hiring the Wiggles to host the Grammys because they sing.
 
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j30329 said:
I've seen that in hotel TVs where they somehow have screwed up the SD and HD signals but never had that problem at home. Have you complained to the cable company?
Click to expand...

I actually haven't. Never had watched anything on the channel previously until we started playing games on it. It's the only channel on my cable that does it (that I have found). Thought it was strange.
 
djr4rebs said:
Does anybody else have an issue with FS1 like they have the zoom setting turned on their TV, but when you scroll through the options it is actually on the channel side?

On a lot of our snaps where Sanders was lined up behind Trace, he was cut off the screen.
Click to expand...

What were you smoking?

When I read this, I started shaking my head in disbelief. Just to be sure, I went back and looked at every snap that McSorley took in the game. There wasn't a single one where Sanders (or either of the backup backs) lined up behind McSorley. The RB was next to the QB every time the ball was snapped (there were two plays where Sanders started behind Trace but shifted to the side before the snap). There is absolutely no way that Sanders could have ever been out of the picture on any snap.

You must have been on something.
 
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UncleLar said:
What were you smoking?

When I read this, I started shaking my head in disbelief. Just to be sure, I went back and looked at every snap that McSorley took in the game. There wasn't a single one where Sanders (or either of the backup backs) lined up behind McSorley. The RB was next to the QB every time the ball was snapped (there were two plays where Sanders started behind Trace but shifted to the side before the snap). There is absolutely no way that Sanders could have ever been out of the picture on any snap.

You must have been on something.
Click to expand...
that explains why Miles couldn't be seen behind Trace!
 
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UncleLar said:
there were two plays where Sanders started behind Trace but shifted to the side before the snap)
Click to expand...

That is the example I was talking about. On those plays, I could not see Sanders on my screen until he shifted forward. Hence why I mentioned them: the most obvious that my picture was cut off on my tv.

It was also noticeable on certain graphics. Score on the screen going in, coming out of a commercial.

Don't smoke. Sorry to disappoint.
 
AWS1022 said:
Petros was the guy that used to host the Pros vs Joes show....he’s awful....I have no idea why anyone would hire him to be a real live broadcaster. That would be like hiring the Wiggles to host the Grammys because they sing.
Click to expand...
isn't he some kind of USC insider?
 
5 on 5: Illinois scouting report for Penn State fans

QUESTION 5 FOR JEREMY WERNER
I see where the Illinois defense allowed 680 yards of total offense to South Florida. Was that some sort of aberration or is it really that bad?

Both? The Illini secondary has been thin due to injuries and suspensions, so the Illini schemed to take away the deep ball, giving up the short and intermediate routes. But the back seven was shredded, especially by the tight end, and a safety gave up the game-winning touchdown on an unforgivable missed assignment. The bigger concern might be up front. The Illinois defensive line was expected to be a strength this season, but the group has been pretty disappointing. USF overpowered them in the run game, and the Illini front four didn't register one sack in 40-plus USF pass attempts. But Lovie Smith will tell you that his defense is built on takeaways and third downs. The Illini have improved in both areas. They have seven takeaways through three games, have forced four turnovers on downs and have cut third-down conversions by 13 percent so far this season. Still, this defense has given up a lot of yards to non-power-five teams, so PSU shouldn't have an issue scoring — as long as it takes care of the ball.

 
Illini players believe they are better

There are a couple of big questions facing Smith this week.


Who starts at quarterback? And will any of the suspended players be back on the field?

"AJ is getting better,'' said Smith referring to graduate senior A.J. Bush, who started the first two games for Illinois. "When he is ready, he will go.''

Freshman MJ Rivers, who made his first start against South Florida, had a fairly successful game, completing 20-of-29 passes for 168 yards, but he was also sacked five times for a negative-34 yards.

"We like what we saw from MJ,'' Smith said. "He gave us a chance to win. It came down to the last play and we had the ball in our hands.

"That was his first start and there are a lot of learning situations for MJ. I'm looking forward to him taking the next step.''

As for the suspended players, defensive backs Nate Hobbs and Bennett Williams, along with tight end Louis Dorsey, defensive lineman Deon Pate and wide receiver Carmoni Green, Smith, as he has done since the season opener, will not pinpoint their return.

"They are practicing with the team,'' he said.
 
Minnesota site power rankings

It was a tough week for half of the Big Ten, but it was only tough if your team lost. Ohio State beat a top 15 squad, several top squads won (Penn State, Michigan, and Iowa) won, and fans from Minnesota and Indiana remain excited about being unbeaten.

