Football

Another Early Double-Digit Deficit Buries Illini Against Nebraska, 20-7

Another Early Double-Digit Deficit Buries Illini Against Nebraska, 20-7

By IlliniGuys Staff October 6, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy […]

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IlliniGuys Game Predictions vs Nebraska

IlliniGuys Game Predictions vs Nebraska

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Jaren Sensabaugh

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Jaren Sensabaugh

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

Cover photo courtesy of tennessean.com

October 6, 2023

Illinois is always looking to improve its roster. Recently Jaren Sensabaugh was offered a scholarship by the Fighting Illini. This recruitment is a bit unique in several ways. 

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Bielema Changing Short-Week Plans Before Cornhuskers Arrive Friday Night

Bielema Changing Short-Week Plans Before Cornhuskers Arrive Friday Night

Bielema changing the day-to-day operational plan for a short week after the failed first try before the 34-23 loss at Kansas. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

October 6, 2023

Nebraska at Illinois

Date/Time/Place: Friday, Oct. 6, 2023: 7 p.m. CST, Memorial Stadium 

Surface: Field Turf Capacity: 60,670 Records: Nebraska 2-3, 0-2 in Big Ten; Illinois 2-3, 0-2 Betting Line: Illinois by 3.5 Series notes: Nebraska leads all-time series 13-6-1. The Illini look to extend their three-game winning streak in the series.

TV: FS1; Jeff Levering (play-by-play) and Mark Helfrich (color analyst)

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 83, SiriusXM App, and at FightingIllini.com.

CHAMPAIGN — For each week of preparation during the season, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema carries with him a filing folder at all times. 

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The Farrell Files Illinois - Commit Poaching

The Farrell Files Illinois - Commit Poaching

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

October 6, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at yet another committed player the Illini are trying to poach and share my weekly Big Ten thoughts.

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Illini Football, Chicago Bears Legend Dick Butkus Dies at 80

Illini Football, Chicago Bears Legend Dick Butkus Dies at 80

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer October 5, 2023 One […]

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Around The Big Ten - October 5th

Around The Big Ten - October 5th

October 5, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy Nick Rohlman/The Gazette) […]

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The Farrell Files Illinois - To Play Freshmen Linemen or Not to Play Freshmen Lineman

The Farrell Files Illinois - To Play Freshmen Linemen or Not to Play Freshmen Lineman

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

October 4, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at whether or not Bret Bielema will and/or should play some freshmen offensive linemen and the importance of the Nebraska game for recruiting.

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“I know what he wants” - Illini OC Barry Lunney Jr. On Same Philosophical Page With Bielema

“I know what he wants” - Illini OC Barry Lunney Jr. On Same Philosophical Page With Bielema

Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. says the consistency issues amongst the offensive side of the ball are his responsibility and will not be micromanaged by his boss. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

October 3, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN — Barry Lunney Jr. believes the main problem with the Illinois offense can be found in his official job title. 

Five games into his second season as the offensive coordinator of the University of Illinois football program, Lunney is noticing the organization simply isn’t there on game day. 

“At the end of the day, it falls on me because I’m the coordinator and it’s my job to coordinate the offense and at times, we looked uncoordinated,” Lunney said. “That’s obviously frustrating and disappointing where there are moments where we just don’t look tightened up.”

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Heat Checks and Hail Marys – The Football Fear Factory

Heat Checks and Hail Marys – The Football Fear Factory

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

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup Jace Butler - Decision Week?

Ked's Recruiting Roundup Jace Butler - Decision Week?

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

October 2, 2023

The Illinois men's basketball team has been somewhat quiet on the recruiting front in terms of commitments. Early in May, several Illinois coaches identified combo guard Jase Butler from Point Reyes Station, Calif. 

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Sunday Bloody Sunday: Another Uncomfortable Day in Illini Football Building

Sunday Bloody Sunday: Another Uncomfortable Day in Illini Football Building

Following the 44-19 loss at Purdue, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema and his veteran leaders said Sunday’s meetings inside the Smith Center need to be awkward, intense and a bit excruciating mentally and emotionally. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

October 2, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Any light feelings needed to be checked at the front door of the Smith Family Football Center building on Sunday morning. 

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The Trench Report: Purdue

The Trench Report: Purdue

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

Cover Photo courtesy of Purdue Athletics

October 2, 2023

Well, that was ugly. No one who wears orange and blue was happy to watch that game on Saturday, and worse still, it was the type of loss that can set a tone for the rest of the season as Illinois seemed to accept the beating as the second half wore on.

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The Farrell Files Illinois - WR Class Evals & Update on QB

The Farrell Files Illinois - WR Class Evals & Update on QB

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

October 2, 2023

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

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Illini Film Review - Purdue 44, Illinois 19 - A Blitzkrieg is Coming For Illini QB Luke Altmyer

Illini Film Review - Purdue 44, Illinois 19 - A Blitzkrieg is Coming For Illini QB Luke Altmyer

Purdue head coach Ryan Walters took over defensive play-calling duties but also utilized a system that worked for him and Kevin Kane when they were both at Illinois last year to keep the pressure on Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

October 1, 2023

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Ryan Walters came into Saturday with a mission.

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