Lovie Smith? What is he trying to do?

[Toms Wife]

They had 10 true freshman starters from a class that ranked 48th? I would hate to be a Jr. or Sr. and know your coach was completely sacrificing a couple of years to maybe be better in the future.

And I like Lovie. He is s Univ. of Tulsa guy.

 

[daddy mack]

They had 10 true freshman starters from a class that ranked 48th? I would hate to be a Jr. or Sr. and know your coach was completely sacrificing a couple of years to maybe be better in the future.

And I like Lovie. He is s Univ. of Tulsa guy.

Recruting 101

 

[iROOT4nu]

Recruiting is a major part, and to be honest aside from the inexperience, the talent probably isn't much better with the upperclassmen.

 

[chicolby]

The class sizes above freshmen and sophomores are very low. If I'm building for the future I want to get my young guys as much "live" experience as possible and also shows recruits that I'm not afraid to play young guys.

Tough pill to swallow now but may have dividends in a couple years. Only possible if an AD is on the same page and gives you freedom.

 

[frankluv]

I still like the swarming, swiping at the ball tackles that Lovie teaches.

 

[TheBeav815]

Lovie is doing what he should, which is admitting his uppclassmen aren't any good, either. So play the young guys and show recruits they can get on the field next year instead of watching games for 3 years while senior walk-ons play mediocre football.

It also sends a clear message to the fans that this is a rebuild, temper your expectations.

 

[mel mains]

Lovie is doing what he should, which is admitting his uppclassmen aren't any good, either. So play the young guys and show recruits they can get on the field next year instead of watching games for 3 years while senior walk-ons play mediocre football.

It also sends a clear message to the fans that this is a rebuild, temper your expectations.

It was unanimous last night from Illini fans: we have to give him time.

 

[oldjar07]

Lovie is doing what he should, which is admitting his uppclassmen aren't any good, either. So play the young guys and show recruits they can get on the field next year instead of watching games for 3 years while senior walk-ons play mediocre football.

It also sends a clear message to the fans that this is a rebuild, temper your expectations.

I disagree. Do what gives you the best chance to win now. Not just play freshman to give them experience. The expectations shouldn't change either.

One example is from the NBA. Some teams are trying to build through the draft and sacrifice the present. Meanwhile the best teams are going through free agency and trades to get the best players now. Seems like the teams trying to build for the future are always stuck in that mode while teams wanting to win now are perpetually on top.

 

[NorthWillRiseAgain]

I disagree. Do what gives you the best chance to win now. Not just play freshman to give them experience. The expectations shouldn't change either.

One example is from the NBA. Some teams are trying to build through the draft and sacrifice the present. Meanwhile the best teams are going through free agency and trades to get the best players now. Seems like the teams trying to build for the future are always stuck in that mode while teams wanting to win now are perpetually on top.

The Warriors start was made in the draft, as was the Thunders run.

 

[oldjar07]

The Warriors start was made in the draft, as was the Thunders run.

The Warriors were at least beatable before they got KD. Just look how fast the Thunder pissed that away. Meanwhile the Cavs get LeBron and were instantly a championship level team. Teams like OKC and Minnesota are going to be very good this year because they made trades to win now.

 

[stonesak]

I think the Illini will be a tough out in a few years (if they can find a decent QB).

 

[huskerfan1414]

You realize they have 9 seniors?
Also love is saving his job by saying wait til my freshmen are seniors.