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Illinois used the bend-but-don’t-break concept on defense to prevent Northwestern’s ball-control philosophy from dominating the game at Wrigley Field.  

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

December 3, 2024

CHICAGO — The average number of offensive plays run in a game by a Football Bowl Subdivision program this season is around 69-70. The most offensive plays run per game by an FBS program is Texas Tech’s average of 80.6. The simple logic more tempo your offense is run with, the more plays you’re likely to run and the more fatigued the defensive players will get over some time. The Illinois defense beat back this logic on Saturday with one element: Red zone defensive efficiency. 

Northwestern ran 92 offensive plays on Saturday and scored just 28 points. The Wildcats held the ball for 20 minutes and 33 seconds of the 30-minute first half of play and the offensive result of that ball control before halftime was just three offensive points.

(From Illinois Sports Information Office) CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Big […]

(From Illinois Sports Information Office) December 3, 2024 CHAMPAIGN, […]

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

December 3, 2024

The Illinois basketball team is off to a 5-1 start after their win over Arkansas on Thanksgiving Day and now will take the week to prepare for a daunting upcoming schedule and the beginning of Big Ten play. The Illini will travel to Evanston on Friday evening to take on the always tough Northwestern Wildcats before heading home to take on one of the biggest surprises in the country in the #11 Wisconsin Badgers on Tuesday in a key matchup of top 25 teams. Then #3 Tennessee comes to town on Saturday December 14th. A week off for finals and the Illini head to St. Louis to face a much improved Missouri team in a rivalry tussle at noon on December 22. All before Christmas.

By IlliniGuys Staff December 2, 2024 (Cover photo courtesy […]

(From Illinois Sports Information Office) CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois running […]

By IlliniGuys Staff December 2, 2024 The Illinois men's […]

(From Illinois Sports Information Office)  #19/19 Illinois at […]

Mike Cagley, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio […]

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting December […]

(From Illinois Sports Information Office) December 1, 2024 CHAMPAIGN, […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 1, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Winning continues to pay dividends for the University of Illinois football program, evidenced by the commitment of linebacker Ismael Kante today. Late last week, IlliniGuys reported the possibility of Kante choosing the Illini following his official visit last Tuesday.

After seeing former Illinois star wide receiver Brandon Lloyd before the start of this in-state rivalry game at Wrigley Field, Pat Bryant knew he needed one more touchdown. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 1, 2024

CHICAGO — Entering the final regular season game of his college career, Pat Bryant knew he was one short of a school touchdown record he’s been eyeing and telling local media about since the start of preseason camp. 

After a comfortable win Saturday, Illinois left Wrigley Field with a clear message about where the dominant in-state college football program lives and will likely reside for time to come. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 30, 2024

CHICAGO — In the team hotel on a Friday night before Big Ten Conference road games this season, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has gone up and down his 74-player travel roster and noticed a trend. 

By IlliniGuys Staff November 30, 2024 (Cover photo courtesy […]