Welcome to the Most Important Week & Game of Bret Bielema’s Illini Tenure
For some many different reasons, this Saturday’s matchup vs. No. 19 Kansas can serve as a momentum shift for the rest of Illinois’ 2024 season.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 4, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — When it’s rather difficult to exactly put a finger on one reason for the importance of a given event, you can usually guarantee it has a high level of significance.
Illini DC Aaron Henry on Terrance Brooks Not Starting vs. EIU: “It’s not a me show, it’s a we show”
Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry tells local media that Terrance Brooks is intentionally not in the Illini’s starting lineup and the transfer from Texas is not hurt.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 3, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Add Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry to the list of people publicly saying that Terrance Brooks not being in the Illini’s starting 11 on defense is a performance-based issue.
Brad Sturdy - It’s Showtime on Saturday Night
Brad Sturdy, Illini Insider and Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular
September 3, 2024
The Illini did exactly what they needed to do last week when they dismantled EIU 45-0, but now they face the daunting task that is the Kansas offense and Quarterback Jalon Daniels. But before we get to that, let’s talk about EIU.
We were looking for 5 things heading into the game against the Panthers, and for the most part, we saw that.
Illini DC Aaron Henry on loss last year at Kansas: “It was an incredible teaching moment”
Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry said Monday he’s likely rewatched the 34-23 loss at Kansas last year “over a hundred times” to review his mistakes in preparation.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 2, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Over a hundred times.
This is how many times Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry says he’s watched film of his team’s 34-23 loss at Kansas in the second week of last season.
The Trench Report: Eastern Illinois University
Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst September 2, 2024 Welcome […]
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Cameron Wagner Recaps Visit After Eastern Illinois Football Game
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
September 1, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – On a late weeknight, the Illinois football program hosted fewer high school visitors than usual on campus, but a larger turnout is expected on Saturday when they take on the Kansas Jayhawks.
Lonely Game Days Are Gone for Illini WRs, Their Coach Wrote Them a Letter
The 2024 season opener on Thursday night was the first time Illinois wide receivers learned they’ll be receiving a hand-written letter as part of their position coach’s special pre-game ritual.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 1, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — While trying to calm himself down in the lobby of the team hotel on Thursday afternoon before his first game of the 2024 season, Pat Bryant was tapped on the shoulder by his position coach.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Key 2027 Visitor & Illini DL vs B1G DLs
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
August 31, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a key 2027 visitor for Thursday night, rank DE Cameron Brooks vs the industry and show how the Illini DL stacks up against the Big Ten.
Illini Film Review - Illinois 45, Eastern Illinois 0 - So…let’s talk about Malik Elzy
Illinois sophomore wide receiver Malik Elzy had what could be a defining evening in every facet of his game as he begins his second year of college football.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
August 31, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The season opener of the 2024 season could be the moment most folks point toward when the career arc of Malik Elzy began to curve up at the collegiate level.
Where Was Terrance Brooks in the Illini’s 2024 Season Opener?
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema suggests in post-game media conference that key transfer portal addition needs to “continue to do things the right way and with consistency” to earn a starter role.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
August 30, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — When asked about his program’s most impactful transfer portal additions in the offseason, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema did not confirm a reason for Terrance Brooks’ lack of playing time in the 2024 season opener on Thursday night.
Gabe Jacas’ Positional Versatility On Full Display in Season Opener vs. EIU
If the 45-0 win over Eastern Illinois is any evidence to the future plans, Illinois coaches are planning to line up third-year pass rusher Gabe Jacas in all kinds of ways.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
August 30, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Despite an announced crowd of 43,849 and a Big Ten Network audience all seeing Gabe Jacas consistently put his hand on the ground in a defensive lineman stance, his head coach wants everybody to believe nothing has changed.
Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Illini Do What They're Supposed to Do
Mike Cagley, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular August 30, 2024 […]
Illini Find Week 1 Victories in a No-Win Situation
Against an overmatched in-state Football Championship Subdivision opponent, Illinois managed to leave the 2024 season-opener with a series of wins.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
August 29, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — While it’s historically a rare occurrence when Illinois football finds itself in a perceived no-win situation, Bret Bielema’s team left the 2024 season opener with multiple reasons to feel it was a productive outing.
IlliniGuys Predictions - Eastern Illinois at Illinois
August 29, 2024 Larry, Zain and Steve tied at […]
Sturdy's 5 Things I Need to See Tonight
Brad Sturdy, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular and Resident Illini Guru
August 29, 2024
There are five things that I need to see tonight. They are as follows:
1. Control of the LOS - Show me two lines that can dominate a lower-level opponent and create running lanes, protect the QB and stop the run.
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