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#54 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Football 77 in 77

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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

Trail Blazers have interesting draft with Lillard and Leonard

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The Portland Trail Blazers made an interesting splash in the 2012 NBA Draft taking a point guard from a mid-major school that few people had heard off, and a project pick at center. They took Damian Lillard at #6 from Weber St. and a guy who played for someone named Weber in Meyers Leonard from the Illini at #11. This marks the first time since 1990 that Illinois has had a … [Read more...] about Trail Blazers have interesting draft with Lillard and Leonard

Can Tim Beckman keep Illini Defensive Dominance going?

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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?

Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase: should he keep his job?

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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?

Illini add big man in transfer Sam McLaurin

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New University of Illinois head coach John Groce got his second recruit today. The Illini announced today Coastal Carolina’s Sam McLaurin has signed a tender of financial aid and will transfer to Illinois for his final season of eligibility upon earning his bachelor's degree in May. Because he will be enrolled as a graduate student at Illinois majoring in a major that … [Read more...] about Illini add big man in transfer Sam McLaurin

Illini grab shooting guard transfer Rayvonte Rice from Drake

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Coach John Groce landed his first recruiting victory as coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini today, as Rayvonte Rice is leaving Drake and coming home. The 6-4, 250-pound guard grew up in Champaign, Illinois and was the 2010 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year while playing for Champaign Centennial High School. Hopefully, this will help bring in this year's Gatorade player of … [Read more...] about Illini grab shooting guard transfer Rayvonte Rice from Drake

Illini Coach Tim Beckman: motivation through food

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STEAKS AND CAKES!!! There's food on the line yet again surrounding Illini football. Earlier this week it was announced that this Illinois football spring game would have a couple culinary twists. Newly installed coach Tim Beckman decided that the losing team would have to eat frank and beans as their postgame meal. Not sure what the winners got, but I'm assuming it's … [Read more...] about Illini Coach Tim Beckman: motivation through food

Illini C Meyers Leonard declares for NBA Draft; tough break for John Groce

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The first season for new Illini head coach John Groce just got a lot tougher. He'll be without his big 7 foot post presence in Center Meyers Leonard, who declared for the NBA Draft. His sounds-like-it-tested-well-with-focus-groups statement regarding the matter: “This was a very difficult decision because I love the University of Illinois. But I feel the timing is right … [Read more...] about Illini C Meyers Leonard declares for NBA Draft; tough break for John Groce