Sturdy's Soliloquy: 2-0 Feels Good
Brad Sturdy, IlliniGuys Insider & Co-Host of IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular & Big Sports Radio
September 11, 2024
It’s not very often that the Illini start a season 2-0 in football, and even more rare for them to do it while beating a ranked opponent. The Illini have done just that and sit at #26 in the AP Poll this week after their win over #19 Kansas. Here are some deep thoughts:
Be My Valentine: Illini Freshman RB Ca'Lil Valentine’s Late-Game Runs Leads Illinois Over Kansas
Despite not being the talk of preseason camp, Illinois freshman tailback Ca'Lil Valentine proved to be a big factor in the Illini’s 23-17 victory over then-No. 19 Kansas last weekend.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 10, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In a blowout victory over Eastern Illinois in his college football debut, Ca'Lil Valentine had just six snaps of action and four carries to run out the clock while the score was already 45-0.
Whitman & Bielema Believe Illini’s Should Be In Future 12-Team CFP Contention
Josh Whitman and Bret Bielema are both in sync on the idea that Illinois should have among its program goals to be in the mix for a 12-team College Football Playoff berth.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 10, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — According to both men, there is rarely a day that goes by where Illinois athletics director Josh Whitman and Illini head football coach Bret Bielema don’t talk.
Xavier Scott Earns National Player of the Week Honors
Illinois Athletics September 10, 2024 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois cornerback Xavier […]
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Illinois had JJ Finch on campus for Saturday's upset win over Kansas
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
September 10, 2024
Champaign, IL. – JJ Finch, a three-star recruit from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, was one of several high-profile recruits visiting Illinois this past weekend. Although Finch’s current rankings may not fully reflect his talent and offer list, he is the top-ranked player in Indiana for the Class of 2026.
X Marks the Spot: Xavier Scott Named Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Week
Illinois third-year defensive back Xavier Scott’s development may properly define the Illini’s mentality as a developmental program.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 10, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — For Xavier Scott, seeing really is believing.
The Trench Report: Kansas
Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst
September 9, 2024
This one will always be known as the "Xavier Scott game". Illinois got a huge win on Saturday in Illinois' first sellout win in the last 8 attempts.
Xavier Scott Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
Illinois Athletics September 9, 2024 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois cornerback Xavier […]
Illini Film Review - Illinois 23, No. 19 Kansas 17 - How Aaron Henry Won Round 2 vs. Jayhawks
We look at how Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry was able to change the picture pre and post-snap for Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 9, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The 365-day turnaround from how Kansas took advantage of an opposing play-caller in his third game calling the Illinois defense to get a win last season to Aaron Henry figuring a plan in January and tweaking that plan at halftime to get a win in 2024 is nearly mesmerizing if it wasn’t reality.
“It’s a long time coming”: Why Bret Bielema’s Creation of a Saturday Night ‘Moment’ May Live Forever
1,358 days ago, Bret Bielema was hired to become the 26th head coach in Illini football history and in his 39th game, his team created an history moment that eventually program turnarounds point towards.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 9, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The first word Bret Bielema used in the post-game locker room Saturday night to describe what his players, coaches and himself had just accomplished was “earned”.
Illinois Football PFF Grades
IlliniGuys Staff September 8, 2024 Here are graphics depicting […]
Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Illini Season Hit the "Up" Button & Elevator is Rising
Mike Cagley, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular & Big Sports […]
Illini Defense Propels Upset Win Over #19 Kansas, 23-17
By IlliniGuys Staff September 7, 2024 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - […]
Ked's - Kansas GameDay Recruits
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
September 7, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – It's primetime, it's on FS1, it's sold out, and it's an orange-out tonight at Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini are set to face the 19th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks in a highly anticipated matchup.
Illini Game Preview: Revenge Game vs. No. 19 Kansas Looms Large For Illini’s 2024 Season
Several key players on this 2024 Illinois roster remember […]
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