Football

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. 

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.

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

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

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. 

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.

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.

By IlliniGuys Staff September 20, 2024 (Cover photo courtesy […]

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

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.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer September 20, 2024 #24 […]

Illinois walk-on kicker Ethan Moczulski left a prestigious situation […]

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.

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.

Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. says he believes the interior running game can be fixed with better execution of what is called and not changing what is called. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 18, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — One of the more frustrating things for any offensive coordinator is being asked to define the word “balance”.