Illini Sports Saturday

Today I went to see the Fighting Illini football and hockey games and finally got to take some photos. Football was against Penn State, and while nobody really expected us to win, I for one would have been happy if we came within 8 points of a victory. We kept it close in the first half, while neither offense could really get things going. But in the second half, it seemed like we had a defensive meltdown. It didn't seem like Penn State was really doing anything spectacular, but our defense was missing tons of coverages and allowing lots of lanes for backs to rush through.

After a frustrating 3rd quarter and beginning of the 4th quarter, I left the game while we were down 28-3. This marks the first time I've left early from a sporting event, though this was also partly because of the cold weather. Anyway, the final score of the game was 35-17, and here are some photos.

Block I: a student cheering section at the north end zone. You need to get

special tickets to be able to sit here, and these usually sell out by June.

The crowd is always asked to wear orange, but tons of people

always show up in blue, which is Illinois's other school color.

So the "orange out" we were going for didn't quite work

C'mon, how hard is it to just wear orange??

Cheerleaders during a time out.

Marching Illini at their post in front of Block I.

The closest we came to a touchdown while I was there.

Sadly, all we could get out of this is a field goal.

Jumbotron at the south end zone. In the background is

Assembly Hall, where the basketball games are held.

Marching Illini. They're awesome!

Illini rush onto the field ready for the second half. The score at

this point was 7-3, Penn State, so as of then I was satisfied.

A portion of the Marching Illini came to my section. My

view was partially blocked, but we got some good music.

The hockey game I'd have to say was much more exciting, and after going to two football games and two hockey games, I must say that I have enjoyed the hockey games much more. Today we had a close game against Lindenwood, where we lost 3-2. Lindenwood was definitely helped out by some bogus no-calls from the referees. In particular, the worst interference no-call of all time led directly to their first goal, after one of their players who had fallen then proceeded to tackle an Illini player, which opened up the player he was guarding to a breakaway straight to the goal. It was still a good game though, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Illini bounce back.

Pictures!

Shootaround before the game.

Zamboni!

And the game begins...

Harassing Illini at their post above the Illini bench. Their job is

basically to insult and annoy our opponents, which is quite fun.

The seating is up on a balcony, so it's really easy to get a good

spot right behind the glass. I prefer staying up high, but it's a

different experience seeing the game from here.

Before each game, when the opponent's starters are being

introduced, the crowd yells "you suck!" after each name is

announced. Of course, when our team is introduced, we cheer loudly.

Whenever we score a goal, the crowd chants "it's all your

fault!" at the opponent's goalie. Then the song "Rock and

Roll, Part II," also known as "The Hey Song," comes on...

except we tack on a "you suck!" after every "hey!"