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As Illinois approaches the Big Ten Conference opener this weekend against Michigan, Illinois head coach Shauna Green still has concerns about her team on the defensive end. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 6, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — The idea that Northern Kentucky had trouble finding any perimeter success Wednesday night did not make Illinois’ second-year head coach feel satisfied in the final tune-up before Big Ten Conference play. 

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

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

December 6, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Peyton Sturdy)

The Illini got 33 points each from Marcus Domask and Terrence Shannon as they beat #11 FAU in a shootout at the Garden as a part of the Jimmy V Classic 98-89.  Domask scored 25 points and Shannon 24 in the 2nd half as Illinois turned a 3-point halftime deficit into an 11-point lead with 8:33 to play en route to the 9-point win. 

The Illini are now 7-1 and have that signature non-conference win over a team that was 35-4 a year ago and reached the Final Four. Here’s a look at what we saw. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

December 6, 2023 

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The defensive line depth issue on the Illinois 2024 roster became even more critical on Wednesday morning. 

Sedarius McConnell, who was projected to compete this coming spring for a starting position next season, announced via social media his intention to enter the transfer portal. The 280-pound defensive linemen, who has value at both end and tackle depending on the scheme, played in all 12 games last season with seven tackles. According to Pro Football Focus data, McConnell played 183 snaps of action in the 2023 campaign and with the loss of projected NFL draft picks Jer'Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph Jr. along with starting nose tackle Denzel Daxson and backup defensive linemen Bryce Barnes, McConnell’s role would’ve likely grown starting this spring. 

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert

December 6, 2023

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a huge portal commitment and update the 2024 QB situation for the last time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmD1D0MIZFA    

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer December 5, 2023 NEW […]

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular & Big Sports Radio and Resident Illini-Uber Insider on the Illini Sports Beat

December 5, 2023

Brad Sturdy has been covering the Illini for decades. When it comes to talking to NBA Scouts and people around the country who are the movers and shakers in college basketball, few local team reporters have the depth and breadth of contacts that Brad has. 

Today is one of those days that we can highlight an example of the "nuggets" that Brad regularly provides to the subscribers of IlliniGuys.com back on our message boards. 

Don't miss what's coming this basketball season - subscribe now and get the free sweatshirt as part of our Black Friday promotion. 

What Sturdy's hearing in the Big Apple 

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

December 5, 2023

After a huge win over Rutgers on Saturday the Illini are back in action on Tuesday night against the Florida Atlantic Owls. The Owls return virtually everyone from a Final Four team a year ago and will be a significant test for the stellar Illinois defense. As part of the Jimmy V Classic, this game at Madison Square Garden is a chance for Illinois to make a statement on the national stage. 

Here’s a look at the particulars. 

 Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 5, 2023

The Illinois football staff appears to be locked in with Tyrane Stewart, a cornerback from Magnolia, Mississippi. Now the 6-foot-1, 180-pound cornerback attends East Mississippi C.C. and received an offer from Illinois last week.

By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst

December 4, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Yale Athletics)

Its no surprise that Illinois was going to go after mature and experienced players to make up for the loss of Jer'Zhan Newton, Keith Randolph and Denzel Daxon, their starting three defensive lineman from last year.  However, I have to say I was surprised to see the commitment from Yale lineman Clay Patterson to Illinois just as the conference championship games were starting and the college football playoff match-ups weren't even set.  Patterson reported offers from several high major schools after only a few days in the transfer portal, and more would likely have been on the way had he waited for more interest.  So, this is a big get for Illinois both literally for the 6'3, 290 pounder and figuratively given the state of the defensive line depth chart.

What does he bring to the Orange and Blue?

Patterson's best asset is his pass rushing ability, and though he's a bigger guy, I have to say

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert

December 4, 2023

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the most recent commitment (a huge one) and name a few key portal targets that may not be sexy but will certainly help.

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

December 3, 2023

The Illini dominated Rutgers at the RAC 76-58 on Saturday behind a tremendous performance from Terrence Shannon, who had 23 points 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks as they moved to 6-1 and 1-0 in Big Ten play as they began their road trip. The return of Coleman Hawkins solidified the defense as Illinois held Rutgers to 33% shooting and stifled the interior game of the Scarlet Knights. 

Marcus Domask added 13 points to help Shannon and the Illini also dominated the glass, doubling up Rutgers 55-27 and grabbing 19 offensive rebounds. Defense and rebounding is a great recipe for success in the Big Ten and nationally and the Illini had it on full display Saturday. 

These 3 Things (Plus a Bonus Thing)

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 3, 2023

The NCAA Transfer Portal might become Illinois head coach Bret Bielema's best friend this offseason. He made his feelings known about the portal and how it is run but will use it when it is needed; it appears this coming year several positions are key. 

Here is the list of transfers the IlliniGuys can confirm that offers have been made or that players have reached out to the staff showing their interest in the program. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVaV27VzjV4