Football

IlliniGuys.com needed some extra time to discuss with Illinois coaches what unique set of circumstances and trouble transpired throughout the week and the 60-minute game vs. Purdue. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

October 17, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Some IlliniGuys.com subscribers might have been wondering where the film review was this week, am I right?

Well, this one took longer to put together and it’s for a simple reason. I needed to make sure the best I could that what I was seeing on the television copy was even similar to the interpretation of the coaching staff at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

October 17, 2024

Champaign, IL – Isaiah White, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound three-star recruit from Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, remains firm in his commitment to Illinois. The class of 2025 defensive tackle pledged to the Illini in early June and plans to honor his commitment.

October 17, 2024

Here's a look at a few storylines around the Big Ten heading into Week 8:

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

October 16, 2024

Champaign, IL. – Cam Thomas, a four-star football prospect, attended the Illinois-Purdue game on Saturday, who got the attention of reporters on the field early that afternoon.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema is asking fans for the most electric atmosphere in years at Memorial Stadium when they host No. 24 Michigan on Saturday afternoon.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

October 16, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Allow Bret Bielema a moment to get on his soapbox on Monday afternoon.

As he looked to his right at the empty Memorial Stadium field, the Illinois fourth-year head coach decided to answer a question about being on CBS back-to-back weeks in his weekly media conference by attempting to explain to Illini fans what an intimidating home atmosphere can do for a developing football program.

“There’s definitely growth that we have to go through as a football team but also the fanbase,” Bielema said Monday. “Listen, we haven’t lost a game out there [pointing to Memorial Stadium field] this year.”

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.

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. 

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.

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.”

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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