Illinois
ReliaQuest Bowl Prediction: Heavy-Hearted Mississippi State Takes on Illinois in Tampa
Solely 4 bowl video games stay earlier than the nationwide championship recreation, and first up on the Jan. 2 slate is an intriguing and emotional Massive Ten/SEC matchup. The Illinois Preventing Illini can be taking over the Mississippi State Bulldogs of their first recreation since head coach Mike Leach handed away.
School Soccer Predictions for Each 2022-23 Bowl Sport
Each applications exceeded expectations this season and acquired to eight regular-season wins on the again of sizzling begins. Much less-than-stellar finishes down the stretch stored them from stepping into higher-profile bowl video games.
Illinois (8-4) entered the month of November with a 7-1 document and managed its personal future within the Massive Ten West. However after three consecutive uncharacteristic losses to start out the month (Michigan State, Purdue, Michigan), the Illini misplaced their alternative to go to Indianapolis. They completed the season by defeating arch-rival Northwestern for his or her first eight-win marketing campaign since 2007. It was sufficient for head coach Bret Bielema to earn a contract extension that runs by way of the 2028 season.
As for the Bulldogs, they acquired off to a 5-1 begin, which included key wins over SEC West foes Texas A&M and Arkansas. However issues cooled off for MSU afterward, because it performed .500 ball (3-3) the remainder of the way in which, albeit with a win over Mississippi within the Egg Bowl. Nonetheless, that is the primary time Mississippi State has posted eight victories since 2018.
However the Bulldogs, particularly, come into this recreation with very heavy hearts. Leach’s passing on Dec. 12 got here as a shock to your entire trade, and the staff is transferring ahead with defensive coordinator Zach Arnett as the brand new head coach. He was given a four-year contract extension to take the job and plans to maintain operating Leach’s Air Raid assault.
There have been questions as as to whether or not the Bulldogs would transfer ahead within the aftermath of Leach’s passing, however the staff stated they will play the sport as a strategy to honor his reminiscence. So the Bulldogs look to win one for his or her coach, whereas Illinois seems to complete the season with a successful streak.
ReliaQuest Bowl: No. 22 Mississippi State (8-4) vs. Illinois (8-4)
Kickoff: Monday, Jan. 2 at 12 p.m ET
The place: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Fla.)
TV: ESPN
Reside Stream: fuboTV (Begin your free trial)
Unfold: Mississippi State -1.5
Tickets: As little as $75 on SITickets.com*
When Mississippi State Has the Ball
The Air Raid offense lives on in Starkville, and it is led by quarterback Will Rogers, who’s operated this offense to close perfection this season. Heading into this bowl recreation, Rogers is eighth within the nation in passing yards (3,713), seventh in landing passes (34), and second in move completions (386). He does not flip the ball over a lot, as he is solely thrown six interceptions, however Rogers has taken the fifth most sacks amongst SEC quarterbacks this season (24).
Rogers has a litany of large receivers to throw the ball to, as Rara Thomas (44 rec., 626 yds.), Rufus Harvey (50, 472), Caleb Ducking (44, 467), Lideatrick Griffin (35, 449), and Jaden Walley (29, 305) are every averaging 9 or extra yards per catch. They’ve additionally mixed to catch 25 of Roger’s 34 landing passes.
Along with Rogers’ effectiveness beneath middle, the Bulldogs even have well-rounded backs in Jo’quavious Marks and Dillon Johnson. They’ve collectively posted 1,020 speeding yards (with 12 landing runs) and 559 receiving yards, and so they can create tough matchups for opposing defenses.
And that is precisely what Mississippi State will look to do in opposition to an Illinois protection that is lacking two key members of its secondary — Devon Witherspoon and Sydney Brown have pulled out of the sport to arrange for the NFL draft. These two have been the anchors of the Illini defensive backfield, and their departure means this unit loses 101 complete tackles, 21 move deflections, and 9 interceptions. Nonetheless, All-Massive Ten honoree Jartavius Martin (59 tackles, 2 compelled fumbles, 3 INTs), Kendall Smith (34 tackles, 4 INTs), and Tahveon Nicholson (19 tackles, 1 compelled fumble, 1 INT) are all able to their footwear and may have the assist of a robust entrance seven in entrance them.
The core of this Illinois protection is on the linebacker place the place Isaac Darkangelo (67 tackles, 1 sack), Seth Coleman (42 tackles, 4.5 sacks), Tarique Barnes (40, 1.5), Gabe Jacas (32, 4), and Calvin Hart Jr. (21, 0.5) have held their very own in opposition to quite a lot of totally different offenses. This group is anchored proper on the entrance by All-Massive Ten honoree defensive linemen Jer’Zhan Newton (56, 5.5) and Keith Randolph Jr. (51. 4.5, 1 INT). Calvin Avery and Jamal Woods have additionally contributed (mixed for 35 complete tackles).
