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
mikel leshoure
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
#22/#18 Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Illinois Fighting Illini: Brutally Honest Game Preview
Illini Need Wide Receiver Ryan Lankford to Develop Into Third Option
Illinois Fighting Illini WR Ryan Lankford was the team's most improved player this spring practice session. But he didn't have a catch on Saturday in the big 33-15 win over Arkansas State. Someone preferably Lankford needs to become Illinois' third option. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase threw for a career-best 267 yards. His 16 completions went to A.J. Jenkins, who had 11 … [Read more...] about Illini Need Wide Receiver Ryan Lankford to Develop Into Third Option
Illinois Fighting Ilini Season Preview: Offense
Last year the Illinois Fighting Illini got a bowl win for the first time since 1999, a 38-14 drubbing of Baylor in Houston that kind of resembled their last bowl win, a 63-21 destruction of Virginia. The offense got very hot down the stretch last season, so hot that the unit set new records for points scored and total points. This year QB Nathan Scheelhaase is up for the … [Read more...] about Illinois Fighting Ilini Season Preview: Offense
2011 NFL Free Agency Signings and Trade Rumors: NFC Summary, Chris Johnson and More!
Have you missed all of the latest 2011 NFL Free Agent Signings? NFL Trades? Not sure where Sidney Rice or Zach Miller will be catching passes this season? Well we’ve got you covered. It today’s posting, we cover every player in the NFC who has changed teams and their contract terms if we have them. It’s a plain and simple post, but a must read for NFL fans and fantasy … [Read more...] about 2011 NFL Free Agency Signings and Trade Rumors: NFC Summary, Chris Johnson and More!
2011 NFL Signings, NFL Trade Rumors and News: Ricky Williams, Kyle Orton, DeSean Jackson, Chicago Bears
The NFL preseason is in full swing. Ricky Williams will be watching the Blind Side. Kyle Orton is learning hard work pays off and the Chicago Bears look to add more teeth to their defense. What are the latest NFL signings? NFL Trade rumors? NFL Injury news? The Sportsbank in not on the PUP list, covering it all for you. … [Read more...] about 2011 NFL Signings, NFL Trade Rumors and News: Ricky Williams, Kyle Orton, DeSean Jackson, Chicago Bears