One. Ohio State. The Buckeye offense looks like a monster. They haven't needed Urban Meyer on the sidelines as of yet but he's back this week. One more warm-up (Tulane) before the big one in Happy Valley. Urban Meyer is back this week, should be interesting. For better or for worse.

Two. Penn State. Remember when Penn State struggled with Appalachian State? Nor does anybody else. At Illinois next weekend and then they host Urban and the Buckeyes. Think the Penn State crowd will have something to say about Urban's recent interviewing skills?

Three. Michigan. Not sure what to think of the Wolverines. It's a 2-1 team that lost at Notre Dame by a score. Next up are a few games that a top team should win (NW, Maryland, Nebraska) and if the Wolverines do that heading into Wisconsin and Michigan State, they are for real.

Four. Iowa. Is Iowa a favorite this weekend hosting Wisconsin? They have the win over Iowa State against the Badger loss to BYU. The Hawkeyes are at home in a primetime game where the crowd is going to be wild. It's a must see game.

Five. Michigan State. Spartans ahead of the Badgers? We are going off results here, so yeah. A three point loss on the road at Arizona State (who lost to San Diego State) still edges out a home loss to BYU. Michigan State was off this weekend and has a big game with Indiana on Saturday.

Six. Wisconsin. The constants of a Badger football season are double figure wins, a dominating offensive line, and one heartbreaking loss that keeps them from the national goal they continue to dream of. BYU all but ended that dream last weekend (unless the Badgers run the table including a win over an undefeated Ohio State in the league title game).
 
Ball security is really really important this week. The Illinois defense is good at exactly one thing, generating turnovers. They may not stop you but they take the ball away. That is the No. 1 thing Lovie Smith coaches -- turnover production.

If you look at the tape, sometimes these guys don't even try to tackle the ball carrier, they tackle the ball. So people need to hold very securely and take the yards Illinois is giving away by doing that. In the secondary they will guess and jump routes, they will mix up coverages and bait you. McSorley needs to be patient and not throw into coverage.

Illinois does not have a great pass rush, so Trace should have enough time in the pocket, he doesn't need to rush his throws, he needs to understand what the secondary is doing and make sure he doesn't get fooled, especially early. PSU receivers should be able to get loose downfield and those are safer throws.

This game could get scary in a hurry if PSU lost concentration on a Friday night away from home and got careless with the ball. A turnover or two, Illinois gets a lead at home, and this game is a very different game.

On the other hand, establish control in the 2nd quarter and PSU can keep control -- this team probably doesn't have big comeback potential (esp. after losing 2 good receivers to injury).

It's very important that Trace and Miles and the receivers take care of the ball.
 
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djr4rebs said:
Does anybody else have an issue with FS1 like they have the zoom setting turned on their TV, but when you scroll through the options it is actually on the channel side?

On a lot of our snaps where Sanders was lined up behind Trace, he was cut off the screen.
Click to expand...
were you watching it on the Hi Def channel?
 
sluggo72 said:
were you watching it on the Hi Def channel?
Click to expand...

I don't think my cable (Spectrum/Time Warner/Adelphia/whatever it's called this year) offers a hi def channel for FS1. From what I can tell, it's the worst looking channel that I have. At least in comparison to the channels I watch.

I originally thought it might be on my end until I went through normal, zoom, panoramic and realized it's on the other end. My ABC, ESPN's, regular FOX, they all look excellent.
 
So although there was a separate thread specifically about Friday night games, it seems that for Illinois, the possibility of hosting recruiting visits this weekend would be significantly affected in a negative way...
 
djr4rebs said:
I don't think my cable (Spectrum/Time Warner/Adelphia/whatever it's called this year) offers a hi def channel for FS1. From what I can tell, it's the worst looking channel that I have. At least in comparison to the channels I watch.

I originally thought it might be on my end until I went through normal, zoom, panoramic and realized it's on the other end. My ABC, ESPN's, regular FOX, they all look excellent.
Click to expand...
I am pretty sure what is happening to you is, they are showing a Hi-def broadcast on an analog channel, and that is why it is formatted so weird. I've had this happen to me, cant see the graphics correctly, picture bad etc, many times on Fox channels. I dont think there is anything you can do about it other than find it on Hi Def
 
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sluggo72 said:
I am pretty sure what is happening to you is, they are showing a Hi-def broadcast on an analog channel, and that is why it is formatted so weird. I've had this happen to me, cant see the graphics correctly, picture bad etc, many times on Fox channels. I dont think there is anything you can do about it other than find it on Hi Def
Click to expand...

