Leatherneck Nation

Still holding strong...all tied up at halftime 21-21

I'm more than ready for the 'Necks to put this one away. Too close for me.

Xavier Rowe is a disaster.

Unbelievable how clueless he is.

That 4th quarter was difficult to watch.

I will admit Coprich is a stud. As is Roberson and Warum (spllng?)

Yeah, it was. We definitely got outplayed today. We just didn't seem to have it all together.

After last week's game, Coach N said we were a "good" football team. I immediately thought to myself "yeah, but we need to be dangerous". That was a dangerous team we played today. They can beat you so many ways it ain't funny. Special teams also did us no favors today. Didn't muff anything up but flipped the field position in their favor just about every time, did not matter if we were kicking or receiving. Not sure who can beat these guys. Coastal might match up with them speed wise. Maybe JMU/Richmond?

I doubt Coastal could stop them. Maybe JMU could...haven't watched them play yet this season.

EDIT - just looked at the JMU/Richmond score....nope...I don't think there's a team better than ISU right now...not with everyone healthy. I mean, there's always crazy fluke scenarios, but I think if you matched up ISU and CCU ten times, ISU probably wins 8-9 of those matchups.

There was a large Western presence at the game. Rocky and the cheerleaders were there.

Bloomington radio station WJBC broadcasts the Illinois State football games. They had a 2.5 hour radio show called "Redbird Recap" on after the game.

Knew it was going to happen and figured it would be soon. 1st half things went well but at halftime, a good coaching staff will stop our offense when it is NOTHING but Lenoir and Borsellino. Amazing how many times there were 2 receivers on a side with 1 ISU defender or 3 receivers to a side with 2 ISU defenders but because our QB is not allowed to call an audible it can't be exposed. The last few drives Norvell looked exclusively to only the side of the field that 1 and 7 occupied. Pathetic that after this many games that more players aren't brought into the offense. Either ISU took Smith away or he wasn't used. I thought Devon Moore had his best game, looked explosive and ran hard. I would say #25 for ISU is the real deal. Our defense either didn't tackle or 25 is that good. I expect a combo of both. All that being said, ISU is really good and I am pleased with the way the players played.

The worst part of the day was poor #74 who took over at left tackle. I have no idea this young man's ability, hope he has a long and bright future but to leave him alone with #4 from ISU one on one is a shame. About got Norvell killed. The coaching staff made little if any attempt to get the tackle any help. #4 is a beast and would have had a great day against any of our lineman, absolutely nothing against our guys, #4 just that good. More coaching issues, the 2 penalties for delay of game are mystifying how after a change of possession we can't get a play off. That seemed to really take us out after being up 28-21.

Write-up about the game from Sunday's Bloomington Pantagraph:
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/colleg ... 75c5b.html