Football

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema says he’s looking forward to seeing how Aaron Henry progresses as Henry completes his first season as a defensive coordinator. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

November 21, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN — Bret Bielema doesn’t want to hear anymore second guessing of his defensive coordinator promotion of Aaron Henry.

The third-year head coach of the Illinois football program said Monday he saw similar qualities in the 34-year-old that led Henry to be part of a long line of in-house promotions who have experienced their first year of being a defensive coordinator under Bielema’s watch. With one game remaining of the 2023 regular season, the confidence from Bielema hasn’t wavered and, in fact, the leader of the Illini program says he still sees signs of progress and development. 

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema vehemently disagrees he directs a conservative late-game philosophy on either side of the ball citing Illini’s 5-2 record in one-possession games in 2023. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 21, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Unless you want the conversation to be short and unpleasant, it’s not recommended anybody speak inside the Smith Family Football Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign about being conservative late in games. 

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio

November 20, 2023

The Illini cruised to an 88-60 win over Southern on Sunday night behind another stellar performance from Terrence Shannon, who scored 24 points to lead the way, and the Illini dominated the glass on their way to a 4-1 mark on the season. Dain Dainja had 12 points and Quincy Guerrier had 10, but it was a pair of Freshmen that excited the Illini fanbase. Nico Moretti was a +20 in 13 minutes of first half play before a foot injury sidelined him after a 4 point, 3 rebound and 3 assist half, while Amani Hansberry played 22 minutes and had 8 points and 7 rebounds. It was refreshing to see Freshmen showcase their talents now as the Illini try to develop their depth and put the right players in the right roles. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting November 20, 2023 […]

By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst

November 20, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

Football is a game of adjustments, and while most went the Illini's way on Saturday, the Hawkeyes made the last one and it paralyzed the Illini offense at the worst possible time.  However, I'm starting this week's Trench Report with a play that turned out to be the difference in the game. 

Iowa only brings four on this 3rd and 12 play from the 5 yard line.  They're playing conservatively and seemingly happy to ensure a punt.  However,

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 18, 2023

IOWA CITY — Illinois led at halftime and much of the second half but couldn’t overcome a fourth-quarter comeback victory from Iowa in order to get its first victory at Kinnick Stadium since 1999.

November 18, 2023 Pretty good week based on the […]

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema to his alma mater today with the mission of achieving Illinois’ first win in Iowa City since Nov. 6, 1999. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 18, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Two men with Iowa ties will meet in Iowa City but for one it’s a return and the other it’s goodbye. 

IlliniGuys Staff November 18, 2023 Illinois (5-5, 3-4 B1G) at […]

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

If nothing else, the 2023 Michigan football season will […]

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema is confident that his coaches, players and staff all know the plan at quarterback in Iowa City this weekend. Will he share it before the 2:30 p.m. kickoff? No. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 16, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — If Bret Bielema has his way, we’ll all find out together who Illinois will start at the quarterback on Saturday at Iowa City.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

November 16, 2023

Mario Sanders picked the Illini over a couple of low major offers coming off the Illinois victory over Indiana Saturday.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 16, 2023

An Illinois high school prep has a scholarship offer from one of the nation's top teams in the country but does not have one from one of his favorite schools, Illinois. 

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

November 15, 2023

Illinois racked up the most scrimmage yards they've ever had in a conference game. Their 662 yards gained made for a fun afternoon at Memorial Stadium and the memory of a lifetime for John Paddock. However, the Illini also allowed 451 yards, and their 139 penalty yards made this a much closer game than you'd think.