When the 2024 Citrus Bowl, featuring the #15 South Carolina Gamecocks vs the #20 Illinois Fighting Illini kicks off on Tuesday, it will be a bowl game where both sides will be near full strength. Lots of stars in both offensive backfields will be taking part, as this is a game with very few major opt-outs. Although it is worth noting that both sides will be without their … [Read more...] about #20 Illinois Fighting Illini vs #15 South Carolina Gamecocks: Citrus Bowl Preview
Illinois Fighting Illini
Citrus Bowl Opt-Outs: Illinois vs South Carolina
In looking at the list of opt-outs for the 2024 Citrus Bowl, or any bowl game for that matter, one has to remember Christian McCaffery. For better or worse, the San Francisco 49ers star running back is considered the Godfather of the bowl game opt-out. He's the O.G. the who started it all. McCaffery skipped the 2016 Sun Bowl, where his Stanford side beat North Carolina … [Read more...] about Citrus Bowl Opt-Outs: Illinois vs South Carolina
Illini Basketball Game Preview: vs #1 Tennessee Volunteers
Kasparas Jakucionis- you may not know how to correctly spell or pronounce his name, but he is the real deal. An Illini basketball player dominating at point guard and wearing #32? It's a bit reminiscent of Demetri McCamey, who was also among the top players in not only the Big Ten, but also the nation. Jakucionis was dominant in the 86-80 win over #20 Wisconsin last night, … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Game Preview: vs #1 Tennessee Volunteers
#19 Illini Basketball at Northwestern Wildcats Game Preview
Friday night brings the men's basketball version of the LOL Hat game (1 of 2 every season) with the football version just having completed this past Saturday at Wrigley Field. Illini basketball will look to make it a sweep for the orange and blue. One of the main story lines here is the environment. How will the Welsh-Ryan Arena crowd be split, percentage wise, between … [Read more...] about #19 Illini Basketball at Northwestern Wildcats Game Preview
Citrus Bowl vs Alabama Crimson Tide Would be Huge for Illini Football Brand
About a thousand or so Illinois Fighting Illini football fans conveyed their dedication to the program by braving the freezing elements for a couple more hours beyond the game at Wrigley Field on Saturday. One of them brought a "WE WANT BAMA" sign to the 38-28 win over Northwestern at the Friendly Confines. It was a notable expression of desire, and one that looks set to be … [Read more...] about Citrus Bowl vs Alabama Crimson Tide Would be Huge for Illini Football Brand
Illini Record Setting WR Pat Bryant to Play in Bowl Game
Finishing the regular season 9-3, the #22 Illinois Fighting Illini are set to play in the highest tier of non-College Football Playoff bowl games. When you're in a non-CFP bowl game these days, opt-outs, especially from those with high NFL Draft stock, are very common. Wide Receiver Pat Bryant is the player that Illini fans are keeping their eye on in this regard. His NFL … [Read more...] about Illini Record Setting WR Pat Bryant to Play in Bowl Game
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
Michigan St. Spartans at Illinois Fighting Illini Game Preview, Prediction
Once again, the Illinois Fighting Illini have a November home game against the Michigan State Spartans during a season where they started very fast out of the gates. Since starting 6-1, the Illini have dropped back to back games, and there are understandably legitimate fears that this season could repeat the story arc of 2022. If you recall, it was the Michigan State game (a … [Read more...] about Michigan St. Spartans at Illinois Fighting Illini Game Preview, Prediction
Terrence Shannon Jr Scores First NBA Points on Illini Night
Thursday night brought a very special moment, during a National Basketball Association game, for Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball fans everywhere. Terrence Shannon Jr., currently a rookie with the Minnesota Timberwolves, scored his first NBA points in his hometown of Chicago, and he did it on Illini Night. Yes, the Chicago Bulls, who have Illinois legend Ayo Dosunmu … [Read more...] about Terrence Shannon Jr Scores First NBA Points on Illini Night