Football

Illini Film Review: Illinois 31, Nebraska 24 (OT) - Welcome to a Very Different Luke Altmyer in 2024

Illini Film Review: Illinois 31, Nebraska 24 (OT) - Welcome to a Very Different Luke Altmyer in 2024

Illinois second year starting quarterback Luke Altmyer’s obvious and subtle body language was so different Friday night in Lincoln, Nebraska leading to his best performance in an Illini jersey. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 23, 2024

LINCOLN, Neb. — Luke Altmyer went into a different mental and emotional mode on Friday night inside Memorial Stadium at Nebraska.

Read
Sturdy's Soliloquy: Flying High at 4-0, and more….

Sturdy's Soliloquy: Flying High at 4-0, and more….

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst

September 23, ,2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The Ilini went into Lincoln and pulled out the overtime win against the star Freshman Quarterback with the veteran offensive line that left the nation thinking….’This team might be pretty good?’

In the aftermath of the 31-24 win in overtime, the Illini moved up to #19 and #21 in the national polls and are the only team in the nation with 2 ranked wins. They will get another shot on Saturday night in Happy Valley against #9 Penn State. A win there and more people will jump on the bandwagon, but right now let’s focus on what this team has done and where they are. 

Read
The Trench Report: Nebraska

The Trench Report: Nebraska

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

September 23, 2024

That was great, wasn't it? Not only did Illinois have a big win on Friday in a tough environment, but they also played really, really well.

Read
Illini Ranked in Both Polls

Illini Ranked in Both Polls

After a 4-0 start to the 2024 season, Illinois […]

Read
Heat Checks and Hail Marys – Results Versus the Process & Excitement of a 4-0 Start

Heat Checks and Hail Marys – Results Versus the Process & Excitement of a 4-0 Start

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

Read
Brandon Henderson’s Big Man TD Marks Historic Moment For Sophomore Lineman

Brandon Henderson’s Big Man TD Marks Historic Moment For Sophomore Lineman

Brandon Henderson’s first ever touchdown in his life of playing football came in a fourth-down trick call in a Big Ten Conference opener on the road in front 86,936 screaming fans. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 21, 2024

LINCOLN, Neb. — For however long into the future that he played football, Brandon Henderson had already come to grips with the idea that he’d never score a touchdown. 

Read
‘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.

Read
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.

Read
#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 […]

Read
IlliniGuys Predictions - Illinois at Nebraska

IlliniGuys Predictions - Illinois at Nebraska

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

Read
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.

Read
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 […]

Read
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 […]

Read
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.

Read
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.

Read