Illinois State

[App Band]

Hi, Coastal! (First tidbit of advice: Drop the "APPY.") Okay, now that that's out of the way.....

*Call the ticket office or you can order online....easy!
*Get here early so you can find a place to park--always an issue.
*Be in your seat for the band's pregame show and the team's entrance. PHENOMENAL!!!!!
*Enjoy your game day experience but please try to ignore those "fans" who are obnoxious and rude. I hope you end up in a good spot with good fans who are LOUD but respectful.
*PARTICIPATE! THROW YOURSELF INTO THE GAME DAY ATMOSPHERE THAT IS "THE ROCK!" If we yell "AAAAAAAAPP!!!!!" then you yell "STAAAAAAAATE!" ... depending which side you're sitting on, of course.
*Third downs are HUGE!!!! Our main objective is to DEAFEN the opponent so help us out!

We welcome you to App State and hope you have a blast!
GO APPS!!!!

[hapapp]

I'm not sure this is a good draw for ASU. When I think of Ill State, I see Maine and Villanova. We don't seem to play well (at least lately) against teams that play power football. Our strength is the passing game and they seem to play pretty pass defense. Moreover, we haven't played so well at home this season and the Redbirds seemed to play better on the road. This one worries me. Of course, at this point of the season, there shouldn't be any easy games.

[Yosef84]

I'm not sure this is a good draw for ASU. When I think of Ill State, I see Maine and Villanova. We don't seem to play well (at least lately) against teams that play power football. Our strength is the passing game and they seem to play pretty pass defense. Moreover, we haven't played so well at home this season and the Redbirds seemed to play better on the road. This one worries me. Of course, at this point of the season, there shouldn't be any easy games.

I think the Redbirds are as good a draw as we could have gotten this year. There really aren't many "gimme" teams in this field. A few of the play-in teams would certainly be easier, but those are obviously going to line up with seeded teams. Bottom line is that, if we can't get past the Redbirds at home, we aren't going to match up well with any of the contenders. We'll just have to see what this team is made of. According to the analysts, Illinois State was the last team into the field. They lost a couple to sub .500 teams, so they are inpredeictable. Yes, they seem to play well on the road, and we had some down games at home, but I'm not putting much stock in that. Our "down" performance against Furman was mostly likely a function of injuries and "letdown" following a huge win at the end of an 11 game regular season with no breaks. We should be rested and fired up. Not giving any excuses....LET GO APPS!!!

[hapapp]

I'm not sure this is a good draw for ASU. When I think of Ill State, I see Maine and Villanova. We don't seem to play well (at least lately) against teams that play power football. Our strength is the passing game and they seem to play pretty pass defense. Moreover, we haven't played so well at home this season and the Redbirds seemed to play better on the road. This one worries me. Of course, at this point of the season, there shouldn't be any easy games.

I think the Redbirds are as good a draw as we could have gotten this year. There really aren't many "gimme" teams in this field. A few of the play-in teams would certainly be easier, but those are obviously going to line up with seeded teams. Bottom line is that, if we can't get past the Redbirds at home, we aren't going to match up well with any of the contenders. We'll just have to see what this team is made of. According to the analysts, Illinois State was the last team into the field. They lost a couple to sub .500 teams, so they are inpredeictable. Yes, they seem to play well on the road, and we had some down games at home, but I'm not putting much stock in that. Our "down" performance against Furman was mostly likely a function of injuries and "letdown" following a huge win at the end of an 11 game regular season with no breaks. We should be rested and fired up. Not giving any excuses....LET GO APPS!!!

I was more referencing their style of play and how we have struggled against teams that play that way. I don't dispute the fact that any second round foe would provide a challenge.

[Longrifle28]

I'm not sure this is a good draw for ASU. When I think of Ill State, I see Maine and Villanova. We don't seem to play well (at least lately) against teams that play power football. Our strength is the passing game and they seem to play pretty pass defense. Moreover, we haven't played so well at home this season and the Redbirds seemed to play better on the road. This one worries me. Of course, at this point of the season, there shouldn't be any easy games.

Hapapp, sometimes I think you worry too much, BUT, in this particular situation I think you have good reason. We are underdogs at our stadium whether you look at Sagarin or Massey. Not sure we have enough playoff attitude or mentality to win this game. I agree, on paper it could be a lot like the Maine or Villanova game. It's gonna take a lot of grit and mental toughness to beat the redbirds. We will also need to make less mistakes than we did in our last game to be able to win. I think we are capable, the outcome will depend on whether Jekyll or Hyde shows up.

