Much has been made about how all-or-nothing Illinois basketball can be this season. As conveyed by RG, this is a team whose fortunes often rise and fall with their shooting percentages. However, as you saw tonight in the 106-94 throttling of the Iowa Hawkeyes, in the Big Ten Tournament's second round, offensive rebounding is maybe the true indicator to their success. … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball: Offensive Rebounding the Biggest Difference Maker
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illini Basketball: Big Ten Tournament History Preluding Results?
The Illini basketball program will always hold a special distinction when it comes to the Big Ten Tournament. From the event's inception, in 1998, all the way until 2012, they either advanced to or automatically qualified into the quarterfinal round. No one else can say that. In fact, there have only been six Big Ten Tournaments in which the Illini didn't play in a … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball: Big Ten Tournament History Preluding Results?
Illinois Basketball Game Preview vs #11 Michigan State Spartans
This Illinois basketball team is now starting to stack up quality wins. And with the #11 Michigan State Spartans coming to town on Saturday night, for a nationally televised (on regular, free over-the-air television, not the usual subscription streaming service bs) marquee matchup, an opportunity for a true "signature win" awaits. … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball Game Preview vs #11 Michigan State Spartans
Illini Football: Very Early 2025 Season Preview
With 18 of 22 starters returning, Illini football should be special in 2025. Winning ten games, including the Citrus Bowl, has put the program back up at a level relevance that hasn't been seen since 2001. And perhaps most importantly, the Illini have done it by finding and maintaining an identity. Defensive Coordinator Aaron Henry has perfectly articulated the Illini … [Read more...] about Illini Football: Very Early 2025 Season Preview
Illini Return 18/22 Starters, Look Very Strong in 2025
Is 2025 going to be the year that the Illinois Fighting Illini football program finally starts stacking winning seasons? It certainly looks that way on paper. And while there was obvious cause for optimism in 2000, 2002, 2008 and 2023 (four seasons that followed major program breakthroughs), it just didn't work out that way, and all four of those years were mere five-in … [Read more...] about Illini Return 18/22 Starters, Look Very Strong in 2025
Revisiting Illini-Northwestern, 1 End Zone Only, at Wrigley 2010
"One way, or another, I'm gonna find you! I'm gonna git ya git ya one way!" as Blondie told us back in the early 1980s. One Saturday, late in November of 2010, these words applied to a Big Ten college football game. It was more than a Big Ten league game, it was branded the Wrigleyville Classic, and it actually hosted ESPN College Gameday. It was an in-state rivalry game as … [Read more...] about Revisiting Illini-Northwestern, 1 End Zone Only, at Wrigley 2010
#22 Illini vs Northwestern at Wrigley Field: Land of Lincoln Trophy Game Preview
Who's Hat? Well right now it's Northwestern's Land of Lincoln hat trophy, but it appears they'll really have their work cut for them in terms of keeping it. The Illini are receiving votes in the College Football Playoff right now while Northwestern appears to have shut down operations for the season already. In getting blown out 50-6, by a very mediocre Michigan team, the … [Read more...] about #22 Illini vs Northwestern at Wrigley Field: Land of Lincoln Trophy Game Preview
Illini Torched By Oregon Ducks Historically Good QB, Dillon Gabriel
No Bo Nix, no problem for the Oregon Ducks this season. In Dillon Gabriel, the Ducks once again have a superstar QB who transferred in from a SEC powerhouse program. In fact, Gabriel will end his college football career in a much more storied place than Nix did. The #20 Illinois Fighting Illini took on the nation's #1 team for the first time in 17 years yesterday. It did not go … [Read more...] about Illini Torched By Oregon Ducks Historically Good QB, Dillon Gabriel
Illini Notes: Leather Helmets, Memorial Stadium Museum, Beating Natl Champs, Playing #1
When Illinois upset Michigan last weekend, it marked the first Illini win over a reigning national champion since October 10, 1942. Back then, the Illini beat Minnesota, AP National Champions with an 8-0 record in 1941, 20-13 at home. For the Illini, it ended a 14 game losing streak against reigning national champions, and set up for a major showdown at #1 Oregon this … [Read more...] about Illini Notes: Leather Helmets, Memorial Stadium Museum, Beating Natl Champs, Playing #1
#22 Fighting Illini vs #24 Michigan Wolverines FYIs, Lines, TV, Ticket Info
The #22 Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1, 2-1) will host the #24 Michigan Wolverines this Saturday for the Memorial Stadium Rededication Game. This comes 100 years and one day after Memorial Stadium's initial dedication game, which saw Red Grange score six touchdowns (four in the first 12 minutes), as the Fighting Illini blew out the Wolverines 39-14. Grange took the opening … [Read more...] about #22 Fighting Illini vs #24 Michigan Wolverines FYIs, Lines, TV, Ticket Info
