Who is Illinois? Bielema Challenges Coaches To Establish Program’s Identity
Illinois near the bottom in nearly every statistical category that Bielema has valued throughout his 15-year head coaching career.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 23, 2023
Florida Atlantic at Illinois
Date/Time/Place: Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023: 2:30 p.m. CST, Memorial Stadium
Surface: Field Turf
Capacity: 60,670
Records: Illinois 1-2; Florida Atlantic 1-2
Betting Line: Illinois 15.5
Series notes: Illinois and FAU will meet for the first time on Saturday.
TV: Big Ten Network; Jason Ross Jr. (play-by-play), Howard Griffith (analyst), and Justine Ward (sideline)
Radio (Illinois): Brian Barnhart (PBP), Martin O'Donnell (analysis), Michael Martin (sidelines) & Steve Kelly (Pre/HT/Post) » The broadcast can be heard live on TuneIn online radio, SiriusXM (158/196), SiriusXM App, and at FightingIllini.com.
Champaign, IL — The formula to decipher Illinois’ lackluster start to the 2023 season is one Bret Bielema was given to him 31 years ago at Iowa from his Hall of Fame coach Hayden Fry.
Exclusive: Gabe Jacas Talks FAU With The IlliniGuys Presented By HX Home Solutions
(Editor's Note: Illini sophomore linebacker Gabe Jacas appears each week on the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular syndicated radio show https://illiniguys.com/radio/)
September 22, 2023
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
Larry Smith: Let's go inside the locker room now and joining us now the "IlliniGuy" -- presented by HX Home Solutions -- Gabe Jacas. Talk to us about the feeling in the locker room coming off last week's game. No question better execution, even though you didn't get the "W".
Gabe Jacas: Yeah, obviously we didn't get the W but from a defensive standpoint, I think we played our best game yet. Obviously, we gave up 30 points, but in the first half it was 16-7 and we're getting three and outs. You know, they weren't converting on third downs. I think we were playing as one as a group. I think we did some good things on some points of the game, but we definitely could have been better of course.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Justin Hill
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
September 22, 2023
Recently four-star outside linebacker Justin Hill made the trip to Illinois. The Fighting Illini will have its hands full trying to lure Hill in for a commitment, but getting the Ohio prep on campus is just what the staff needs.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Miss St Offensive Issues & Committed Visitors
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
September 22, 2023
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll talk about how the Mississippi State beat down by LSU helps Illinois, another committed visitor coming and give my thoughts on the Big Ten headed into the weekend.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Tommy Lamberti
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
September 21, 2023
Illinois offensive tackle Tommy Lamberti recaps his visit with IlliniGuys about the program and where things stand with his recruitment.
Illini Youthful Receivers Continuing Developmental Process Early in 2023 Season
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema pointed to redshirt freshman wide receiver Ashton Hollins as somebody who could see a bigger role on Saturday vs. Florida Atlantic.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 21, 2023
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — When asked Thursday about some of the youthful players that got more snaps of playing time against Penn State last weekend, one name was on Bret Bielema’s mind.
Around The Big Ten - September 21, 2023
September 21, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy Associated Press) Better […]
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Jacob Alexander
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
September 21, 2023
Illinois football fans, a name to add to your memory bank is Lincoln-Way East High, Ill., 6-foot-4, 2026 defensive end Jacob Alexander. He recaps his visit to Illinois and what his thoughts were on his unofficial visit this past weekend.
‘We moved them on Wednesday’: Illini Coaches Excited For Full Week of Continuity of OL Changes
Illinois offensive coaches are hoping more continuity in practice with this offensive line reshuffle will result in better performance starting with Florida Atlantic.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 20, 2023
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Two days of full practice.
Before practice last Wednesday morning prior to facing No. 7 Penn State, Illinois coaches made the change of Isaiah Adams to right tackle, Zy Crisler at right guard and the combination of Josh Gesky and Jordyn Slaughter at left guard, an established alteration to the lineup for the final two days of full-contact practices. This means prior to facing one of the most aggressive and active pass rushers in the Big Ten Conference, Illinois elected to have just two days of full-contact practice before permanently reshuffling its offensive line from its lineup of the first two games.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Demetrius John
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
September 20, 2023
The Fighting Illini football team had a great weekend of visitors recently during the Penn State game. Some were players looking at Illinois, others already were commits.
Demetrius John committed to Illinois this past June. John stands 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, and he is coming to play defensive line from Westerville, Ohio.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Big Ten QB Ratings & Davon Grant
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
September 20, 2023
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll begin comparing teams in the Big Ten by position in the 2024 class and provide a 2026 update from the weekend visits.
Safety Dance: Illini Likely Lean on Clayton Bush & Nicario Harper After Injury Rash
The loss of Matthew Bailey and Demetrius Hill to the Illinois secondary is likely to put a strain on the safety depth after just three games into the 2023 season.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 19, 2023
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Sunday morning became the living embodiment of why Illinois defensive coaches elect to crosstrain its secondary players at multiple positions.
Heat Checks and Hail Marys - Beginning of the 2nd Quarter and Make Donations Not Angry Xs
Mike Cagley, Co-Host Sports Spectacular & Big Sports Radio […]
‘We can fix it’: Illinois OC Barry Lunney Jr. Begins Steps For Luke Altmyer’s Confidence Rebuild
Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. said he believes the coaching staff already identifying the cause for Luke Altmyer’s turnover-happy game vs. Penn State is half of the battle.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
September 18, 2023
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Barry Lunney Jr. believes identification is the first step to bringing back Luke Altmyer’s confidence.
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