However Witherspoon and Brown aren’t the one defensive names who will not be in Tampa, as defensive coordinator Ryan Walters is now the pinnacle coach at Purdue. Head coach Bret Bielema can be dealing with the defensive requires this recreation. However it’s a protection that leads the nation in scoring protection (12.3 ppg) and ranks second in complete protection (263.8 ypg), sixth in move protection (165.4 ypg), and eighth in run protection (98.4 ypg). They’ve additionally recorded 28 sacks, and so they lead the nation in interceptions (22). The Illini’s mission can be to always stress Rogers to maintain him from transferring the ball at will; they will additionally have to execute hole management and be disciplined.
When Illinois Has the Ball
Whereas Quarterback Tommy DeVito hasn’t had eye-popping numbers in 2022, he is executed simply what the staff wants him to do to regular the ship. DeVito completed the common season seventh amongst Massive Ten signal-callers in passing yards (2,397), first in completion share (69.9), sixth in accomplished passes (234), and fifth in passer score (142.3).
Huge receivers Isaiah Williams, Pat Bryant, Brian Hightower, and Casey Washington, together with tight finish Michael Marchese, have mixed to catch 174 of DeVito’s passes this season for 1,870 yards and 11 touchdowns. Their mixed output can be all of the extra essential contemplating what the staff is lacking in Tampa.
The bottom recreation has made this Illini staff go in 2022, however they will be short-handed in that facet. Operating again Chase Brown determined to show professional, regardless of having some eligibility left, and can be sitting out the bowl recreation. Brown has put collectively among the finest seasons in program historical past, as he completed the common season third within the FBS in speeding yards (1,643, led Massive Ten, second in a single season in Illinois historical past), solely trailed Air Pressure’s Brad Roberts in speeding makes an attempt (328, new college document), and ran for 10 touchdowns.
Illinois will nonetheless have loads of touches for Brown’s fellow operating backs in Reggie Love III, Chase Hayden, and Josh McCray (mixed for 403 speeding yards). Hayden will graduate after the season, however this can be Love’s and McCray’s likelihood to make their case for the beginning job in 2023.
They will be lining up a Mississippi State protection that has given up its justifiable share of yards but additionally has some expertise. The Bulldogs completed fifth within the SEC in complete protection (350.3 ypg), move protection (206.8 ypg), and run protection (143.6 ypg). They have been additionally seventh in scoring protection (24.2 ypg). This group is powered by its linebacker trio of Nathaniel Watson (SEC-leading 108 tackles), Jett Johnson (103 complete tackles), and Tyrus Wheat (seventh within the SEC with 6.0 sacks).
One other main contributor is cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who leads the convention with six interceptions, and ranks fourth with 10 move breakups. The Bulldogs have recorded 24 sacks (seventh within the SEC) with an SEC-leading 14 picks. Illinois might want to discover a strategy to proceed transferring the ball constantly with out Brown, whereas Mississippi State should make Illinois one-dimensional and exploit the potential void that Brown’s absence leaves behind.
Remaining Evaluation
This can be simply the third all-time assembly between these two applications. Illinois received the primary assembly in 1923, and Mississippi State received the rematch in 1980. This recreation can be a rubber match of kinds. The Illini are simply 9-25 all-time in opposition to SEC groups, and this would be the first time they’ve lined up in opposition to an SEC squad since shedding to LSU on the Sugar Bowl on New 12 months’s Day of 2002.
The Bulldogs have not faired a lot better in opposition to the Massive Ten, as they’re 3-10-1 all-time in opposition to that convention. In addition they misplaced their final recreation in opposition to Massive Ten opposition, which occurred to be on this identical bowl recreation in opposition to Iowa on New 12 months’s Day of 2019. That is the thirteenth consecutive bowl look for Mississippi State; they’ve gone 7-5 of their earlier 12 appearances, together with final yr’s loss to Texas Tech within the Liberty Bowl.
However for Illinois, this can be simply their third bowl look within the final decade. They misplaced the Coronary heart of Dallas Bowl in 2014 and fell within the RedBox Bowl in 2019. Their final bowl victory got here within the 2011 Kraft Battle Starvation Bowl. Regardless of the Illini’s lack of success in current bowl video games, and its expertise losses heading into this recreation, they’ve depth to fill these losses. Particularly on the defensive aspect. And with their protection, they will discover a strategy to win a really shut and aggressive recreation.
Prediction: Illinois 24, Mississippi State 23
Podcast: Previewing the CFB Playoff and Breaking Down the Matchups to Watch and Predictions
— Written by Gabe Salgado, who’s a part of the Athlon Contributor Community. He is additionally written for NBC, Fox, The Sporting Information, The Sports activities Journal, The Undefeated and Complicated. He will also be heard on WGN Radio. Observe him on Twitter @GabeSalgado82.
*Worth as of publication.
The Illinois basketball team is in the middle of a huge season for the program, as this squad is poised for great heights.
