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Illinois defensive linemen Jer'Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph confirm Saturday’s regular season finale vs. Northwestern will be the last time Illini fans will see them on the field together. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 22, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Saturday will be the final collegiate home game for Illinois defensive linemen Jer'Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph. 

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema says he’s looking forward to seeing how Aaron Henry progresses as Henry completes his first season as a defensive coordinator. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

November 21, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN — Bret Bielema doesn’t want to hear anymore second guessing of his defensive coordinator promotion of Aaron Henry.

The third-year head coach of the Illinois football program said Monday he saw similar qualities in the 34-year-old that led Henry to be part of a long line of in-house promotions who have experienced their first year of being a defensive coordinator under Bielema’s watch. With one game remaining of the 2023 regular season, the confidence from Bielema hasn’t wavered and, in fact, the leader of the Illini program says he still sees signs of progress and development. 

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema vehemently disagrees he directs a conservative late-game philosophy on either side of the ball citing Illini’s 5-2 record in one-possession games in 2023. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 21, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Unless you want the conversation to be short and unpleasant, it’s not recommended anybody speak inside the Smith Family Football Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign about being conservative late in games. 

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio

November 20, 2023

The Illini cruised to an 88-60 win over Southern on Sunday night behind another stellar performance from Terrence Shannon, who scored 24 points to lead the way, and the Illini dominated the glass on their way to a 4-1 mark on the season. Dain Dainja had 12 points and Quincy Guerrier had 10, but it was a pair of Freshmen that excited the Illini fanbase. Nico Moretti was a +20 in 13 minutes of first half play before a foot injury sidelined him after a 4 point, 3 rebound and 3 assist half, while Amani Hansberry played 22 minutes and had 8 points and 7 rebounds. It was refreshing to see Freshmen showcase their talents now as the Illini try to develop their depth and put the right players in the right roles. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting November 20, 2023 […]

By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst

November 20, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

Football is a game of adjustments, and while most went the Illini's way on Saturday, the Hawkeyes made the last one and it paralyzed the Illini offense at the worst possible time.  However, I'm starting this week's Trench Report with a play that turned out to be the difference in the game. 

Iowa only brings four on this 3rd and 12 play from the 5 yard line.  They're playing conservatively and seemingly happy to ensure a punt.  However,

By IlliniGuys Staff November 19, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy […]

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio

November 19, 2023

The 3-1 Fighting Illini will take on the Southern Jaguars on Sunday evening at 7 PM as they continue to grow and get connected as a team heading into the meat of their schedule. The Illini took care of business against Valparaiso in the second half and will need to play a bit better in this one as Southern has shown the ability to raise their game, having already upset UNLV before falling to Western Illinois on Friday. 

Setting the Stage

#23 Illinois (3-1) vs. Southern (1-3) 

Nov. 19, 2023 // 7 p.m. CT // Champaign, Ill. // State Farm Center 

TV: BTN – Wayne Randazzo (Play-by-Play), Stephen Bardo (Analyst) 

Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network – Brian Barnhart (Play-By-Play), Doug Altenberger

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 19, 2023

Illinois big man Coleman Hawkins is a senior this year and will have one more year of eligibility left if he chooses to take advantage of Covid-19.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 18, 2023

IOWA CITY — Illinois led at halftime and much of the second half but couldn’t overcome a fourth-quarter comeback victory from Iowa in order to get its first victory at Kinnick Stadium since 1999.

By IlliniGuys Staff November 18, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy […]

November 18, 2023 Pretty good week based on the […]

By Brad Sturdy - Illini Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

November 18, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The Fighting Illini had a terrible half of basketball against Valparaiso and 1st year Head Coach Roger Powell, trailing 45-38 at the break. Then they decided to play like the top 25 team they are and outscored Valpo 49-19 in the 2nd half in cruising to an 87-64 win. Terrence Shannon led the way with 22 points and Dain Dainja added 16 to lead Illinois as they moved to 3-1. Valpo falls to 2-2. 

Here’s a look back. 

These 3 Things

Stafford on a Heater - Isaiah Stafford was on a heater in the first half.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema to his alma mater today with the mission of achieving Illinois’ first win in Iowa City since Nov. 6, 1999. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 18, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Two men with Iowa ties will meet in Iowa City but for one it’s a return and the other it’s goodbye. 

IlliniGuys Staff November 18, 2023 Illinois (5-5, 3-4 B1G) at […]