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NEWS
The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
CUPHD hosts `mix and match' booster clinics cine are eligible for a booster shot if it has been at least six months since their second dose and are at least 65 years old, The Champaign-Urbana Public Health or are at least 18 and have an underlyDistrict announced that it will be host- ing medical condition or live or work in ing additional COVID-19 booster shot a high-risk environment. clinics and provided new guidelines on Individuals who initially received the who is eligible to receive a booster shot. Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible In particular, CUPHD emphasized for a booster shot if it has been at least that the Centers for Disease Control two months since their last dose and are and Prevention now allows individuals 18 years old or older. to “mix and match” what COVID-19 vacCUPHD is hosting a “walk-in” vaccicine they receive as their booster shot. nation clinic at the I Hotel and Confer“Some people may have a preference ence Center located at 1900 S. First St., for the vaccine type that they originally Champaign on Tuesday and Wednesday, received and others may prefer to get Nov. 2-4 and Nov. 10-11 from 9 a.m. to 4 a different booster,” CUPHD said in a p.m., which “are available to all eligible press release. “CDC’s recommendations individuals.” now allow for this type of mix and match Booster shots will also be available dosing for booster shots.” at Kohl’s Plaza located at 1901 N. MarAccording to the new guidelines, indi- ket St., Champaign by appointment only. viduals who were initially vaccinated Scheduling for which “will be available with either the Pfizer or Moderna vac- soon,” according to the press release. By Willie Cui
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NEWS
The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
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MISSION: ZERO EMISSIONS
MTD unveils hydrogen fuel cell buses, brings new technology to reality By George Phelan Staff Writer
The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District unveiled two new hydrogen fuel cell powered buses to the public on Oct. 14. Unlike electric vehicles, the buses can be refueled in a matter of minutes. The hydrogen is produced using solar power, making the project entirely zero emissions. The process begins at the on-site solar plant, where electricity is produced in order to create hydrogen from water. “The water comes in, the electricity comes in, there’s a rectifier that transfers it to DC current, and then there’s an electrolyzer that basically separates the oxygen and the hydrogen molecules,” said Eric Heiden, regional manager for operations at the hydrogen-production facility. “It then goes through a compressor system to be stored, and then it goes out to the vehicles.” According to Heiden, the facility will produce hydrogen to meet the demands of the buses in use and is expected to be in operation indefinitely. “We’re hoping this will be a long term project, and there’s room for expansion as (MTD) gets more vehicles,” Heiden said. After the hydrogen fuel is used to charge the buses’ electric batteries, the water vapor that is emitted from the process is clean enough to drink. Senator Richard Durbin was present at the event, describing in a speech how the new buses could be used as a GEORGE PHELAN THE DAILY ILLINI model for further zero-emission efforts A newly designed Mass Transit District bus is parked at the Champaign-Urbana MTD Maintenance Department on Oct. 14. MTD recently unveiled in Illinois. their zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell buses that solely emit water vapor. “It’s not a surprise to me that our downstate Illinois, Champaign-Urbaand will save more than 15,000 gallons nandez said. “By producing the hydro“MTD is going to na, would step up and be leaders when of diesel fuel annually. gen-based fuels with renewable energy, it comes to bringing this new technolNuria Fernandez, administrator of MTD is going to improve the air quality improve the air quality the Federal Transit Administration, for residents of Champaign-Urbana.” ogy into reality,” Durbin said. “Champaign-Urbana is taking its commitment was also present. The project was While hydrogen fuel cell producfor residents.” to zero emissions even further, by using funded in large part by grants from tion is still relatively novel and expensolar panels to power the on-site hydrothe federal government, as a part of sive, the two buses added to the MTD’s Nuria Fernandez, gen production station that powers the the current administration’s climate fleet are still a monumental first buses.” agenda. step in a zero-emissions future for administrator of the Federal According to Durbin, each hydrogen “MTD is certainly at the cutting edge transportation. Transit Administration fuel cell electric bus will reduce greenbecause this is going to emit only water house gas emissions by 135 tons a year vapor instead of greenhouse gases,” Fer- georgep2@dailyillini.com
