Illini football: where they can vastly improve, greatly overachieve, and yet massively disappoint, all at the same time. Despite their getting gashed by Purdue this past Saturday, this Illini defense is still special. And all great defenses, throughout the history of football, have had a nickname. But for this 2022 Illini football team, their perfect moniker is already … [Read more...] about Illini Football: Recent Slide Aside, No Name Defense is Special
Illinois Fighting Illini
Every Big Ten Football Program as a Character from The Simpsons
The graphic below, of which we are uncertain the origin, serves as the centerpiece of this post. We first saw this on The Big Lead, many years ago, but that link is now dead. Enjoy as we try to decipher why certain Big Ten football programs were assigned certain characters, and others...well, we really have no idea about the analogy. … [Read more...] about Every Big Ten Football Program as a Character from The Simpsons
Illini Football: Complete QB History 1980-Tommy DeVito
As William Shakespeare said, "past is prologue." If you want to know where you're going, then you must first become aware of where you've been. When Illini football was at its most exciting, and highest in relevancy, the 1980s, they were truly a bona fide NFL quarterback factory. And whenever the Illini have been good, or better, they have had at least solid, if not excellent … [Read more...] about Illini Football: Complete QB History 1980-Tommy DeVito
#24 Illinois Fighting Illini vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Game Preview
Here we go- a match-up that may prove to be the Big Ten West division title game. The Illinois Fighting Illini are 5-1, riding a five-game home winning streak, and enter Saturday as the only Big Ten West team in the national rankings. The Illini boast the nation's leading rusher, Chase Brown, and the nation's No. 1 scoring defense (third in yardage allowed per … [Read more...] about #24 Illinois Fighting Illini vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Game Preview
Wisconsin Sacks Paul Chryst, Day After Illini Humiliate Badgers
The Paul Chryst era is now over at Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin Athletic Director Chris McIntosh announced the sacking of Chryst just minutes ago, with Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonhard elevated to head coach for the remainder of the season. This move comes the day after Illinois won in Madison for the first time in 20 years. The 34-10 thrashing of the cardinal and … [Read more...] about Wisconsin Sacks Paul Chryst, Day After Illini Humiliate Badgers
Jen Bielema 2013 Wisconsin Subtweet Still Angers Badgers Fans
Saturday will be the first time Bret Bielema visits Wisconsin, as an opponent, since the infamous "#karma" tweet, made by his wife Jen, in 2013. (Game Preview article and prediction at this link) Jen Bielema made the tweet while Wisconsin was getting drilled by Arizona State in a 2013 non-conference game, and the national media, from all corners, absolutely hammered her for … [Read more...] about Jen Bielema 2013 Wisconsin Subtweet Still Angers Badgers Fans
Bret Bielema Bowl II as Coach Visits Wisconsin Badgers For the First Time
Illinois coach Bret Bielema will head up to Wisconsin, the program he led to a 68-24 record (37-19 in the Big Ten) in the 2010s, as an opponent, for the first time. Yes, for the first time in his career, Bielema will be on the road sideline at Camp Randall Stadium. Hopefully for him and the fans of Illini Nation, it will go much better than the last meeting between these two … [Read more...] about Bret Bielema Bowl II as Coach Visits Wisconsin Badgers For the First Time
Cornerback Nate Hobbs Continues Stepping Up for Las Vegas Raiders
In today's NFL, the most valued position is naturally quarterback, for obvious reasons. While passers come first, pass rushers are also right up there on the list of positions prioritized. Pass defenders and pass blockers aren't far behind, and that's where Nate Hobbs, the Las Vegas Raiders second year cornerback comes in. The University of Illinois alumnus started at … [Read more...] about Cornerback Nate Hobbs Continues Stepping Up for Las Vegas Raiders
Nation’s Leading Rusher, Illini RB Chase Brown, Flies Under the Radar
Chase Brown brings his A-game every Saturday, and win or lose, he always produces. But a lot of college football fans haven't heard of him, simply because he plays for Illinois. The Big Ten promotes Ohio State football at each and every turn, often bending, and sometimes even breaking, the rules in order to do so. With Michigan's recent resurgence, the BTN fawns over and … [Read more...] about Nation’s Leading Rusher, Illini RB Chase Brown, Flies Under the Radar
Bret Bielema Pays Homage to Hayden Frey in Week 0 Prep vs Wyoming
"Hayden Fry would slap me upside the head if I showed up here without a suit and tie," Illini football coach Bret Bielema said while on dais at Big Ten Media Day. This was one of several references that Bielema made to the legendary former Iowa head coach, a man that led the Hawkeyes to three Big Ten championships, three Rose Bowls, and 14 bowl games over the course of his time … [Read more...] about Bret Bielema Pays Homage to Hayden Frey in Week 0 Prep vs Wyoming