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 Can Tim Beckman keep Illini Defensive Dominance going?
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Auburn Gets All-American Transfer from Illinois; Fullback Jay Prosch
It's certainly transfer season in college football, kind of like a mini NFL free agent signing period. Notre Dame landed the top QB recruit in Gunner Kiel yesterday, and Illinois sophomore Jay Prosch transferred to the Auburn Tigers. Prosch is ranked among the top fullback prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft class. The move that will allow Prosch to be closer to his family in … [Read more...] about Auburn Gets All-American Transfer from Illinois; Fullback Jay Prosch
Illini Hire Tim Beckman From Toledo: Very Underwhelming on Paper
Ohio State hiring Urban Meyer this was not. Utah hiring Urban Meyer this could possibly be. Even though it's not official yet, conventional wisdom, the status quo and 4 out of 5 dentists agree: Toledo Rockets head Coach Tim Beckman will soon become the successor to Ron Zook at Illinois. This Illini head coaching hire has far less pizazz and excitement than any hire … [Read more...] about Illini Hire Tim Beckman From Toledo: Very Underwhelming on Paper
Next Illini Head Coach: Houston’s Kevin Sumlin?
Word is Illini Athletic Director Mike Thomas could introduce the new Illinois Head football coach any day now. He said he would move fast; and he seems to be doing it. Most of what we've being hearing in the media involves guys saying they haven't been contacted by the University of Illinois. That includes Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who seems very … [Read more...] about Next Illini Head Coach: Houston’s Kevin Sumlin?
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
Illini Receiver A.J. Jenkins: Probably Best WR Weapon in Big Ten
Earlier this college football season, University of Illinois senior wide receiver A.J. Jenkins made some comments that proclaimed himself the best wide receiver in the Big Ten. He has since backed off from those remarks, and now maintains a more standard, PR-friendly, humble and some could say vanilla manner in his on-the-record comments to the media. But his play on the … [Read more...] about Illini Receiver A.J. Jenkins: Probably Best WR Weapon in Big Ten
Illini LB Kick to Northwestern OL Groin Earns him 1 game Suspension
The Big Ten Conference announced today that it has accepted the one-game suspension of University of Illinois linebacker Jonathan Brown for violating the Big Ten Sportslike Conduct Agreement during the rivalry game versus Northwestern this past Saturday. In case you missed it, Brown blatantly and very intentionally kneed Wildcats OL Patrick Ward in the, um, let's say he hit … [Read more...] about Illini LB Kick to Northwestern OL Groin Earns him 1 game Suspension
Illini Beat Northwestern 38-35: Chicago’s Big Ten Team?
It was a week where one school's marketing slogan became a motivational rallying cry for the other school in the state. Northwestern has been promoting themselves as "Chicago's Big Ten Team" for a season and half, and today Illinois made stated pretty loudly how they felt about it. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase scored a 1-yard touchdown with 13 seconds left to lead #22 … [Read more...] about Illini Beat Northwestern 38-35: Chicago’s Big Ten Team?
Badgers, Illini Again Top Rushing Teams in Big 10: Part 2 Illinois
Since Ron Zook took over at Illinois (2005), the top two rushing teams in the Big Ten have been Illinois and Wisconsin. It will surprise you, but the leagues top rushing team is the Illini, while the Badgers are second. Another surprising fact: the two schools are tied for 5th most players on current NFL rosters among Big Ten teams. This season is very young, but so far if … [Read more...] about Badgers, Illini Again Top Rushing Teams in Big 10: Part 2 Illinois
#22 Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats: Brutally Honest Game Preview
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