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Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 7, 2023

The Fighting Illini are down to their last running back, although the season started with six on the depth chart. All were injured but true freshman Kaden Feagin; from all indications, the only backfield mate who could join Feagin again this season might be Reggie Love.

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

November 7, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Joe Pickrell/IlliniGuys)

It was a win for Illinois on Monday night as the Illini defeated EIU by an 80-52 score. The Ilini got 18 points from Freshman Guard Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn and 16 from Terrence Shannon as they turned a slow start into a second half rout against a game EIU squad. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was a game to get a lot of people minutes and experience as they move into a tougher stretch beginning on Friday. 

Here’s a look back.

These Three Things:

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer November 7, […]

https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/881964991    

By IlliniGuys Staff November 6, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy […]

While Illinois head coach Bret Bielema wouldn’t confirm if quarterback Luke Altmyer was medically cleared for contact, Bielema was encouraged Altmyer would be active Saturday versus Indiana.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

November 6, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN — Bret Bielema has been encouraged by what he’s seen in the progress regarding the health of his starting quarterback. 

Luke Altmyer, who has started all of the previous nine games this season for Illinois, has given the football training staff and his head football coach preliminary indications he’ll be active Saturday to make the start against Indiana. 

(Editor's Note: Illini swingman Marcus Domask appears on the […]

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

Joe Clark, IlliniGuys Cover Photo

November 6, 2023

The 25th ranked Fighting Illini will finally play an official game on Monday evening when the EIU Panthers come to town to take on the Fighting Illini. The Illini have had a few days to get over their high from beating #1 Kansas and are now set to open a season with a ton of optimism and a loaded, veteran squad. 

Here’s a look at what we expect to see. 

Setting the Stage

#25 Illinois (0-0) vs. Eastern Illinois (0-0) 

Nov. 6, 2023 // 7 p.m. CT // Champaign, Ill. // State Farm Center 

Stream: B1G+ – George Khouri (Play-by-Play), Spencer Nelson (Analyst), Peter Hanson 

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

Two months after verbally committing to Illinois, Trey Petty and his mother give IlliniGuys.com their perspective to his attendance at Ole Miss and Mississippi State summer football prospect camps. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

October 31, 2023

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Trey Petty knew he was likely to garner attention this past July with his attendance at recruiting events at the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State. And in most instances, the 18-year-old didn’t particularly care too much.

Not many defensive linemen can affect just one half the way Illinois’ Jer'Zhan Newton accomplished on Saturday, but he was able to flip the momentum in Illinois’ 27-26 victory at Minnesota.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 5, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS — And here’s Johnny. 

After 30 minutes of play at Huntington Bank Stadium, arguably the best defensive player in college football was unleashed from his first-half penalty. The most pleasant thing for Illinois head coach Bret Bielema to watch in the halftime locker room was watching Jer'Zhan “Johnny” Newton put his shoulder pads and helmet on to begin to go to work and make an impact on this college football game in a way no other player Saturday could do.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

November 5, 2023

Illinois' win on Saturday is going to be one that Illini fans recount for generations to come. John Paddock put his name on the same list as David Reisner (PSU 2014) and Johnny Johnson (Michigan 1993) as players who put their best foot forward at the best possible time. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 5, 2023

Let us take a look at the top prospects in the state of Illinois for girls in 2025. The class of 2024 top five players are already committed to schools. 

John Paddock wanted to play his final year of college football at the place his family carved out a legacy and the sixth-year backup quarterback just created his own memory in a 27-26 win at Minnesota. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 4, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS — The discussion now becomes a nature versus nurture debate whether John Paddock was born for a moment like he experienced Saturday or if he was properly prepared to seize the opportunity. 

Minnesota looked to have its first ever win over a Bret Bielema program, until John Paddock led Illinois to a dramatic comeback victory in front of a stunned Gophers crowd. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 4, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS — The first career touchdown pass for Illinois quarterback John Paddock was a memorable one. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 4, 2023

Illinois is looking to add speed to its outside game and getting playmakers who can separate themselves from defenders appears to be an area of concern moving forward.