Sturdy's Game Preview: Big Ten Opener

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

December 9, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Payton Sturdy/IlliniGuys)

It is a quick turnaround, as the Illini head to Columbus for the Big Ten opener against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Guitars notwithstanding, the Illini feel good about their week of practice and their win over Tennessee but now have to take care of business this week in Big Ten play.

Here’s a breakdown.

Setting the Stage
#13 Illinois (7-2, 0-0) at Ohio State (7-1, 1-0)
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 // 6:30 p.m. CT . . .

 

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Podcasts

537 - Illini Defeat Ohio State 88-80 on the Road

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536 - Illini Crush Tennessee 75-62 with Huge 2nd Half

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12.5.25 - #21 Illini FB Recruiting Class & Illini Men's BB vs Tenn

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535 Illini FB 2025 Signing Day Special - Insider View

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534 Illini FB 2025 Signing Day Special - Scouting View

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533 Illini FB 2025 Signing Day Special - Reporter View

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532 - Illini Win 8th Game this Season over Northwestern

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Illini Frustration in the Big Apple #531

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Illini FB vs Northwestern for Season Finale, Illini BB vs UConn & Game Predictions - S5Ep16 - 11.28.25 - Seg 1

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Illini Cruise to Victory Over UTRGV 87-73 #530

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Illini Football Preview - Northwestern #529

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Illini Upset by Relentless Badgers 27-10 - #528

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Fighting Illini Crush Long Island 98-58 - #527

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Illini BB Loss to Bama, FB on to Wisconsin & Illini Legend Deon Thomas S5Ep15

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#8 Illini Fall to #11 Alabama - #526

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