Look, the B1G losing streak is long and getting longer. However the Scarlet Knights are in Champale-Urbana today vs the Lovie Smith-led Illini. The Fighting Illini on paper don't send shudders down anybody's spine. Don't believe Johnny? Check out this graphic from the ESPN:
There's nothing there that says Rutgers can't win this game. Defense isn't the problem and therein lies the hope. Johnny has long thought that the day Rutgers breaks the B1G losing streak it'd be on the road away from the jeers, the pressures, and overall malaise that has overtaken Piscataway. Today is the day, Johnny just has a feeling.
The biggest key to today is a fast start by the Scarlet Knights. Former Red Wings and now Maple Loafs coach Mike Babcock always preaches showing up ready to compete with your compete level being high and starting on time. Babcock seems to know winning. Rutgers, Start. On. Time. Pop Illinois in the nose, get a lead, work on that lead. Again, there is nothing in those offensive stats above that say Illinois is a comeback team. Want some more hope with coffee this morning? For as poor as the Illini offense is, the defense is worse. If the football field is a parkway the toll booths are open and you can E-Z Pass and run on Illinois. Lovie's Eleven are giving up an average of 248 yards through the air and 181 on the ground. For as average at the RU offense has been there should be the ability to step up today, you're not facing OSU, MSU or U-M's defense, open the playbook, let the kids PLAY. Johnny thinks the offensive key is Rutgers play-action passing today. Illinois gives up a lot on the ground, this should open the medium range passing game. Again, nothing fancy, a nice medium range game could be enough. It'll allow Kyle Bolin to stay in a comfort zone.
Defensively, take some chances today Coach Ash, again, PLAY football. Jeff George Jr. is not going to beat you throwing, he's not. Challenge him, make him move. 1 TD and 5 INT's? The defensive Rutgers players should be bouncing off the walls inside their locker room about 11:45 Central Daylight Time and ready to make a difference.
Sure, Illinois is on a two game winning streak -- against Western Kentucky and Ball State. When faced with B1G talent Big Chief Illiniwek has fared about as well as Rutgers has.
So, Johnny is today the day?
Fearless Forecast
Rutgers 27
Illinois 24
No comments:
Post a Comment