Football

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host of IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

October 8, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

Following the 20-7 loss at home to Nebraska on Friday night there are no easy fixes for Illinois football, and that is the most disappointing part. As Illlini fans know, and have lived in the past, there isn’t a band aid that can stop a leak, or in this case a  waterfall. This program is in shambles, and not just because of the rough season, because of the current situation and the conference additions in 2024. But the rough season shouldn’t have happened the way it has played out….

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

Following the 20-7 loss to Nebraska, the 2023 football season for the University of Illinois is all but over. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

October 7, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — From now until the end of time, the record book will show the first Big Ten Conference wins for two of the league’s first-year head coaches will have come against the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. 

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

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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. 

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. 

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.

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

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

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.

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.”

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

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. 

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.