By Paul Schmidt The University of Illinois has had a challenging season. Everyone knows about the copious amount of talent on offense, but what might actually surprise some is that the top rated player, by position, by ESPN’s NFL draft guru Mel Kiper isn’t Arrelious Benn – it is offensive guard Jon Asamoah. Asamoah has been a three year starter for the team, and in fact … [Read more...] about Illinois’ Jon Asamoah Talks Tough About the Season, His NFL Future
Illinois analysis
Closing the Book of Isaiah (Williams)
By Paul Schmidt I'm going to attempt to walk that fine line of blasphemy today and tell everyone a little bit about the prophet Isaiah. Sunday School is now in session. Isaiah was a prophet from the 8th Century BC, in both Judaism and in Christianity -- For the sake of my own sanity, we're just going to be dealing with the Christian/Catholic side of things today, mainly … [Read more...] about Closing the Book of Isaiah (Williams)
Live! From the Press Box! It’s the Illini Football Exchange!!
By Paul M. Banks and Paul Schmidt 10:30 AM - YAWN. What in the world are you doing here now?? Even Red Grange Statue is still sleeping....and he stands on one leg! In front of Memorial Stadium!!! Anyway, PB and I will be back here in roughly 4 hours bringing you all the news that's fit to print from the aforementioned Memorial Stadium, maybe with some campus stories … [Read more...] about Live! From the Press Box! It’s the Illini Football Exchange!!
Area College Football Teams Need to Step it Up
By Paul M. Banks If you follow college football, you know by now that Illinois was pretty much the biggest disappointment coming out of the gate in week one. Of course, that’s another story for another post, but they did get some redemption tonight when they throttled Illinois State 45-17. And they did that pretty much entirely without their star combo of Juice Williams and … [Read more...] about Area College Football Teams Need to Step it Up
Illini Tailback Situation Part 1- Jason Ford and Mikel LeShoure
By Paul M. Banks Heading into this season the talk about the Illinois Fighting Illini program, certainly offensively at least, was about the passing game; and the stellar group of receivers that were allegedly one of the best position groups in the nation. There were lots of questions about the defense and the running game- the latter of which took a big step backward last … [Read more...] about Illini Tailback Situation Part 1- Jason Ford and Mikel LeShoure
Illinois Season Preview Part 3…Fearless (Fearful??) Predictions
By Paul Schmidt The success and failure of the Illinois Fighting Illini football season isn't a difficult prospect. With the previews in, the necessity of the offense to take care of the ball and the defense to force turnovers and play soundly is pretty well known, but in the end the Illini will have to try really hard to miss a bowl game again this season. The only … [Read more...] about Illinois Season Preview Part 3…Fearless (Fearful??) Predictions
Orange Juice (Williams) and Champaign
The Juice Williams Interview/Profile Part 1 By Paul M. Banks On May 10, 2005, Urban dictionary made “juice” the Urban Word of the Day and defined it as such “Respect and credibility on the street. A.K.A. Sauce “I can't be seen with them - they don't have juice.” Sounds like another word for power, connections, a big time reputation- something a star quarterback at a … [Read more...] about Orange Juice (Williams) and Champaign
Illini WRs Secret Weapon Michael Hoohoomanwanuii
The University of Illinois Wide Receiving Corps will be among the best in College Football this year. In this four part series, Paul M. Banks interviews and profiles each of the top four Illini pass catching threats. Part 3: Michael Hoohoomanwanuii Part 4: Arrelious “Rejus” Benn Michael Hoomanawanui, Illinois Height: 6-5. Weight: 274. Projected 40 Time: … [Read more...] about Illini WRs Secret Weapon Michael Hoohoomanwanuii