Football

Not many defensive linemen can affect just one half the way Illinois’ Jer'Zhan Newton accomplished on Saturday, but he was able to flip the momentum in Illinois’ 27-26 victory at Minnesota.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 5, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS — And here’s Johnny. 

After 30 minutes of play at Huntington Bank Stadium, arguably the best defensive player in college football was unleashed from his first-half penalty. The most pleasant thing for Illinois head coach Bret Bielema to watch in the halftime locker room was watching Jer'Zhan “Johnny” Newton put his shoulder pads and helmet on to begin to go to work and make an impact on this college football game in a way no other player Saturday could do.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

November 5, 2023

Illinois' win on Saturday is going to be one that Illini fans recount for generations to come. John Paddock put his name on the same list as David Reisner (PSU 2014) and Johnny Johnson (Michigan 1993) as players who put their best foot forward at the best possible time. 

John Paddock wanted to play his final year of college football at the place his family carved out a legacy and the sixth-year backup quarterback just created his own memory in a 27-26 win at Minnesota. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 4, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS — The discussion now becomes a nature versus nurture debate whether John Paddock was born for a moment like he experienced Saturday or if he was properly prepared to seize the opportunity. 

Minnesota looked to have its first ever win over a Bret Bielema program, until John Paddock led Illinois to a dramatic comeback victory in front of a stunned Gophers crowd. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 4, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS — The first career touchdown pass for Illinois quarterback John Paddock was a memorable one. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 4, 2023

Illinois is looking to add speed to its outside game and getting playmakers who can separate themselves from defenders appears to be an area of concern moving forward.

November 4, 2023 Everyone missed their game prediction for […]

Illinois’ goal through the first 30 minutes of play on Saturday is to hang on defensively before arguably the nation’s most dominant defensive lineman, Jer'Zhan Newton, returns from suspension. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 4, 2023

Illinois at Minnesota

Date/Time/Place: Sunday, Nov. 4, 2023: 2:30 p.m. CST, Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minn.

Surface: Field Turf

Capacity: 50,805

Records: Illinois 3-5, 1-4 in Big Ten; Minnesota 5-3, 3-2 in Big Ten

Betting Line: Minnesota by 3

Series notes: Minnesota leads the all-time series 40-32-3 but Illinois has won the last two matchups and Illini head coach Bret Bielema is 9-0 all-time against the Gophers. 

TV: Big Ten Network; Connor Onion (play-by-play), Matt Millen (color analyst), and Elise Menaker (sideline reporter).

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 (388), SiriusXM App, and at FightingIllini.com.

(Editor's Note: Illini sophomore linebacker Gabe Jacas appears on […]

(From the Illinois Sports Information Department)   CHAMPAIGN, Ill. […]

In its next meeting on Nov. 16, the University […]

November 2, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy Chicago Sun-Times) It […]

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

Illinois is likely to get back two veteran pieces from the injured reserve list as defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. and tailback Reggie Love III are expected to be active at Minnesota.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff writer

October 31, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois coaches gave hints that both sides of the football could see a return from a veteran leader for the following game. 

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert

October 30, 2023

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a new key offer in the 2025 class and have more on QB commit Trey Petty.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

October 29, 2023

Illinois has one very loyal committed prep entering the class of 2024, Angelo McCullom, a defensive lineman from Lewis Center, Ohio. He has made the 276-mile trip to Champaign over four times now.