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The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
ILLINI UNION BOOKSTORE
Dads Weekend Special OCT 29-31 –––––––– GRAB A ––––––––––
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NEWS
The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
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Jelani Day's family, Jesse Jackson call for justice By Gwyn Skiles Features Editor
The funeral for Jelani Day, a 25-yearold student at Illinois State University, occurred on Tuesday at the Spring Hill Cemetery in Danville. Rev. Jesse Jackson and about 30 people watched him get lowered into the ground and cried out for justice. Carmen Day, Jelani’s mom, said burying Jelani was the hardest thing she’s had to do. “I just saw one of the best things that God blessed me with go in the ground, and I will never get to talk to him or see him again,” Day said. Day said the ceremony didn’t bring her closure. “I’m not the first mother to lose a child, but when somebody loses their child, majority of the time they know what happened to them or know why they’re burying them,” Day said. “I don’t know what happened to Jelani, so I don’t have any closure.” Jelani disappeared on Aug. 24, and his car was found a couple days later. A body was found nearby, face down in the Illinois River in Peru. In late September, the body was confirmed to be Jelani’s. However, the exact cause and manner of death remain unknown. Day and her family said they have been frustrated with the lack of response to Jelani’s case. Jackson said the circumstances surrounding Jelani’s death are all too familiar. “It’s an Emmett Till type of crime,” Jackson said. Emmett Till was a Black 14 yearold who was lynched by a white mob in 1955. After the burial, Jackson went to the Grove Street Church of God in Christ in Champaign to host a press conference. There, he said the local officials investigating Jelani’s death aren’t forthcoming, and he called for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and President Joseph Biden to get involved. Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an international and civil rights organization Jackson created in 1996, called to students at the University specifically and encouraged them to protest. Jackson and members of the coalition have met with students from the University, including those affiliated with several Black Greek Council members, to rally student support. gskiles@dailyillini.com
CAMERON KRASUCKI THE DAILY ILLINI
TOP: Carmen Day speaks with reporters while mourning her son, Jelani Day, at his funeral service on Oct. 19 at Spring Hill Cemetary in Danville, Illinois. During the press conference, Rev. Jesse Jackson urged community members to protest for a thorough investigation. BOTTOM LEFT: Jelani Day's friends and family carry his casket. BOTTOM RIGHT: Bishop Tavis Grant comforts Carmen Day.
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The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Dads Weekend returns to campus By Fizza Hassan Staff Writer
The 99-year-long tradition of Dads Weekend continues from Oct. 29-31 as zealous students and their dads prepare to dive into three fun-filled days of activities ranging from football, basketball and hockey matches to an a cappella group performance at Foellinger Auditorium. After a year of absence due to the pandemic, many students say this will be a special weekend since it’s the first time both freshmen and sophomores will experience an in-person Dads Weekend. Lauren Carter, sophomore in Business, whose dad is a University alum, was part of the virtual Illini Dad meetups during freshman year and is excited for her first in-person event with her dad. “My dad (is) a really big fan of coming down for the games, and it’s just kind of a family school, so it’s always really exciting anytime I can spend some time with him, like go to the games because we’re both pretty big alumni sports fans,” Carter said. “It’s going to be pretty fun for my dad to meet other proud dads of students here.” Steve Raquel, clinical assistant professor in Business and head of communications for the Illini Dads, shed light on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the planning stages of this event. “The pandemic really changed the way that we envisioned the Dads Weekend because it couldn’t be done in person,” Raquel said. “Now coming back, we are back to the physicality of events, including very popular football and basketball games, the pre-game barbecue and the 5k runs’.” Mark Sohn, University of Illinois dad and executive board member for the Illini Dads association, shared his insights on the recent changes. “Due to the pandemic, we are having box lunches, where you grab stuff and you can either stay, eat and talk or go meet mingle with others,” Sohn said. “We’re also having a tailgate outside Grange Grove, which is the first time we’re doing that, as in past years we had our barbecue inside (the) ARC.” Raquel said about 2,500 dads will be on campus — much less than previous years because of the pandemic. “We’re seeing a surge of ticket purchasing in the month of October, but numbers are still down because I think
