Football

The Trench Report: Purdue

The Trench Report: Purdue

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

October 15, 2024

Let's all take a deep breath. It was ugly. Our team lost its composure. The Illini run defense remains problematic going into a match-up with an elite running team.

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Kaden Feagin Status Doubtful For Michigan Game with Hyperextended Left Leg

Kaden Feagin Status Doubtful For Michigan Game with Hyperextended Left Leg

Illinois running back Kaden Feagin is doubtful to play vs. No. 24 Michigan on Saturday after suffering a hyperextension of his left leg in practice early last week. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

October 15, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois is preparing for Kaden Feagin to miss this weekend’s game against No. 24 Michigan. 

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The Farrell Files Illinois - Latest Commitment & Purdue Effect on Recruiting

The Farrell Files Illinois - Latest Commitment & Purdue Effect on Recruiting

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

October 15, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the latest commitment, how the struggle against Purdue affects recruiting and an interesting new offer.

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Illini DC Aaron Henry on Purdue second-half collapse: “I’ve got to be better”

Illini DC Aaron Henry on Purdue second-half collapse: “I’ve got to be better”

Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry takes full ownership of the play calls and lack of execution that led to 46 second-half and overtime points scored by Purdue last weekend.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

October 14, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Before the beginning of his weekly media session Aaron Henry put on his best sarcastic act asking local media “did somebody die?”.

In the end, he knew the questions about Saturday’s performance by the players on his side of the ball were coming. Henry took sole ownership for the 46 points that Purdue posted in the final two quarters and overtime on Saturday.

“That isn’t the standard of Illinois football in that second half,” Henry said. “I’ve got to be better at all of it and I will.”

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Everything's Trending Up As The Illini Enter Michigan Week

Everything's Trending Up As The Illini Enter Michigan Week

By Larry Smith, host/executive producer of the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

Oct. 14, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

Still have a Purdue hangover? Take two aspirin and lie down for a nap. It'll be okay.

Entering week 7 and the much-anticipated Michigan matchup, things couldn't be much better for the Illini football team.

While Orange and Blue fans fretted over the second half collapse against the Boilermakers - in which their favorite squad almost let a 24-point lead spiral into a morale - and potentially season - crushing defeat, the rest of the nation saw a ranked team do what winners do -- find a way to win.

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Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Crazy Responses to Illini OT Victory

Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Crazy Responses to Illini OT Victory

Mike Cagley, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio […]

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Big Ten Network's Memorial Stadium Documentary to Debut Monday

Big Ten Network's Memorial Stadium Documentary to Debut Monday

Illinois Athletics October 13, 2024 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Big Ten […]

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“I think this win was a big deal” - Bielema Gets His Pound of Flesh From Ryan Walters

“I think this win was a big deal” - Bielema Gets His Pound of Flesh From Ryan Walters

After the 50-49 win over Purdue Saturday, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema admitted the Boilermakers program led by his former defensive coordinator “pisses him off” more than anybody else in the Big Ten Conference. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

October 13, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — After nearly watching his team spill a 27-3 lead but recover enough to salvage a one-point, walk-off overtime win, Bret Bielema spilled some proverbial tea on his rivalry with a former colleague and a rival program. 

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#23 Illini Hold Off Purdue In OT To End Slide, Win Cannon

#23 Illini Hold Off Purdue In OT To End Slide, Win Cannon

By IlliniGuys Staff October 12, 2024 (Cover photo courtesy […]

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Purdue’s Ryan Walters Believes 2024 Can Remarkably Turn Around & Illini Coaches Publicly Say They Believe Him

Purdue’s Ryan Walters Believes 2024 Can Remarkably Turn Around & Illini Coaches Publicly Say They Believe Him

Illinois will welcome back former defensive coordinator Ryan Walters […]

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The Farrell Files Illinois - Purdue Game Is a Massive Recruiting Weekend

The Farrell Files Illinois - Purdue Game Is a Massive Recruiting Weekend

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

October 11, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a huge recruiting weekend and the Illini’s chances with each.

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IlliniGuys Predictions - Purdue at Illinois

IlliniGuys Predictions - Purdue at Illinois

September 12, 2024 The Illini dropped to 4-1 after […]

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Memorial Stadium Rededication Game on Oct. 19 Sold Out

Memorial Stadium Rededication Game on Oct. 19 Sold Out

Illinois Athletics October 9, 2024 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The […]

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My IlliniGuys Top 25 Ballot - Everybody with One Loss…Take a Breath

My IlliniGuys Top 25 Ballot - Everybody with One Loss…Take a Breath

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer October 9, 2024 CHAMPAIGN, […]

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Illini Film Review: Penn State 21, Illinois 7 - Illini Had Opportunities in Happy Valley

Illini Film Review: Penn State 21, Illinois 7 - Illini Had Opportunities in Happy Valley

After a 14-point loss at Penn State, it’s just too easy for Illinois to chalk up this loss to being undermanned and out-talented on the line-of-scrimmage.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

October 8, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Allow Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. to give Captain Morgan rum some free advertisement and be the Illini’s version of “Captain Obvious” when evaluating this 21-7 loss at Penn State on Sept. 28.

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