Football

Following the 21-7 loss at Penn State, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said everything in the pass protection and blitz recognition would be evaluated during this bye week. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

October 2, 2024

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — In the immediate media conference following the 21-7 loss at Penn State, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said wasn’t sure how many times quarterback Luke Altmyer was sacked.

And that’s what the genesis of the problem right there. 

Illinois Athletics October 1, 2024 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois has […]

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

October 1, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the fallout from the Penn State loss, a big-time prospect they are looking to flip, rank ATH Jershaun Newton against the industry.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 30, 2024

Champaign, IL – Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema and his staff have significantly upgraded their roster through high school recruiting and the transfer portal. Yet, the Illini still found themselves overpowered in their recent matchup against Penn State.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst September 30, 2024 I […]

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

Illinois Athletics September 29, 2024 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Following […]

In a 7-7 game near the end of the first half, Illinois had the ball on first-and-goal from the Penn State 2-yard-line when everything that could go wrong did in a big way for the Illini. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 29, 2024

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Bret Bielema knows the turning point of his team’s 21-7 loss.

The 21-7 loss at No. 9 Penn State showed how Illinois the gap between good and elite on Saturday night. Specifically, Illinois learned going from below average to elite doesn’t happen.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 29, 2024

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — In the development of major conference football programs, steps are taken but rarely skipped. And Illinois is no different.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPj1Do8_vnY    

By IlliniGuys Staff September 28, 2024 (Cover photo courtesy […]

After the blowout loss at Kansas last season, Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry and the transformative Illini defensive returners get another shot at offensive play-caller Andy Kotelnicki.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 28, 2024

No. 19 Illinois at No. 9 Penn State

Date/Time/Place: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024: 6:30 p.m. CST, Beaver Stadium, University Park, Penn.

Surface: Grass

Capacity: 106,572

Records: Illinois 4-0, 1-0 in Big Ten; Penn State 3-0, 0-0 in Big Ten

Betting Line: Penn State by 18

Series notes: Penn State leads 21-6 and has won four of the last five matchups. In 2023, the Nittany Lions earned a 30-13 victory in Champaign. Penn State forced five takeaways, including four interceptions and a fumble. Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton each scored on rushing touchdowns, while Trey Potts threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Warren.

TV: NBC; Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), and Kathryn Tappen (reporter)

Radio (Illinois): Brian Barnhart (play-by-play), Kevin Mitchell (analyst), Michael Martin (sideline), and Steve Kelly (pre/half/post).  The broadcast can be heard live on TuneIn online radio, SiriusXM, the SiriusXM App, and at FightingIllini.com/live.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Gentlemen go to your corners, ring the bell and start round two of Aaron Henry vs. Andy Kotelnicki. 

September 28, 2024 The Illini move to a perfect […]

One year ago, Luke Altmyer tossed four interceptions and was pulled in the fourth quarter of a loss against Penn State. In 2024, the Illinois quarterback gets his second chance. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 27, 2024

CHAMPAIGN — Luke Altmyer might always remember how he was feeling in the evening after the 30-13 loss to Penn State.

His head coach knew what his quarterback was thinking too. 

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

September 27, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a key 2026 QB target, how a win over Penn State could impact recruiting and rank DB Robert Jones vs the industry.