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOOLE FAMILY
Matt Toole was named King Dad 2020 by the Illinois Dads Association after his daughter Regan Toole, sophomore in AHS, nominated him. people are being affected by the pandemic and some are just staying home,” Raquel said. “But we’re starting to see now that as people know that it’s going to happen, they’re buying more.” Sohn said the Illini Dads hosted a memorial service on Oct. 21 to honor those that passed away. “In collaboration with the University, the Illini Dads hosted a memorial service for the UIUC students who passed away due to COVID-19 and other incidents between 2019 and 2021, and families of the deceased were given memorial boxes with student names and keepsakes to remind them of the U of I legacy,” Sohn said. Raquel said many of the attendees would be meeting for the first time in two years, and everyone is even more enthusiastic for this Dads Weekend. “What we’ve seen is that people really relish being, not only in person, but also celebrating with their child the week of the Dads weekend,” Raquel
said. “It’s really the only parent type weekend during the fall and especially during the football season.” Carter said she feels confident about COVID-19 safety. “We all are pretty assured that we’re going to be able to enjoy the weekend and still feel safe with (COVID-19) happening,” Carter said. “I feel like our school is doing a really good job at making sure that we’re safe, so I think that makes it even easier for families who want to come visit their kids to feel comfortable coming and doing so without being worried about getting sick.” As many prepare to arrive on campus, Sohn said he’s optimistic for the incoming dads. “We use our website, Facebook, anything we could do to get the dads out there and just say we’re still here, we’re still doing what we’ve done in the past, but this change, it’s just that we couldn’t be together before. Fortunately we will be soon,” Sohn said.
The Illini Dads will host a a big celebration for its 100th anniversary next year. “We have worked with the University to come up with a long-lasting design, with brick display, located near Alice Campbell Alumni Center and fountain in the Hallene Gateway,” Raquel said. “To help raise funds, we are selling bricks to families who wants to celebrate a parental generational connection, father son/ daughter kind of experience, where they can buy a brick to memorialize their connection to the University.” “Illini Dads has been a volunteer organization for almost 100 years, and our sole purpose to be in existence is to raise money specifically for grants and scholarships for deserving organizations and students and hope that people will come, not only to support us but to support their children because I know for a fact, having my own kid here, is that it’s a special weekend.” fhassan3@dailyillini.com
The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
DADS WEEKEND MEN’S BASKETBALL
VS FRI. OCT. 29 | 7:00 PM
FOOTBALL
VS SAT. OCT. 30 | 11:00 AM
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The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
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Dads come back to haunt campus on Halloween By Adelina Garcia Contributing Writer
The overlap of Halloween weekend and Dads Weekend has students planning to celebrate Halloween with their fathers. Anthony Pulido, senior in ACES, hopes that Dads Weekend being on Halloween will not prevent him and his dad from going out. Pulido said that having Dads Weekend on the same weekend as Halloween while still being in a pandemic, is a bad idea. “I think you’re asking for way more trouble than like you should be,” Pulido said. “Halloween is already a big weekend here on campus, and a lot of people from the city or nearby come by to visit, and now you’re bringing in more people that don’t attend campus, who maybe don’t get tested how we do.” Before this year, the last Dads Weekend was Pulido’s sophomore year where his fraternity at the time, Kappa Delta Rho, had planned activities for fathers to do with their sons. The fraternity lost their house during the pandemic.
