Illini Win Opener Against Eastern Washington

The Illini played a strong second half last night to pull away from Eastern Washington and win their 2008-2009 season opener. Trent Meacham hit three threes on his way to 18 points and Chet Frazier added 13 points. Those may end up as single game point highs for those two guys all season. (Ouch! So cynical these days are Illini hoop fans!)

The sellout streak at Assembly Hall ended last night, but there is some optimism around the program after last Wednesday's big signing day. Also I get a sense this season's team, in stark contrast to the Shaun Pruitt-Brian Randle led team of the last two years, might have the type of heart and staying power to close games out. That would be nice.

Oh, by the way, the Illini are currently down 23-13 to Ohio St. at the half. But for two Juice turnovers the Illini may be winning this game. Matty Eller has boomed two big field goals to get the game to within 10. Let's see if Juicer can work some magic in the second half.

Bolts Sign Bennett

A.J. signed Michael Bennett yesterday, adding depth to the Bolts' running back position and insuring against an injury to LT and/or Sproles. It also would seem to indicate that Jacob Hester is not very good at all. Or at least has fallen a bit in the estimation of the Chargers brass.

Be that as it may, I welcome Bennett to the Bolts. Michael, I see from my exhaustive research (I just looked you up on pro-football-reference.com) that you have amassed 3627 yards in your career at a 4.4 yard-per-carry clip. Your best season was in 2002 when, as a Viking, you rushed for 1296 yards and scored five touchdowns, including an 85-yarder. Not too shabby. More recently you had a 4.6 yard-per-carry average for Tampa last season in limited action. I would be pleased if you performed similarly for the Bolts over the final seven games of this season.

Welcome, and good luck. Now get to work.

Your All Signsed Up, Your All Signsed Up

D.J. Richardson, formerly of Peoria Central, currently of Findlay Prep in Las Vegas, was one of four recruits today to sign their letters of intent to play for the Illini. He joins Tyler Griffey, Joseph Bertrand and Brandon Paul as the newest group to commit to Illinois.

On behalf of this fine, if widely unknown blog, D.J., I welcome you to the Illini. Here's to hoping you join your three fellow 2009 recruits and lead the Illini to a new era of dominance.

I can't wait.

Now then, query Chris Colvin. What's he going to do?

S-S-S-S Signing Day!

It's signing day in the world of college hoops. The Illini are slated to sign Bertrand, Paul, Griffey and Richardson, all rated with four stars at Scout.com (well, Bertrand only has tres estrellas, but that's an oversight by those doing the rankings). Bruce has a press conference this afternoon to announce the signings.

Ger r dun, Bruce!

Trevor

Tonight I learned that the Padres rescinded their contract offer to Trevor Hoffman.

It seems now that Trevor's 16-year run with the Padres is at an end.

You've been a beast, Trev. A pure beast.

Western Michigan ... F

Western Michigan beat the Illini 23-17 last Saturday at Ford Field in Detroit. I didn't see one second of the game because I was out in San Diego for the weekend and didn't take the time to find a sports bar with the broadcast. During breakfast at The Tractor Room on Fifth Avenue and Pennsylvania in Hillcrest, I caught a few updates and saw the Illini were down 20-3, then 20-10, then 23-10 and, finally, 23-17.

Later I learned they had a chance to score the go-ahead touchdown late but couldn't get the job done.

Illini Do Iowa

The Illini held on and beat Iowa last Saturday. That was a good thing because Iowa had been a spoiler for the Illini of late, and also because Iowa is inferior to Illinois just as a general matter.

I kid the Iowans. Great state over there. Always enjoy visiting Iowa City and I had a friend growing up who was from Bettendorf. One of my other friends married a Hawkeye graduate. Also my sister once got caught using someone else's credit card in Iowa so, you know, it's good to know the Iowa police are on top of things.

One thing I liked about Saturday's game was the use of Eddie McGee as a slot receiver. He is tall and athletic and, according to T.V. reports, Zooker rewarded him for being one of the players who cares most about the team. I believe Illini football will be in good hands two seasons from now when Juice is playing in the CFL and Eddie is quarterbacking the squad.