Football

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.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said on Sirius XM […]

Redshirt freshman wide receiver Ashton Hollins trusted the long-term plan of the Illinois coaches in the recruiting process and saw that patience finally begin to pay off last weekend.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 15, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Maybe the key for Ashton Hollins is what everybody initially thinks is incredibly difficult is just his normal life. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 15, 2023

The Fighting Illini are starting to look hard at the junior college route for players next year, while other programs still pursue the NCAA transfer portal.

Neither team’s defense showcased many fundamentals in the 48-45 overtime win for Illinois on Saturday but the lack of tackling basics in Aaron Henry’s group was troubling. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 14, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — In his 65 years living on this planet, Matt Millen has seen a significant amount of football.