His sophomore year, Pulido said he felt Dads Weekend was much more centered on having fun, without having to worry about catching COVID-19. While no longer in the fraternity, Pulido said he still intends to spend a lot of one-on-one time with his father this Dads Weekend, even if they don’t go out. Working as the student manager for the girl’s softball team and playing club baseball at the University has not left Pulido with much time to visit home, Pulido said. Pulido said he hopes the weekend after Dads Weekend he will have the time to visit home for the first time since he started school. “Remembering to call your dad is important because he misses you,” Pulido said. Andrew Jordan, freshman in DGS, plans to participate in planned father and son activities as part of his fraternity, Theta Xi. Jordan considers himself close with his dad, who went back to college years after dropping out in order to spend more time with and provide for his
family. “I really feel like he’s someone I can trust with anything and someone who I can always go to if I need anything,” Jordan said. Despite the continued pandemic, Jordan’s dad, Aron Jordan, feels as though the safety precautions the University has taken are enough to ensure his health is protected. “I wouldn’t pass up any opportunity to hang out with my son,” Aron Jordan said. The fraternity has planned a dinner on Friday with the dads, as well as a tailgate on Saturday for the football game against the Rutgers. Jordan said they also plan to play games, such as bags and beer die, at the house. “I’m looking forward to tailgating with him and just really enjoying the game and spending some quality time since I don’t really get to see him as often as I used to,” Jordan said. Jordan has consumed alcohol with his father in the past and therefore does not consider drinking with his father to be strange. In contrast, Romina Greco, freshman in FAA, has planned to stray away from
drinking with her father. Greco considers herself close with her dad, however, she said she has been too busy to visit home since she arrived at the University. Dads Weekend will be the first time seeing her dad since she left for college. As a previous member of the track and cross country team at her high school, Greco grew up going on runs with her dad. “He always went to my sports games... I hung out with my dad a lot,” Greco said. As a way to recreate activities she did with her dad when she was younger, Greco plans to attend the 5k run occurring that weekend. Greco said she also wanted to show her father her life as a college student by showing him her dorm, restaurants on Green Street and the dining halls on campus. Jahaira Bustos, sophomore in AHS, said because of COVID-19, she will be experiencing many college activities for the first time, including Dads Weekend. Bustos said she felt the pandemic allowed for a smoother transition to college, however, she regrets missing out
on a lot of firsts that freshmen are experiencing this year alongside her. “I had my first tailgate maybe three weeks ago,” Bustos said. “First football game, first time going to a building, you know, it’s a little crazy to think that I’m already almost done with half of my sophomore year.” Despite the lack of activities available during her first year at the University, she said she is excited to try new activities with her dad. She said one of the activities she is most excited to do with her dad is to go out to bars and participate in tailgating. “I feel like my dad would enjoy it a lot ... I think it would be such a good experience considering he hasn’t been to the college town bar,” Bustos said. Bustos said she is excited to see her dad, as she doesn’t get to visit home often. Seeing that the pandemic prevented there from being a Dads Weekend last year, Bustos said she hopes her dad will enjoy his experience at the University enough to come again. adelina4@dailyillini.com
JULIA EVERSMANN THE DAILY ILLINI
Take him to these must-see CU spots
By Isabelle Bertolini Contributing Writer
The University’s annual Dads Weekend falls from Oct. 29 to Oct. 31. After not being able to spend the weekend at in-person events last year, many students may be finding this year’s Dads Weekend extra special. Though the University is hosting several events for the weekend, like a football game with BBQ dinner, an a cappella show, a 5k and a brunch, Champaign-Urbana has lots of great spots to spend the weekend as well. So once you’re done mooching off of your dad for groceries or asking him to fix things in your apartment or dorm, consider showing your dad some of these C-U spots.
The Axe Bar - 114 S. Neil St., Champaign Visitors to Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride last October.
CAMERON KRASUCKI THE DAILY ILLINI
Go blow off some steam with dad by throwing some axes! Champaign’s
downtown scene recently opened The Axe Bar — a sports bar that has food, drinks and a fun workout. They’ve got 10 throwing lanes, 24 beers on tap and a ton of great bar food and liquor. Don’t fret if you haven’t thrown an axe before, their axe coaches will give you a quick tutorial on how to throw, and then your timer starts. Even if axe throwing isn’t your thing, it’s a great place to go to get out of the house to unwind. It’s also a great way to bond with Dad and show off your skills. Walk-ins are welcome, and people older than 18 can reserve lanes online.
