Football

‘Let’s pressure this guy’: How Aaron Henry’s Halftime Adjustment Lifted Illini

‘Let’s pressure this guy’: How Aaron Henry’s Halftime Adjustment Lifted Illini

Illinois spent the first half trying to contain and confuse Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola. In the second half, it was all about putting somebody in his face. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 21, 2024

LINCOLN, Neb. — In the simplest of terms, Illinois arrived at Memorial Stadium in Nebraska with two distinct plans for a talented freshman quarterback who had yet to be fully tested.

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Illini Run Game Finds Itself Late in OT Win at No. 22 Nebraska

Illini Run Game Finds Itself Late in OT Win at No. 22 Nebraska

The solution to the problem of the Illinois run game in a 31-24 overtime win at Nebraska: If at first, second, third you don’t succeed, just keep trying. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 21, 2024

LINCOLN, Neb. — Maybe somebody put the Illinois run game on milk cartons at halftime so it could be quickly found and returned to its home.

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#24 Illini Top Nebraska 31-24 in OT

#24 Illini Top Nebraska 31-24 in OT

By IlliniGuys Staff September 20, 2024 (Cover photo courtesy […]

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IlliniGuys Predictions - Illinois at Nebraska

IlliniGuys Predictions - Illinois at Nebraska

September 20, 2024 The Illini move to a perfect […]

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Michigan Tackle Jacob Timmer Checks Out Illinois

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Michigan Tackle Jacob Timmer Checks Out Illinois

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 20, 2024

Champaign, IL. – Illini fans met Jacob Timmer, an offensive tackle prospect from Grand Rapids, Michigan, who stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 310 pounds. Illinois made an impression while visiting on gameday.

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Game Preview: How Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola is the “different element” for Illini

Game Preview: How Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola is the “different element” for Illini

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer September 20, 2024 #24 […]

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Moczulski’s Search For Opportunity Culminates in School Record Field Goal

Moczulski’s Search For Opportunity Culminates in School Record Field Goal

Illinois walk-on kicker Ethan Moczulski left a prestigious situation […]

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Football Recruiting Spotlight on Grant Smith

Football Recruiting Spotlight on Grant Smith

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

September 18, 2024

For the last couple years Illinois has followed a pretty consistent pattern in recruiting the last several years: load up on the positions you know you need to fill in June and July, maybe keep recruiting some of those guys through the fall that didn't commit in the summer, flip some other teams' commits or pick up some late-risers in November in December, and maybe save a spot for a signing day surprise.

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Caleb Scott Checks Out Illinois Football

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Caleb Scott Checks Out Illinois Football

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 19, 2024

Champaign, IL – The Illinois football program has been making waves with recruits from Indiana. For the second consecutive week, Illinois has hosted more than five potential recruits from the state.

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Lunney Jr.: Illini Offense “has shown flashes’ of Greatness but Far Too Many Lulls

Lunney Jr.: Illini Offense “has shown flashes’ of Greatness but Far Too Many Lulls

Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. says he believes the interior running game can be fixed with better execution of what is called and not changing what is called. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 18, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — One of the more frustrating things for any offensive coordinator is being asked to define the word “balance”. 

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‘It’s still been difficult’: Illini DC Aaron Henry Preparing Illinois for Big Ten Opener Despite Tragic Passing of Older Sister

‘It’s still been difficult’: Illini DC Aaron Henry Preparing Illinois for Big Ten Opener Despite Tragic Passing of Older Sister

Henry was informed in the late evening of Sept. […]

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The Farrell Files Illinois - Newest 2025 Commit & a 2025 CB Target

The Farrell Files Illinois - Newest 2025 Commit & a 2025 CB Target

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

September 17, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files, I’ll take a look at the newest 2025 commitment, rank him vs the industry and talk about a key 2025 CB target who keeps hanging around despite a commitment elsewhere.

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Illinois Receives Tight End Commitment from Grant Smith

Illinois Receives Tight End Commitment from Grant Smith

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 16, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — After two consecutive recruiting weekends, Illinois has secured a verbal commitment from tight end Grant Smith. Offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. and tight ends coach Robby Discher are excited to add another option to their passing game.

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Illini Film Review: Illinois 30, Central Michigan 9 - What’s Wrong With Illinois’ Interior Run Game?

Illini Film Review: Illinois 30, Central Michigan 9 - What’s Wrong With Illinois’ Interior Run Game?

We look at how Illinois’s interior run game has […]

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Sturdy's Soliloquy: 3-0 is a Great Beginning

Sturdy's Soliloquy: 3-0 is a Great Beginning

Brad Sturdy, Illini Insider & Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular & Big Sports Radio

September 16, 2024

The Illinois football team isn’t 3-0 very often, so saying they are off to a great start this fall is an understatement. Now ranked #24 and catching the attention of people around the country they look like a vintage Bret Bielema Big Ten squad.

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