Football

The Trench Report: Central Michigan

The Trench Report: Central Michigan

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

September 15, 2024

It was a bit of "meh" win for Illinois on Saturday over Central Michigan. A decent sized crowd lost its fire pretty quickly in the heat this afternoon as Illinois finished up a workmanlike 21-point win over Central Michigan. Here are a few facts to put this win into perspective:

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Illini Ranked No. 24 in AP Poll

Illini Ranked No. 24 in AP Poll

After a 3-0 start to the 2024 season, Illinois […]

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Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Successful Teams Do the Things that Make Them Successful

Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Successful Teams Do the Things that Make Them Successful

Mike Cagley, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular & Big Sports […]

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Illinois Survived The 11 a.m. Sleeper with the Style & Grace of Everybody Else

Illinois Survived The 11 a.m. Sleeper with the Style & Grace of Everybody Else

Every power program in college football has the sleepy, unmotivated and lackluster 11 a.m. trap game to survive. In 2024, Illinois is no different and that should be celebrated. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 14, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Congratulations, Illinois. You’ve moved even closer and closer to big boy status of college football. 

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Illini Overpower Central Michigan For 1st 3-0 Start Since 2011

Illini Overpower Central Michigan For 1st 3-0 Start Since 2011

September 14, 2025 (Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics) CHAMPAIGN, […]

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Ked's Gameday Recruits: Football and Basketball Focus at Central Michigan

Ked's Gameday Recruits: Football and Basketball Focus at Central Michigan

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 14, 2024

Champaign, IL – The Fighting Illini football program takes on the Central Michigan Chippewas today. Last week, we provided updates on the football recruits visiting campus. This week, we have the opportunity to speak with both football and potential basketball recruits.

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IlliniGuys Predictions - Central Michigan at Illinois

IlliniGuys Predictions - Central Michigan at Illinois

September 14, 2024 The Illini upset then #19 Kansas […]

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Why Illini Coaches & Players Believe Turnovers Are Not Random But Practiced Behavior

Why Illini Coaches & Players Believe Turnovers Are Not Random But Practiced Behavior

Through two weeks into the 2024 season, Illinois is […]

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Barrington's Owen Fors Enjoys Illinois Visit More Than Coaches Could Imagine

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Barrington's Owen Fors Enjoys Illinois Visit More Than Coaches Could Imagine

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Recruiting Director

September 13, 2024

Champaign, IL — One thing is certain when talking to Owen Fors, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound offensive lineman: his time at Illinois has been memorable, both before and after the game.

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The Farrell Files Illinois - An Interesting New Offer

The Farrell Files Illinois - An Interesting New Offer

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

September 13, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files, I’ll talk an interesting new offer and rank DB Xanai Scott vs the industry.

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Casey Thomann Returns to Illinois Campus for Another Visit

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Casey Thomann Returns to Illinois Campus for Another Visit

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 12, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, IL – Casey Thomann, a 6-foot-7, 280-pound offensive tackle from Olney, Illinois, is back on Illinois' campus once again.

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Could The Big Win vs. Kansas Result in Bielema’s Illini Getting Second Looks From Prospects?

Could The Big Win vs. Kansas Result in Bielema’s Illini Getting Second Looks From Prospects?

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema suggests he and his staff are getting more intense looks from recruits either in high school or possibly entering the transfer portal that had previously rejected the Illini.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 12, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Following a huge win over then-No. 19 Kansas, Bret Bielema’s phone exploded with calls, text messages and instant messages on social media from all corners of the nation.

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A Deep Look at Illinois’ Deep Looks: An Inside Review at Why the Long Passing Game Currently Flourishes at Illinois in 2024

A Deep Look at Illinois’ Deep Looks: An Inside Review at Why the Long Passing Game Currently Flourishes at Illinois in 2024

From a newfound confident returning quarterback to a veteran group of receivers, Illinois has one of the more efficient deep passing games just two weeks into the 2024 season. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 12, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In less than a calendar year, Illinois has gone from one of the worst at a deep passing game to one of the most efficient in the same statistical category. 

So, the question that is begged is: What changed? The answer is well, everything. 

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Jacob Alexander Updates His Recruitment

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Jacob Alexander Updates His Recruitment

Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting September 11, […]

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The Farrell Files Illinois - How Kansas Win Impacts Recruiting

The Farrell Files Illinois - How Kansas Win Impacts Recruiting

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

September 11, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll give my thoughts on how the Kansas win impacts recruiting and rank DB Andre Lovett vs the industry.

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