KAMS - 102 E. Green St., Champaign
Show Dad some of our iconic Illini traditions and take him to KAMS. Wait in the long line with all the other dads, teach him how to properly “ice out” a Blue Guy and show him a proper glimpse of some of your college experience. Have a
picture-perfect moment with the mural at the beer garden and take a picture to commemorate the special weekend. Make sure to get in line early, considering that KAMS Dads Weekend merch has already sold out. Expect to see some dads repping KAMS “Home of the Drinking Illini” gear this weekend.
Jarling's - 309 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign
Looking for a sweet treat? Who doesn’t like ice cream? Jarling’s Custard Cup has become an iconic ice cream shop in the Champaign community. I mean, even Tom Hanks raved about them on Twitter! The shop has sundaes, shakes, malts, snowstorms, pies, cakes, waffle baskets and many more options. Their products are made in small batches throughout the day and are guaranteed to be fresh. With carefully selected ingredients from the highest
quality Midwestern dairy farms, there is no wonder why the community loves Jarling’s.
Curtis Orchards - 3902 S. Duncan Road, Champaign
If you are looking to enjoy the fall weather, Curtis Orchards is a fun and affordable activity. There is no admission fee to enter the park, and visitors can choose which activities they want to participate in. There is a petting zoo, giant corn maze, tractor tours, pumpkin picking and more! Don’t forget to get some of their award-winning honey and apple cider, as well as their pies, fritters and other products in their store and bakery.
Baldwin Asylum Haunted Attraction - 2040 Lon Drive, Rantoul
Though this spot isn’t technically in the C-U area, its uniqueness and relevance to the season warrants
it a spot on our Dads Weekend list. Baldwin Asylum Haunted Attraction was voted one of Illinois’ Top 10 Haunts by Haunted Illinois and is a chilling experience created by Slayerville Productions. The 10,000 square feet of absolute terror is bound to give visitors a fright. As the tour takes you through the aftermath of a witch’s curse from start to finish, evil spirits and souls fill the basement, experiments gone wrong wander the hallway and monsters roam all over. The high-quality set and makeup designs created by professional artists immerse you in horror. In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, tickets can be purchased for $20 per person on the attraction’s website. The asylums will be open all throughout Dads Weekend, doors opening at 7 p.m.. ib5@readbuzz.com
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OPINIONS
The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
The empty seat lingers amid Dads Weekend NATHANIEL LANGLEY OPINIONS EDITOR It’s absurd for the University to not provide an overall “Parents Weekend.” While several other universities — such as the University of WisconsinMadison or Illinois State University — host cohesive “Family Weekends,” the University lags as it splits these events into two weekends. Similarly, U.S. studies show that around 20 million children live with a single parent. Consequently, an event such as the University’s Dads Weekend disregards this reality and aspires that at least one of its weekends will satisfy students. Without a comprehensive “Families Weekend,” the University fails to connect with students accompanied by fragmented, yet typical families. Dads Weekend in college is no different than the desolate “Dad Days” of elementary school. For myself, in Praire Village, Kansas, the empty seat beside my desk on those dreadful days
stuck out like a lighthouse beaming “Broken family over yonder!” Fortunately, individuals such as my mom, aunt and uncle rose to the occasion and filled in for my absent father, yet for countless others, the continued separation of Dad and Moms Weekends carries the unpleasant tradition of an isolated weekend with missing family. As a result, this year’s Dads Weekend will be the same as it ever was: I’ll gratefully receive pity for the missing man, yet in my heart, I’ll loathe him for his abandonment and silently resent circumstances outside my control. Likewise, that elementary empty seat unceasingly appears no matter how far in life you travel nor the fresh love that can aid in pushing it back. The damage is done, and the wound is irreparable. The sheer embarrassment of an absent father amid elementary “Dad Days” walks with you alongside life. While your friends’ dads participate in the day’s festivities, later your mom picks you up from after-school care — as she works her 9-5 to make ends meet —, and you’ll be a little quieter
JONAH OZER THE DAILY ILLINI
