Football

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Those expecting to see a quarterback change at Illinois will be sorely disappointed. 

Brandon Peters will get his third start of the 2021 season in Illinois’ first conference road game of the Bret Bielema era of Illini football. Illinois (1-3, 1-1) will travel to Purdue (2-1) this weekend for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on BTN. 

Both the Illini first-year head coach and offensive coordinator Tony Petersen showed full support of the sixth-year senior quarterback in their media conferences. 

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- All the signs from Bret Bielema suggest Illinois got encouraging medical information this weekend following the loss to Maryland on Friday night. 

Why a couple of personnel changes resulted in a much better pass defense throughout the Friday night vs. Maryland.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

September 20, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- It just wouldn’t have made much sense for Illinois to not address certain issues following the blowout loss at Virginia and by doing so, Illini defensive coordinator Ryan Walters established himself through significant personnel changes.

Laughery is ready to get a head start on college, but more importantly to start the strengthening program. 

“It was an easy decision if I could pull it off. I want to get to work as soon as possible. Learning and getting a full half year of learning before the season starting, I think, will be huge. Actually a lot of us are planning on doing it, I think. That’s big time for our class if we can get there and learn the system asap.

"The coaches mentioned to us on our visit about the possibility of coming early, but no one really pushed it. The coaches were excited when I told them that’s what I was doing,” Laughery said. 

Don't miss this week’s SPECIAL episode of "IlliniGuys Sports […]

Don't miss this week’s SPECIAL episode of "IlliniGuys Sports […]

On possibly replacing quarterback Brandon Peters with Artur Sitkowski Friday night, Bielema said no but acknowledged “there was a thought” before Illini’s final drive.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 18, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois considered a quarterback change before the final drive against Maryland Friday night. 

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