The Illinois Fighting Illini and Wisconsin Badgers have a lot in common in 2012 and it's not a good thing. Most notably is the unexpected and disappointing starts for both teams. Neither team looked half-decent against non-conference foes and both lost their Big Ten openers. The Illini's new head coach Tim Beckman could already be on the hot-seat and the Wisconsin Badgers … [Read more...] about Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Wisconsin Badgers: Brutally Honest Preview
nathan scheelhaase
#16 Illini Destroy Hoosiers, 6-0 Despite Not Playing a Complete Game
Illinois (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) is off to its best start since the 1951 National Title team went 7-0. The Hoosiers (1-5, 0-2) lost their third in a row, have not beaten a Football Bowl Subdivision team this season and lost 13 consecutive against the Top 25 since a 31-28 victory over then #13 Iowa Hawkeyes on Oct. 14, 2006. But that doesn't tell the whole story. Illinois … [Read more...] about #16 Illini Destroy Hoosiers, 6-0 Despite Not Playing a Complete Game
Strong Illini OL Led By NFL Prospect, Tackle Jeff Allen
Since Ron Zook took over in 2005, the Illinois Fighting Illini are first in the Big Ten in rushing, not the Wisconsin Badgers (who are second). It's a surprising stat, but a truthful one. Senior weakside tackle Jeff Allen is yet another in a great line of OLs to come from Champaign to the NFL (Tony Pashos, David Diehl, Jon Asamoah, Brad Hopkins, Brandon Moore, J.P. Machado, … [Read more...] about Strong Illini OL Led By NFL Prospect, Tackle Jeff Allen
Illinois 38, Northwestern 35: Rapid Reaction
It was a game that could have changed the Northwestern season. The Wildcats had Dan Persa back, had an 18-point lead on the road, and had momentum. Then, it all fell apart. Northwestern did everything in its power to lose on the road at Illinois. So did the Fighting Illini. … [Read more...] about Illinois 38, Northwestern 35: Rapid Reaction
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
More Illinois Fighting Illini Named to College Football Award Watch Lists
We already told you about QB Nathan Scheelhaase being named a candidate for the Maxwell Award, the most outstanding player in college football. But there's more: Illinois senior wide receiver A.J. Jenkins has been named a preseason candidate for the 2011 Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s most outstanding wide receiver by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club … [Read more...] about More Illinois Fighting Illini Named to College Football Award Watch Lists
Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase Candidate for Maxwell Award (Nation’s Best Player)
University of Illinois Fighting Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase has been named to the 65-man watch list for the Maxwell Award, given annually to the nation’s best college football player. Scheelhaase is one of only 11 underclassmen on the 65-man list and is one of 10 Big Ten players recognized. The sophomore quarterback threw for 1,825 yards and rushed for an Illini freshman … [Read more...] about Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase Candidate for Maxwell Award (Nation’s Best Player)
What we Learned from Fighting Illini Football Spring Game
A small select group of things are certain in life- death, taxes, and Fighting Illini football seasons ending up much different than what you expected in the preseason. Last year's team wasn't expected to really do much- Yet the finished 7-6 (despite a very difficult schedule) and with a quite decisive bowl victory. Conversely, in '08 and '09, expectations were sky-high … [Read more...] about What we Learned from Fighting Illini Football Spring Game
Fighting Illini Spring Football Game Preview
Now that Mikel Leshoure left the Illini early for the NFL Draft, (and who can blame him really? He will be one of the first three running backs taken next week) Illinois college football is now headlined by sophomore QB Nathan Scheelhaase. It's his team. And if he continue to makes strides like he did from the season finale to the Texas Bowl, things will be fine. The 15 … [Read more...] about Fighting Illini Spring Football Game Preview
Mikel Leshoure to Rashard Mendenhall Comparisons Running Wild Now
Given that they are/were both Illinois Fighting Illini, wore the same jersey number, played the same position, and didn't break out until their junior year (and when they broke out, they really did it in style) it's inevitable to compare current Illini tailback Mikel Leshoure to current Pittsbrugh Steelers star running back Rashard Mendenhall. Heck, I wrote a column about it … [Read more...] about Mikel Leshoure to Rashard Mendenhall Comparisons Running Wild Now