Column: Rome Wasn't Built In A Day, But It Could Take A Century For Illinois Football

By Larry Smith/Co-Host & Executive Producer, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacuar

November 28, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

Gather 'round, young children, and let me tell you a story.

There was once a college football team called the Fighting Illini of Illinois.  A century ago, this was a proud program that was celebrating its third national championship. The Illini were led by a young sophomore named Red Grange, who would go on to become one of the biggest celebrity athletes of the era.  1923 was when they completed a perfect 8-0 season and when they played their first game . . .

 

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