That makes very good sense. Thanks man. I'll check for a HD version for the Friday night game.
 
Judge Smails said:
Minnesota site power rankings

It was a tough week for half of the Big Ten, but it was only tough if your team lost. Ohio State beat a top 15 squad, several top squads won (Penn State, Michigan, and Iowa) won, and fans from Minnesota and Indiana remain excited about being unbeaten.

One. Ohio State. The Buckeye offense looks like a monster. They haven't needed Urban Meyer on the sidelines as of yet but he's back this week. One more warm-up (Tulane) before the big one in Happy Valley. Urban Meyer is back this week, should be interesting. For better or for worse.

Two. Penn State. Remember when Penn State struggled with Appalachian State? Nor does anybody else. At Illinois next weekend and then they host Urban and the Buckeyes. Think the Penn State crowd will have something to say about Urban's recent interviewing skills?

Three. Michigan. Not sure what to think of the Wolverines. It's a 2-1 team that lost at Notre Dame by a score. Next up are a few games that a top team should win (NW, Maryland, Nebraska) and if the Wolverines do that heading into Wisconsin and Michigan State, they are for real.

Four. Iowa. Is Iowa a favorite this weekend hosting Wisconsin? They have the win over Iowa State against the Badger loss to BYU. The Hawkeyes are at home in a primetime game where the crowd is going to be wild. It's a must see game.

Five. Michigan State. Spartans ahead of the Badgers? We are going off results here, so yeah. A three point loss on the road at Arizona State (who lost to San Diego State) still edges out a home loss to BYU. Michigan State was off this weekend and has a big game with Indiana on Saturday.

Six. Wisconsin. The constants of a Badger football season are double figure wins, a dominating offensive line, and one heartbreaking loss that keeps them from the national goal they continue to dream of. BYU all but ended that dream last weekend (unless the Badgers run the table including a win over an undefeated Ohio State in the league title game).
Click to expand...

So if Michigan can beat 3 teams that just lost to Akron, Temple, and Troy....then they are for real. Huh...
 
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djr4rebs said:
That makes very good sense. Thanks man. I'll check for a HD version for the Friday night game.
Click to expand...
You might want to have a backup plan of watching the game on the fox sports app. I run both that and the ESPN app through my gaming system and have had good reception on the games I've watched, although that's probably been less than 10 total last year. I have a PS4 but I'm sure the xbox and nintendo have similar availability of apps. Plus some blu ray players also have some apps installed. All you'll need is your account info for your cable company. Make sure you don't accidentally sign up for ESPN+ as that's their new pay service. If you have a house full of kids you may want to keep them off the wifi or run a cable from your router to the console.

Good luck and hope you get it worked out.
 
sluggo72 said:
I am pretty sure what is happening to you is, they are showing a Hi-def broadcast on an analog channel, and that is why it is formatted so weird. I've had this happen to me, cant see the graphics correctly, picture bad etc, many times on Fox channels. I dont think there is anything you can do about it other than find it on Hi Def
Click to expand...

There is no such thing as an analog channel. What you meant so say is that they are showing the game on a standard definition channel.
 
Coaches teleconference

JAMES FRANKLIN, PENN STATE
  • Says he has asked Penn State assistant coach Tim Banks about the wind, weather and stadium at Illinois. Banks coached the Illini from 2012 to 2016.
  • On having two quarterbacks in the same recruiting class: "For us, it really just comes down to, No. 1, we better have a guy at that position. If you have a guy at that position, he gives us a chances week in and week out." Also says it can be challenging to get to the desired scholarship players, whether it's four or five quarterbacks.
LOVIE SMITH, ILLINOIS
  • "When you lose a tough game the way we did last week, you can't wait to get back out on the practice field and, of course, play another game. That's where we are. Think it helps a little bit, also, that we get into the Big Ten play, play an outstanding Penn State team this week. You know, this week, we're hoping to get a couple of our injured players back and be as close to having our entire roster available as we can possibly be.
  • "Penn State poses a lot of problems when you have a special quarterback like they have, everything seems like it's a little bit tougher. A complete team offense, defense and special teams. And we'll have to play our best ball to have an opportunity this week."
 
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