Despite dropping two out of the last four contests, the Illini find themselves back in the AP Top 25 at No. 24 in the nation. This ranking is impressive considering we are only 8-3 overall. The three losses aren’t bad, and Illinois has also beaten a good Missouri program and ranked Arkansas and Wisconsin squads.
While Brad Underwood is trying to develop talent and lead this team to the promised land, there is clearly a need for continuous program development on and off the court. On Friday night, the Illini “front office” got a little stronger.
According to NBA reporter Jake Fischer, Illinois is hiring Neel Ganta as the new general manager for the program. The Illini managed to snag him away from the Denver Nuggets front office.
Sources: Neel Ganta is departing the Denver Nuggets’ front office to become the new general manager of Illinois men’s basketball. Ganta returns to the Illini program after previously serving as a graduate assistant.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) December 27, 2024
Neel Ganta should have an expansive role as the general manager of the Illinois basketball team
Ganta’s roots are actually with the Illini. He was a basketball analyst for the Illini from May 2019 to August 2020. After that, he moved into a graduate assistant role with the program from August 2020 to August 2021.
After his time with the Orange and Blue, Ganta then took a player development coordinator role with the Grand Rapids Gold, the G-League team of the Denver Nuggets. He then parlayed that position into multiple roles with the Nuggets, which ended with him being a pro scout.
Illinois is now bringing back Ganta, but what does the general manager title do for a college basketball team?
Well, this is the same situation that ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski took with St. Bonaventure just months ago.
In the description of what Wojnarowski does for the Bonnies, it includes name, image, and likeness opportunities. This is huge in the college game today. It also sounds like Wojnarowski is the front face for the program when it comes to collectives.
This is what I imagine Ganta will do for the Orange and Blue. He will be out there wheeling and dealing. Ganta will likely be the one who brings in the money to help pay for the athletes to come to Illinois.
I like this addition to the Illinois basketball program. We needed someone out there bringing in the money so the coaching staff can focus on recruiting and on court issues.
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WXIX) – Two men died in a Springfield Township crash Thursday afternoon, according to police.
On Dec 26 at 4:30 p.m., Springfield Police and Fire responded to the 9600 block of Daly Road for an auto crash, police say.
According to police, witnesses at the scene said they saw a head-on collision between a gray Toyota Sienna and a black Mercedes SUV.
Police say when they arrived on scene, the Toyota Sienna was on fire and both drivers had to be pulled from their vehicles.
The driver of the Mercedes SUV was identified as 55-year-old Jim Schneider from Cincinnati, who was pronounced dead at the scene according to a press release.
The driver of the Toyota Sienna was identified as 41-year-old Christopher Larkins from Springfield Township, the release says.
Police say Larkins was transported to UC Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.
According to the Springfield Township Traffic Safety Investigators, it is believed that Larkins lost control of his vehicle going around a curve and drove left of center, hitting Schneider’s vehicle head-on.
Neither of the drivers is believed to have worn a seatbelt.
Officials believe speed was a factor and are working with the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office to determine impairment with a toxicology report.
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Illinois
PHOTOS: Illinois woman and cancer survivor celebrates anniversary of completing chemotherapy at Bears game
CHICAGO – An Illinois resident and cancer survivor was recognized as the Chicago Bears’ special guest during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony Thursday night.
Sally Wagner, of Round Lake, was invited by Advocate Health Care and the Bears to help unfurl the flag at Soldier Field during pregame introductions for the Bears vs. Seahawks game.
Wagner’s family joined her on the field before they returned to the stands to watch the game. The event marked the one-year anniversary of Wagner completing chemotherapy treatment.
In the spring of 2023, Wagner sought treatment for painful fibroids and opted for a routine hysterectomy, health officials said.
During the procedure, her gynecologist found suspicious tissue. A biopsy confirmed Wagner had non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Wagner said the diagnosis was a shock to her as she has no family history of the disease.
Besides feeling more fatigued than usual, Wagner said she didn’t experience typical symptoms of lymphoma, like swollen lymph nodes, fever or night sweats.
Her diagnosis required immediate treatment, and Wagner stayed at Advocate Condell for 92 hours of continuous chemotherapy every two weeks for six rounds, with additional rounds later in the year.
“I got really close to the team while I was there. From the very first night of treatment, I felt at ease. Everyone was so positive and kind, and the care was excellent,” said Wagner. “I never looked forward to chemo, but I looked forward to seeing the team who cared for me.”
The doctors and nurses said they admired Wagner’s strength, resilience and sense of humor throughout her chemotherapy treatment.
“I felt blessed to have met Sally and to be her nurse administering chemotherapy during her stay,” said Rodgers, a charge nurse in the Advocate Infusion Center. “Sally handled her diagnosis with such grace; she remained positive and focused on healing. Sally’s fun and upbeat personality won the hearts of everyone on our unit.”
Wagner said she stays connected with her care team, and now that cancer is behind her, she is embracing the present and looking forward to the future.
The Source: This article includes information provided by Adovcate Health Care.
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