FCS Playoffs 2nd Round: WIU at Illinois State

[dbackjon]

Another rematch, this time between two MVFC teams.


ISU won the first easily. Nothing will change.

[clenz]

WIU lead that game 28-21 half way through the third and ISU got some crazy breaks.

WIU forces a fumble on a goal line stand. Ball bounces 4 yards to chest height of a ISU WR in the end zone. Roberson throws a ball 50 plus yards in the air on a prayer and the ISU WR comes down with it. Cop rich breaks about 12 tackles on a 83 yard TD run.

That score wasn't close because of some crazy momentum swing but it was closer than the score. WIU had 10 more first downs. Ran 38 more plays. Had essentially the same yardage. Just some crazy "lucky" plays broke against them

Also, Tre Roberson has since broken his hand and looked like shit. He's completed just 48% of his passes on the season and something like 45% since that game

[Gil Dobie]

Game could go either way depending on breaks. ISUR in a close game.

[Mvemjsunpx]

I'm not sure there's much to say on this one. WIU is probably better than the team that lost by 20 in Normal a month & a half ago, but I doubt they're good enough to win. The offense & defense aren't too far apart, but the Leathernecks' deficient special teams will likely cost them. I don't expect a blowout and I don't expect a nailbiter.

Here's my assessment of the matchups & my pick for the game:

• • • Quarterbacks -- Illinois St.
      
      Running Backs - Illinois St.
      
      Receivers/TEs - Western Illinois
      
      Offensive Line - (push)
      
      
      Defensive Line - Illinois St.
      
      Linebackers --- Western Illinois
      
      Secondary ---- Western Illinois
      
      
      Kicking ------ Illinois St.
      
      Punting ------ Illinois St.
      
      Return Teams - (push)
      
      Kickoffs ------ Illinois St.
      
      
      
      
      
      • Western Illinois 24-35 Illinois St.

[clenz]

Illinois State QBs, who combined complete about 46% of their passes are better than WIU's?

Man, you really love the passer rating number...

[Mvemjsunpx]

Illinois State QBs, who combined complete about 46% of their passes are better than WIU's?

Man, you really love the passer rating number...

WIU is on a backup QB that's only started a couple games, plus there's Roberson's rushing numbers. It really doesn't seem close.

And about completion %… Montana's Trent McKinney completed 65% of his passes in 2012 and I don't think any Griz fan would say he was at all a good passer (a huge chunk of his passes were WR screens that didn't gain a whole lot).

[clenz]

That 70 yards rushing per game he's averaging is pretty killer on top of his 36% completion percent the last half of the season.

ISU will so because of the convicted felon in their backfield and inspite of Roberson taking the snaps

[clenz]

As I said, ISU will win this game because of the felon, and dispite of Roberson

Felon ran for 217 yards on 31 carries. Roberson completed 10-23 passes (43%...sound familiar yet?) for 132 yards 1 TD and 2 INT.

Meanwhile WIU's back up 22-43 for 341 yards 2 TD and 1 INT

I was right. The "efficiency" number is a complete sham of a stat.

[Mvemjsunpx]

As I said, ISU will win this game because of the felon, and dispite of Roberson

Felon ran for 217 yards on 31 carries. Roberson completed 10-23 passes (43%...sound familiar yet?) for 132 yards 1 TD and 2 INT.

Meanwhile WIU's back up 22-43 for 341 yards 2 TD and 1 INT

I was right. The "efficiency" number is a complete sham of a stat.

Yeah… that's what should be taken away this game (whatever your disproportionate & esoteric point is), not your psychotic obsession with everything involving Illinois State & their off the field issues.