[Black Saturday]

I'm not sure this is a good draw for ASU. When I think of Ill State, I see Maine and Villanova. We don't seem to play well (at least lately) against teams that play power football. Our strength is the passing game and they seem to play pretty pass defense. Moreover, we haven't played so well at home this season and the Redbirds seemed to play better on the road. This one worries me. Of course, at this point of the season, there shouldn't be any easy games.

I didn't get a chance to see Illionois State play this season, who did you see them play?

[wb247]

I didn't get a chance to see Illionois State play this season, who did you see them play?

The NDSU/Ill St. game from this past weekend is available on ESPN3.

[asutrnr81]

I am guilty of drinking the Koolaid sometimes....but I like a rested, getting healthy, ASU team.....and for the record....Charlie said on ESPN-U Sunday that Stony Brook and New Hampshire were the last two in.

We were a little banged up and needed some rest....I think JJ is better post injury because he is thinking less about the run and more about the reads, and checkdowns. His passing may be better now than earlier....because he is less mobile!

A rested defense is a good thing. Washington and the Chancellor were banged up. Miller needed some rest.....

This is a different staff than last year too.....I liked most of what I saw down the stretch....too often our fan base forgets we get EVERYONE's best shot!

Go APPS!

[Kgfish]

I am guilty of drinking the Koolaid sometimes....but I like a rested, getting healthy, ASU team.....and for the record....Charlie said on ESPN-U Sunday that Stony Brook and New Hampshire were the last two in.

We were a little banged up and needed some rest....I think JJ is better post injury because he is thinking less about the run and more about the reads, and checkdowns. His passing may be better now than earlier....because he is less mobile!

A rested defense is a good thing. Washington and the Chancellor were banged up. Miller needed some rest.....

This is a different staff than last year too.....I liked most of what I saw down the stretch....too often our fan base forgets we get EVERYONE's best shot!

Go APPS!

Furman was not a good team - couldn't beat us after spotting them 21 points - GSU was beat up miserably but still rolled up 552 yards on us, Wofford hung 440 yards on us, we gave up 350+ and lucked out against Samford, Western is just plain awful and they put over 300 on us, and the last team that could throw racked up 419 through the air on us. With the way this bunch can throw and as good as they are up front on defense I can see a long day ahead for ther Apps.

[HighPointApp]

I am guilty of drinking the Koolaid sometimes....but I like a rested, getting healthy, ASU team.....and for the record....Charlie said on ESPN-U Sunday that Stony Brook and New Hampshire were the last two in.

We were a little banged up and needed some rest....I think JJ is better post injury because he is thinking less about the run and more about the reads, and checkdowns. His passing may be better now than earlier....because he is less mobile!

A rested defense is a good thing. Washington and the Chancellor were banged up. Miller needed some rest.....

This is a different staff than last year too.....I liked most of what I saw down the stretch....too often our fan base forgets we get EVERYONE's best shot!

Go APPS!

Furman was not a good team - couldn't beat us after spotting them 21 points - GSU was beat up miserably but still rolled up 552 yards on us, Wofford hung 440 yards on us, we gave up 350+ and lucked out against Samford, Western is just plain awful and they put over 300 on us, and the last team that could throw racked up 419 through the air on us. With the way this bunch can throw and as good as they are up front on defense I can see a long day ahead for ther Apps.

Well that's it. We don't stand a chance in this game by this logic I'm reading. Call the coaches and players and tell 'em we suck. Are you sure you're an App fan that wants our team to win? I kinda doubt it after this post.

[Yosef84]

I am guilty of drinking the Koolaid sometimes....but I like a rested, getting healthy, ASU team.....and for the record....Charlie said on ESPN-U Sunday that Stony Brook and New Hampshire were the last two in.

We were a little banged up and needed some rest....I think JJ is better post injury because he is thinking less about the run and more about the reads, and checkdowns. His passing may be better now than earlier....because he is less mobile!

A rested defense is a good thing. Washington and the Chancellor were banged up. Miller needed some rest.....

This is a different staff than last year too.....I liked most of what I saw down the stretch....too often our fan base forgets we get EVERYONE's best shot!

Go APPS!

Furman was not a good team - couldn't beat us after spotting them 21 points - GSU was beat up miserably but still rolled up 552 yards on us, Wofford hung 440 yards on us, we gave up 350+ and lucked out against Samford, Western is just plain awful and they put over 300 on us, and the last team that could throw racked up 419 through the air on us. With the way this bunch can throw and as good as they are up front on defense I can see a long day ahead for ther Apps.

The SoCon was more competitive top to bottom than it has been in years. Furman was in an "off" year, but they are certainly better than their record implies and they are about as motivated against App as ny team in the country. GSU rolled up impressive yardage against a top tier BCS program (Georgia) last week. Western picked up garbage yardage/points at the end of a game that was already decided. Yes, our guys need to do a better job of closing, but we have a new season now (playoffs) and I'm ready to see what these young guys can do!

