Okay, I've recovered somewhat from the trauma that was the 6-hour-long second half of yesterday's game, and here are some additional thoughts...
- According to The Beef, the play clock on that last 4th down was well done when the ball was snapped (which was why McGee was trying to call timeout), but the play went on anyway. That's a screwup I never understand. How hard is to watch a clock and throw a yellow flag when the clock hits zero? I was capable of doing while reffing flag football...that's all I'm sayin'. Of course, without that, Pig Brown might not have gotten his third takeaway of the day...
- Also according to The Beef, Daniel was yelling at his O-line most of the game. Their pass protection was okay at times, but the run blocking just wasn't there. As Beef put it, "I'm doubting Chase buys everybody on the line dinner this week." Illinois' front 7 dominated a good portion of the game, which was why Daniel really didn't let anything develop deep--he took the quick pass option every time. I mean...it worked...Chase threw for 350, the offense went for over 400 yards, and we scored 40 points (albeit with the help of Pig Brown)...which makes you wonder what would happen if the O-line did a good job...
- I'm firmly ensconced in the "a win's a win" theory right now, especially since Illinois had the benefit of a competent backup QB (one of the best weapons you can have since the other team won't spend much time scouting him...especially when he's a RSFr) and athleticism that Ole Miss won't have next week. But there are obviously plenty of things to shore up over the next few weeks.
- Danario Alexander dislocated his wrist in the 4th quarter and is out for about a month. I guess we might not technically need him over three weeks and an off-week (surely Franklin will step up next week after this week's poor showing), but it still stinks to not have all our weapons.
- Pinkel defended the 2nd quarter 2-point conversion, saying that's what his 'card' says to do and that he wouldn't have lost any sleep over it if that was the deciding factor in the game. I guess that's good, because I know a lot of people that would have...
- The Trib: Pig In Slop Saves Tigers, Maclin makes mark, Mizzou fans should settle in for a wild ride, Game Notes, and Questions & Answers.
- Missourian: Pig Brown carries Tigers past Illinois, Maclin returns from injury, Illinois-Missouri fans mingle outside dome.
- Post-Dispatch: Pig Saves Sloppy Tigers, Maclin's big day eases fears, Stats and scoring summary, and Bryan Burwell's commentary.
- KC Star: Pigs can Fly, Whitlock says it's hard for Mizzou fans to enjoy this one (true, since most Mizzou fans enjoy misery more than relaxation), Alexander injures wrist, Highlights, and a Mike Dearmond Vlog.
- Champaign News Gazette: No Moral Victory for Illinois, Nothing comes easy for Illinois, McGee delivers in relief, Benn performs well in spotlight, and Leman off to fast start (didn't realize he had 20 tackles).
|