Why I Oughta...

Over the weekend, we went down to see our Fighting Illini take on the Duke Blue Devils from the Atlantic Coast Conference at Gies Memorial Stadium.  Despite the terrible outcome (feels like one of the worst losses in the Bret Bielema era, doesn't it?), this was the first time we were able to see - in person - the largest scoreboard in college sports.   That's how the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and scoreboard company Daktronics bill it .   Heading into the game, we knew it was going to be BIG.  But...seeing it in person really *is* something.  It is...genuinely YUGE.  And, the team is doing some neat stuff with it in terms of engaging the fans.  I presumed it was going to be used for ALL ADS.  ALL THE TIME.  But, it really wasn't.  They also added some new boards around the stadium - above the students, along the West side.  And, under the overhang of the east side.  We sit on the east...

No Big Noon Kickoff or Barstool show , so we didn't leave as early as we have in the past for the 11 am kickoff.  And, with Dad's Day being celebrated on campus this weekend, we hit a bunch of traffic on I-57 heading down.  That came as a surprise, but we still arrived in time to get to the Legacy Lounge for some drinks and food and into our seats to see some of the warmup.   For the early-season games, we've sat in the full sun and wished we were sitting further back under the canopy of the upper deck to get some relief in the shade.  This week, it was cold and we were sitting on the east side under the canopy and wishing we were out there in the full sun.   Having an 'easy win' over the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers (the Birthplace of College Football, they'll have you know) was exactly what this Illini fan's heart needed.    Here's our pre-game view at Gies Memorial Stadium: With this sixth win, the Illini are 'bowl eligible'.  Funny how...