The state of Illinois football has long been declared a disaster area. FEMA will be sending aid soon to clean up the wreckage created my Superstorm Tim Beckman. Actually, the true creator of this mess is Athletic Director Mike Thomas, but that's another column for another time. Clearly, Beckman is in way over his head, and Thomas had no clue what he was doing when he hired … [Read more...] about Ranking ’12 Illini football AWFULNESS among other TERRIBLE Illinois teams
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Illini offensive line among worst ever
Tim Beckman isn't the only reason the Illinois Fighting Illini are completely atrocious this season. Sure, he's the main reason; as he's clearly over-matched every week and in over his head. However, the main driving force behind the Illini being awful is the complete ineptitude of the offensive line. More than halfway through the season, the Illini are dead last in the Big … [Read more...] about Illini offensive line among worst ever
Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase tries to hi five referee, fails (video)
Early in the Illini Badgers game Saturday, Illinois had a lead. It didn't last long as the Illini lost 31-14. But after scoring, Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase tries to actually hi five the referee. The zebra knows better than to do something showing allegiance like that, and Scheelhaase stumbles as the ref leaves him hanging. … [Read more...] about Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase tries to hi five referee, fails (video)
Illini coach Tim Beckman caught chewing on sidelines; NCAA violation
Here's a multi-media gaffe for you. Getting caught by television cameras with chewing tobacco when you're a college football coach. And chew at practices and games is a NCAA violation for players and coaches. That's what happened with Illini coach Tim Beckman, who apologized for it after his team got destroyed by the Wisconsin Badgers 31-14 Saturday. … [Read more...] about Illini coach Tim Beckman caught chewing on sidelines; NCAA violation
Why is Illinois so bad at football?
The Illinois Fighting Illini are 2-3, but those two wins came courtesy of a MAC and FCS team. They've been absolutely destroyed by every FBS team they've faced this season, even getting routed at home by a non power conference team in Louisiana Tech. In their three losses, the Illini have surrendered an average of 44 ppg. Yesterday, Illinois, not Penn State looked like the … [Read more...] about Why is Illinois so bad at football?
Illini vs. Washington at Soldier Field in 2013
University of Illinois Director of Athletics Mike Thomas announced that the Fighting Illini will play the Washington Huskies at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sept. 14, 2013. It will mark Illinois' second game at the historic home of the Chicago Bears. "This is a great opportunity for our football team to play in one of the most historic football venues in the nation," Thomas … [Read more...] about Illini vs. Washington at Soldier Field in 2013
#54 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Football 77 in 77
The Illini started to get defensive, real defensive in the 2010 Texas Bowl. In that 38-14 trouncing of Robert Griffin III and Baylor, they held RG3 and the Bears in check. The man who would win the Heisman trophy and become the #2 overall pick in the NFL Draft the very next season was out of rhythm, out of sync versus the Illini in Houston. And that D carried over into 2011, … [Read more...] about #54 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Football 77 in 77
Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase: should he keep his job?
In the 2012 Illini spring game, they seemed to have the same exact issue that they have during the final seven games of 2011- throwing the ball forward. Perhaps part of the spring scrimmage m.o. was to hold back that part of the offense, but then again it's a preseason exhibition why wouldn't you let it fly? Unless it's simply because you can't? And the statistics for … [Read more...] about Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase: should he keep his job?
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