GO APPS!!!

[appgrunt71]

CoastalAppy,
I agree with AppAlum1 with the schedule; it's great to get to The Rock to see the pregame show. I encourage you to arrive in Boone early so that you can walk the campus and town and see all the tailgating going on. I think it is just fascinating to see literally thousands of fans having so much fun. Unlike AppAlum1 I recommend the east side because (1) you get the setting sun which keeps you warm for "a little bit;" and (2) you have the best view of the stadium, especially the student sections, which will keep you "fired up" and laughing. It should be a blast. Go App!

[Kgfish]

I am guilty of drinking the Koolaid sometimes....but I like a rested, getting healthy, ASU team.....and for the record....Charlie said on ESPN-U Sunday that Stony Brook and New Hampshire were the last two in.

We were a little banged up and needed some rest....I think JJ is better post injury because he is thinking less about the run and more about the reads, and checkdowns. His passing may be better now than earlier....because he is less mobile!

A rested defense is a good thing. Washington and the Chancellor were banged up. Miller needed some rest.....

This is a different staff than last year too.....I liked most of what I saw down the stretch....too often our fan base forgets we get EVERYONE's best shot!

Go APPS!

Furman was not a good team - couldn't beat us after spotting them 21 points - GSU was beat up miserably but still rolled up 552 yards on us, Wofford hung 440 yards on us, we gave up 350+ and lucked out against Samford, Western is just plain awful and they put over 300 on us, and the last team that could throw racked up 419 through the air on us. With the way this bunch can throw and as good as they are up front on defense I can see a long day ahead for ther Apps.

Well that's it. We don't stand a chance in this game by this logic I'm reading. Call the coaches and players and tell 'em we suck. Are you sure you're an App fan that wants our team to win? I kinda doubt it after this post.

I can assure you I am a ASU fan. Long time season ticket holder and Yosef Club contributor. I am also a realist and don't look at things through rose colored glasses. I will not apologize for being not being an "all is well" loyalist. If you can't recognize the issues facing this team you need to take a step back. We may very well win this game, but I will not be surprised if we have another quick exit.

[Kgfish]

I am guilty of drinking the Koolaid sometimes....but I like a rested, getting healthy, ASU team.....and for the record....Charlie said on ESPN-U Sunday that Stony Brook and New Hampshire were the last two in.

We were a little banged up and needed some rest....I think JJ is better post injury because he is thinking less about the run and more about the reads, and checkdowns. His passing may be better now than earlier....because he is less mobile!

A rested defense is a good thing. Washington and the Chancellor were banged up. Miller needed some rest.....

This is a different staff than last year too.....I liked most of what I saw down the stretch....too often our fan base forgets we get EVERYONE's best shot!

Go APPS!

Furman was not a good team - couldn't beat us after spotting them 21 points - GSU was beat up miserably but still rolled up 552 yards on us, Wofford hung 440 yards on us, we gave up 350+ and lucked out against Samford, Western is just plain awful and they put over 300 on us, and the last team that could throw racked up 419 through the air on us. With the way this bunch can throw and as good as they are up front on defense I can see a long day ahead for ther Apps.

The SoCon was more competitive top to bottom than it has been in years. Furman was in an "off" year, but they are certainly better than their record implies and they are about as motivated against App as ny team in the country. GSU rolled up impressive yardage against a top tier BCS program (Georgia) last week. Western picked up garbage yardage/points at the end of a game that was already decided. Yes, our guys need to do a better job of closing, but we have a new season now (playoffs) and I'm ready to see what these young guys can do!

GO APPS!!!

If you define competitve to be weaker I say you are right. We won a share of the conference title with third team back ups and walk ons playing signficant roles. I'm not saying the guys didn't play hard and give it their all, but the competition wasn't anywhere close to where it has been in the past.

[WVAPPeer]

"Realist" is probably not the right word ---
They may look like Nova but seriously doubt they are anywhere that good - remember Nova was the defending national champions and had most players back but injuries hurt them during the season - lost Sczcur for like 6 games and unfortunately for us they got everyone back for the playoffs - the one advantage here this year is ISU is not a team that has playoff experience, don't think they have won any games against playoff bound teams in the last 3 years --- Nova was a better team than APP, Maine was not but they did go thru the rigors of CAA play - We really should win this game ---

[AppAlum1]

CoastalAppy,
I agree with AppAlum1 with the schedule; it's great to get to The Rock to see the pregame show. I encourage you to arrive in Boone early so that you can walk the campus and town and see all the tailgating going on. I think it is just fascinating to see literally thousands of fans having so much fun. Unlike AppAlum1 I recommend the east side because (1) you get the setting sun which keeps you warm for "a little bit;" and (2) you have the best view of the stadium, especially the student sections, which will keep you "fired up" and laughing. It should be a blast. Go App!