and irritated than usual. Fortunately, time allows the scar to recede: You’ll be proud of the mom who stepped up, and the embarrassment will be overshadowed by the healing love you receive. Dads Weekend won’t be your demise, but it won’t be of any benefit to you. Either with friends or on a call home to mom, you’ll quip contending that your “real father” will show up — illustrating the unceasing disbelief that one-half of your parents quit. Meandering through crowds of crammed families, there’s no option
but to compare your single-momproduced predicament to the joy radiating from fortunate fathers and students. Nevertheless, college should be a resounding moment for students from splintered families to reflect on how far they’ve come. From the debris of demanding youth, students of single parents deserve praise for their situations, not antiquated celebrations focusing on separate parents. A “Family Weekend” is a time for which whoever raised you can enjoy the group effort that is or was supporting a successful student reach college. In contrast, a Dads Weekend is a reminder of the fatherly field that remains barren since its tenant relinquished responsibilities. When building a better future for familial campus events, ponder the empty elementary seats besides countless students’ childhoods and compel the University to relieve this wound by adopting “Family Weekends.” Nathaniel is a junior in LAS. ntl3@dailyillini.com
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OPINIONS
The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
John Mulaney's upcoming special will redefine him CAROLINE TADLA COLUMNIST
John Mulaney’s next comedy special “From Scratch,” is his most important one yet. People are upset with Mulaney. After he divorced publicly adored Annamarie Tendler and swiftly started a relationship with the controversial Olivia Munn, many fans feel betrayed. Thus, Mulaney’s next comedy special “From Scratch” establishes a fresh era. To make matters even more intense, the new couple is expecting a baby. So, why is such great news receiving finger wags from lifelong supporters? One reason is because of girlfriend Munn’s rocky reputation. Munn has been the topic of controversy on many occasions, being called things like “sexist” and “fatphobic,” mainly due to remarks she made in her book “Suck It, Wonder Woman!” Another concern amongst Mulaney fans is regarding the comedian’s ongoing battle with drug addiction. Mulaney has struggled for several
years, but as things took a turn for the worse in December, he checked himself into rehab. Spending 60 days there, Mulaney has returned to the public eye. While many fans are supplying sympathies and are proud of his progress, there are still several who are disappointed with his drug usage in the first place. However, the crucial reason countless followers are upset with Mulaney is that they erroneously idolize him. It’s the fans’ fault for unfairly turning Mulaney into the golden boy of standup comedy — a title he never wanted nor claimed. Numerous fans rely on him to be a perfect comedian: morally impeccable, consistently hilarious. Likewise, while transparent about his struggles with drug addiction on stage, fans still expected Mulaney to be a wholesome family man: An image that was shattered this year. For Mulaney to recover his golden image, he must provide the people with an explanation. Specifically, he owes admirers answers over his insinuated acceptance of Munn’s peculiar behavior and the split from Tendler. However, marital drama is not the only thing haunting Mulaney as he fac-
The public eye is watching more than ever. es the release of his special, but also the enormous standards he has set for himself with wildly successful past specials such as “New in Town,” “The Comeback Kid” and “Kid Gorgeous.” Moreover, considering all the tension that has been surrounding Mulaney
recently, the public eye is watching more than ever. “From Scratch” represents a fresh start for the comedian — symbolized within the title. The special is a sign of hope for both himself and his fans. This is precisely why “From Scratch” needs to achieve more than just laughs. This upcoming special needs to reestablish his public image, in whichever manner Mulaney wishes to present it. Caroline is a freshman in Media. ctadla2@dailyillini.com
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PHOTO COURTESY OF ROY ROCHLIN/GETTY IMAGES FOR NRDC/TNS
John Mulaney performs onstage at NRDC's “Night of Comedy Benefit,” in partnership with Discovery, Inc. hosted by Seth Meyers, on April 30, 2019, in New York City. Columnist Caroline Tadla believes Mulaney's new comedy special “From Scratch” will redefine his career.
