Earlier this college football season, University of Illinois senior wide receiver A.J. Jenkins made some comments that proclaimed himself the best wide receiver in the Big Ten. He has since backed off from those remarks, and now maintains a more standard, PR-friendly, humble and some could say vanilla manner in his on-the-record comments to the media. But his play on the … [Read more...] about Illini Receiver A.J. Jenkins: Probably Best WR Weapon in Big Ten
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Illini LB Kick to Northwestern OL Groin Earns him 1 game Suspension
The Big Ten Conference announced today that it has accepted the one-game suspension of University of Illinois linebacker Jonathan Brown for violating the Big Ten Sportslike Conduct Agreement during the rivalry game versus Northwestern this past Saturday. In case you missed it, Brown blatantly and very intentionally kneed Wildcats OL Patrick Ward in the, um, let's say he hit … [Read more...] about Illini LB Kick to Northwestern OL Groin Earns him 1 game Suspension
Illini Beat Northwestern 38-35: Chicago’s Big Ten Team?
It was a week where one school's marketing slogan became a motivational rallying cry for the other school in the state. Northwestern has been promoting themselves as "Chicago's Big Ten Team" for a season and half, and today Illinois made stated pretty loudly how they felt about it. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase scored a 1-yard touchdown with 13 seconds left to lead #22 … [Read more...] about Illini Beat Northwestern 38-35: Chicago’s Big Ten Team?
Badgers, Illini Again Top Rushing Teams in Big 10: Part 2 Illinois
Since Ron Zook took over at Illinois (2005), the top two rushing teams in the Big Ten have been Illinois and Wisconsin. It will surprise you, but the leagues top rushing team is the Illini, while the Badgers are second. Another surprising fact: the two schools are tied for 5th most players on current NFL rosters among Big Ten teams. This season is very young, but so far if … [Read more...] about Badgers, Illini Again Top Rushing Teams in Big 10: Part 2 Illinois
#22 Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats: Brutally Honest Game Preview
Big Ten conference play begins with the annual in-state rivalry game between the Northwestern Wildcats and Illinois Fighting Illini. It does feel a little weird not having this game played on the last week of the season, when all the other intrastate, intra-region bloodfeud games are held. But last year it was such a special event that it's hard not to get excited for the 2011 … [Read more...] about #22 Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats: Brutally Honest Game Preview
Troy Pollard, Jay Prosch Add to Illini RB Depth
While Illinois’ rushing offense has remained dominant, the Illini are doing it by committee this year rather then relaying on one dominant runner like they did in 2007 (Rashard Mendenhall) and 2010 (Mikel Leshoure). Four different Illini have over 200 rushing yards on the season, and all four have scored at least one rushing TD. Senior RB Troy Pollard (a runner in the Daniel … [Read more...] about Troy Pollard, Jay Prosch Add to Illini RB Depth
Donovonn Young Might Continue Illini #5 Running Back Tradition
Given the recent tradition/memories of the last two players to wear the famed #5 in Champaign: Mikel Leshoure (a Detroit Lions rookie who will miss the season with an injury) and the Pittsburgh Steelers Rashard Mendenhall (who's developed into a Pro Bowl, 1,000 yard rusher style NFL back) it's easy to see why the jersey number is starting to take on a special meaning for … [Read more...] about Donovonn Young Might Continue Illini #5 Running Back Tradition
Badgers, Illini Again Top Rushing Teams in Big 10: Part 1 Wisconsin
Since Ron Zook took over at Illinois (2005), the top two rushing teams in the Big Ten have been Illinois and Wisconsin. It will surprise you, but the leagues top rushing team is the Illini, while the Badgers are second. Another surprising fact: the two schools are tied for 5th most players on current NFL rosters among Big Ten teams. This season is very young, but so far if you … [Read more...] about Badgers, Illini Again Top Rushing Teams in Big 10: Part 1 Wisconsin
A.J. Jenkins Develops into Illini Go-to Receiver, Big Ten Star
In the 2009 preseason, college football experts were proclaiming the Illinois Fighting Illini receiving corps to be the best in the Big Ten, and among the best in the nation. Well, the Illini finished 10th in passing in the conference out of 11 teams and stumbled to a 3-9 record. So it's safe to say that the WRs fell short of expectations. … [Read more...] about A.J. Jenkins Develops into Illini Go-to Receiver, Big Ten Star