Thomas Gouard
Part of me knew that the Illinois Fighting Illini would win, if they showed up in East Lansing to actually play, as they did week-8 against the Wisconsin Badgers. There was this weakness part of me saw in the Michigan State Spartans after their blowout loss against the Badgers which led me to believe that the Fighting Illini had the tools to defeat them. And I would imagine that the Spartans had already lost focus since losing 3-games straight to three of the Big Ten elite programs prior to this showdown against the Fighting Illini.
<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-snax-placeholder="Source" class="snax-figure-source" href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/abc7chicago.com/amp/sports/illinois-storms-back-to-beat-michigan-state-37-34/5686862/" target="_blank">https://www.google.com/amp/s/abc7chicago.com/amp/sports/illinois-storms-back-to-beat-michigan-state-37-34/5686862/</a>
These after half-time comebacks are scary to watch as a fan. I guess it is because I’am used to seeing the Fighting Illini at their worse, so I’am unsure what to expect. In the past, they have had some match-ups where they flat-out didn’t show up to play which leaves a bitter feeling to watch. These half-time comebacks remind me of the Florida State Seminoles in 2014, when they were coached by Jimbo Fisher. It was like the Seminoles were a depleted team in 2014, after coming off of their 2013 BCS National Championship win, but still managed to barely make it to the College Football Playoff Semifinal where they lost against the Oregon Ducks, 20-59.
As a long-time fan, I’am proud that the Fighting Illini has reached bowl status. And would be prouder if they went out and won their projected bowl game. The Fighting Illini is currently 8-10 in bowl game match-ups and their last one to date is the ‘Heart of Dallas Bowl’ in 2014 where they faced off against Louisiana Tech, losing 18-35.
<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-snax-placeholder="Source" class="snax-figure-source" href="https://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/bowl-games-illinois-fighting-illini-louisiana-tech-bulldogs-heart-of-dallas-recap-122614?nav=false" target="_blank">https://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/bowl-games-illinois-fighting-illini-louisiana-tech-bulldogs-heart-of-dallas-recap-122614?nav=false</a>
Next up for the Fighting Illini is the Iowa Hawkeyes who just came off of a loss against the Wisconsin Badgers, a team that the Fighting Illini defeated. Many of us hope that this version of the Fighting Illini that came back to defeat the Michigan State Spartans after being down 25 points shows up to Iowa City to face the Hawkeyes.
#fightingillini #thomasgouard #bigten #bigtenfootball #football #bigten #heartofdallasbowl #michiganstate #sports #virily #freelance
congrats, this has to be a really special win!
Of course! A great year for the Illini despite a slow start. Last time they had a season like this was 2007. I still watch their game versus Ohio State that year.
they have Northwestern and who else left?
This weekend Iowa Hawkeyes, and next weekend Northwestern Wildcats.
i think you guys have a great chance to be 1 and 1 over the next 2.
7-5 is awesome!
Big Ten is unpredictable, who knows. I’m curious to see how Iowa plays after being taken to the limit by Minnesota. They may show up or not, so there is the possibility of them being 2-0. The Illini did defeat Wisconsin, and Michigan State, so its possible that they can beat Iowa, too. I would imagine that they have done their research on Iowa.
This win has given me optimism in regards to a bowl victory because Michigan State has an above average defense. Putting 37 points on them is really good for the Illini.
Would be sweet if they go out and defeat the Hawkeyes. I will be all eyes this weekend. I’am curious to see how the Hawkeyes perform after facing the Gophers.
I have never understood why they celebrate by smackng each ohter in the head. I woudn’t like to celeberate that way.
Probably because they get caught up in that in-particular moment.