The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Congratulations to our
backyard mowments Dad’s Weekend Photo Contest Winner Peter & Rose Chiodo
Thank you to our contest sponsors:
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The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
SPORTS
The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021
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Illinois stuns No. 7 Penn State in 9-overtime thriller By Josh Pietsch Staff Writer
In a game that broke the record for longest game in Football Bowl Subdivision history, Illinois came into Penn State and defeated the Nittany Lions, 20-18, in nine overtimes. The game was very low scoring, as regulation ended with the score tied at 10. Both teams kicked field goals in the first two overtime periods, and from there on, it was solely two-point attempts from the 3-yard line. Neither team scored for the first seven overtimes, then both teams scored in the eighth. The Illini defense then stopped Penn State in the ninth period, and Brandon Peters, replacing injured Artur Sitkowski, found Casey Washington in the back of the end zone to walk it off. What. A. Game.
Running machines The Illinois running backs showed out again, which is the only reason Illinois was able to score any points in regulation. Both ran for over 100 yards, with Chase Brown leading the way with 223. The Illini finished with 357 rushing yards, which was basically the only part of their offense until overtime. The team finished with only 38 passing yards, and Illinois ran the ball a total of 67 times. Chase Brown did suffer an injury in overtime, but the run game was almost nonexistent after the second OT period. However, Brown and Josh McCray once again put the team on their backs and propelled the Illini offense.
How about that defense? I don’t want to spoil too much, but the defense as a whole was phenomenal in Happy Valley on Saturday. For a defense that last year gave up well over 30 points per game, the improvements that defensive coordinator Ryan Walters has been able to make have been nothing short of outstanding. The Illini didn’t even force a turnover and just wore down the Nittany Lion offense in both the running and passing game. Coming into the game, Penn State was averaging over 28 points per game. Illinois cut that down by 18 in regulation and barely let them move the ball in overtime.
Offense: B- (A, D) This grade is so weird to give. So, let’s split it up into two different categories. Rush game and passing game. It’s just not fair to include the rushing
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Illinois running back Chase Brown fends off a Penn State defender during the Illini's record-breaking 20-18 victory over the No. 7 Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on Saturday. crew in a grade that isn’t an A. Brown and McCray were outstanding. Brown scored the only touchdown of regulation for the Illini, and 357 rushing yards is absolutely ridiculous. Brown and McCray’s abilities to break tackles is a major asset, and the offensive line also blocked very well to open up holes. The passing game was, well, not as good. Thirty-eight yards. Come on. Now, there possibly should have been a passing touchdown to Daniel Barker from Sitkowski back in the second half, but it was called back due to a questionable and late thrown penalty. But Peters delivered a passing touchdown to win the game so they don’t get an F. Credit the whole offense for dominating in time of possession and giving the defense plenty of time to rest.
Defense: A+ Anything short of this would be unfair. That is the best defensive performance I’ve ever watched from an Illini team, and it came against a phenomenal team in Penn State and on the road. The defensive line was amazing, holding the Nittany Lions to only 62 total yards on the ground. They also were able to put pressure on Clifford, disrupting him and limiting the passing game to 162 yards. Overtime was nearly perfect. They held Penn State to two field goals in the first two overtime periods and gave up just one conversion in the next seven periods. Both the secondary and the defensive line stepped up, which proves this defensive performance was a whole team effort.
Outstanding, Outstanding.
Ryan
Walters.
Special Teams: AMcCourt missed a 50-yard field goal in tough conditions but made a 37-yarder in the fourth quarter. He also nailed both his field goals in overtime, allowing the Illini to continue on. Blake Hayes was great, pinning the Nittany Lions back and limiting good field position, which is part of the reason they only were able to score 10 points in four quarters. He’s the best player on the team and the best punter in the country. What a win for Illinois. @JPietsch14 pietsch3@dailyillini.com
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The DI · Wednesday, October 27, 2021