I prefer staying out of the sun. Personal preference. No problem staying warm if you bring enough layers. And, the student section is right down in front of 204. Also, I have heard reports of drunks causing problems on the east side from time to time. Not a problem in 204. No drunk has ever caused problems in 204 ... and lived to tell about it.

[Deano]

I just watched Illinois State's last game against NDSU on WatchESPN Replay. They look really good. They have a big offensive line but their tendency is not to try and run it up the middle much. They like to pass it a little more than they try to run. Alot of their plays were on the perimeter which again surprises me because of their offensive line. Their QB is effective, but doesn't scramble much, when he does he does not look overly fast or elusive, but again just effective. Looking at the game on replay they reminded me alot of McNeese State who came to our home and beat us with their balanced offense and effective play calling. They are weak on special teams, but so is our kickoff and punt coverage. Overall, I see them being able to apply pressure on our QB but us not being able to get to their QB as much which scares me. We are faster overall with our team speed. Its going to take very smart play calling and very good secondary play from our defense to win this game. I predict we will start very slow and sloppy due to the time off ASU has had but we should pull it out in the end.

[ASUMountaineer]

I am guilty of drinking the Koolaid sometimes....but I like a rested, getting healthy, ASU team.....and for the record....Charlie said on ESPN-U Sunday that Stony Brook and New Hampshire were the last two in.

We were a little banged up and needed some rest....I think JJ is better post injury because he is thinking less about the run and more about the reads, and checkdowns. His passing may be better now than earlier....because he is less mobile!

A rested defense is a good thing. Washington and the Chancellor were banged up. Miller needed some rest.....

This is a different staff than last year too.....I liked most of what I saw down the stretch....too often our fan base forgets we get EVERYONE's best shot!

Go APPS!

Furman was not a good team - couldn't beat us after spotting them 21 points - GSU was beat up miserably but still rolled up 552 yards on us, Wofford hung 440 yards on us, we gave up 350+ and lucked out against Samford, Western is just plain awful and they put over 300 on us, and the last team that could throw racked up 419 through the air on us. With the way this bunch can throw and as good as they are up front on defense I can see a long day ahead for ther Apps.

We were pretty beat up for the GSU game as well. The most important stat out of your post to remember is that ASU beat four of the five teams you listed. I'm not saying we're going to win, but I'm also not saying we have no shot. I'm looking forward to this game.

[ASUMountaineer]

I am guilty of drinking the Koolaid sometimes....but I like a rested, getting healthy, ASU team.....and for the record....Charlie said on ESPN-U Sunday that Stony Brook and New Hampshire were the last two in.

We were a little banged up and needed some rest....I think JJ is better post injury because he is thinking less about the run and more about the reads, and checkdowns. His passing may be better now than earlier....because he is less mobile!

A rested defense is a good thing. Washington and the Chancellor were banged up. Miller needed some rest.....

This is a different staff than last year too.....I liked most of what I saw down the stretch....too often our fan base forgets we get EVERYONE's best shot!

Go APPS!

Furman was not a good team - couldn't beat us after spotting them 21 points - GSU was beat up miserably but still rolled up 552 yards on us, Wofford hung 440 yards on us, we gave up 350+ and lucked out against Samford, Western is just plain awful and they put over 300 on us, and the last team that could throw racked up 419 through the air on us. With the way this bunch can throw and as good as they are up front on defense I can see a long day ahead for ther Apps.

The SoCon was more competitive top to bottom than it has been in years. Furman was in an "off" year, but they are certainly better than their record implies and they are about as motivated against App as ny team in the country. GSU rolled up impressive yardage against a top tier BCS program (Georgia) last week. Western picked up garbage yardage/points at the end of a game that was already decided. Yes, our guys need to do a better job of closing, but we have a new season now (playoffs) and I'm ready to see what these young guys can do!

GO APPS!!!

If you define competitve to be weaker I say you are right. We won a share of the conference title with third team back ups and walk ons playing signficant roles. I'm not saying the guys didn't play hard and give it their all, but the competition wasn't anywhere close to where it has been in the past.

How far back are you going? I'd say this is the most competitive the SoCon has been since 2007. It's a subjective measure, but the eye test seems to show this.

[Seattleapp]

KgFish: I love fans like you. "We may very well win, but I wouldn't be surprised with a quick first round exit."

Way to hedge your bet. If you think we are gonna lose, then at least own that position.