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Illinois Fighting Illini

Illini Notes: Leather Helmets, Memorial Stadium Museum, Beating Natl Champs, Playing #1

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When Illinois upset Michigan last weekend, it marked the first Illini win over a reigning national champion since October 10, 1942. Back then, the Illini beat Minnesota, AP National Champions with an 8-0 record in 1941, 20-13 at home. For the Illini, it ended a 14 game losing streak against reigning national champions, and set up for a major showdown at #1 Oregon this … [Read more...] about Illini Notes: Leather Helmets, Memorial Stadium Museum, Beating Natl Champs, Playing #1

#22 Fighting Illini vs #24 Michigan Wolverines FYIs, Lines, TV, Ticket Info

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The #22 Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1, 2-1) will host the #24 Michigan Wolverines this Saturday for the Memorial Stadium Rededication Game. This comes 100 years and one day after Memorial Stadium's initial dedication game, which saw Red Grange score six touchdowns (four in the first 12 minutes), as the Fighting Illini blew out the Wolverines 39-14. Grange took the opening … [Read more...] about #22 Fighting Illini vs #24 Michigan Wolverines FYIs, Lines, TV, Ticket Info

#24 Michigan Wolverines at #21 Illinois Fighting Illini Game Preview, Prediction

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It's here! The TRUE Homecoming weekend for the Illinois Fighting Illini in 2024. We say that because this is the real "circle the date" game on the calendar, as the defending national champion Michigan Wolverines come to town. It's the real homecoming because all the alumni and University luminaries will be back on campus for this special occasion centennial. It's a sold … [Read more...] about #24 Michigan Wolverines at #21 Illinois Fighting Illini Game Preview, Prediction

#23 Illinois Fighting Illini vs Purdue Boilermakers Preview, Prediction

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At the rate this season is going, Purdue Boilermakers head coach Ryan Walters could soon be in line to get the best gig possible. There is no sweeter job, on this entire Earth, then fired coach with a lucrative buyout. You can easily pay me tens of millions of dollars to go away and not work. I'll accept that arrangement 11 times out of 10. Now comes a trip to Champaign, so … [Read more...] about #23 Illinois Fighting Illini vs Purdue Boilermakers Preview, Prediction

Illini Still Searching for Rush Game Consistency Post Chase Brown

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Illinois Fighting Illini football is 3-0 (having defeated Central Michigan 30-9 on Homecoming), and that puts them halfway towards bowl eligibility. They have a solid passing attack, good overall defense and a stellar, exceptionally opportunistic secondary. That's all good news. However, their offensive line leaves a lot to be desired, especially in the run game. This is … [Read more...] about Illini Still Searching for Rush Game Consistency Post Chase Brown

Illini Basketball Team Way More Likable than Last Year

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The 2023-24 Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team has done a tremendous job of putting the 2022-23 Illini basketball season far far out of memories. Good riddance, as that campaign brought us the strange experience of strongly disliking our own favorite team. While it is common to sometimes be happy your favorite team's season is over, and to look forward to that ending … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Team Way More Likable than Last Year

Illinois Fighting Illini Bowl Game Projections (Updated 11-20-23)

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Iowa was exactly who we thought they were yesterday, and unfortunately your Illinois Fighting Illini could not overcame the muck. Having to sit through any game involving the Hawkeyes should automatically grant you a treat, but alas, Illini Nation came away from last night with nothing. Now Bret Bielema's squad will have to gain bowl eligibility in the final game, at home … [Read more...] about Illinois Fighting Illini Bowl Game Projections (Updated 11-20-23)

Possible sports photo of the year: Illini coach John Groce and son

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I'm not talking about the picture above; I'm talking about the Chicago Tribune photo after the jump. It's Illini coach John Groce and his son embracing the moment after knocking off the #1 Indiana Hoosiers, their hated rival. Of course, there's conflict for Groce as he grew up a huge Hoosiers fan in Muncie, Indiana. And his wife went to IU as well. … [Read more...] about Possible sports photo of the year: Illini coach John Groce and son

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Wisconsin Badgers: Brutally Honest Preview

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The Illinois Fighting Illini and Wisconsin Badgers have a lot in common in 2012 and it's not a good thing. Most notably is the unexpected and disappointing starts  for both teams. Neither team looked half-decent against non-conference foes and both lost their Big Ten openers. The Illini's new head coach Tim Beckman could already be on the hot-seat and the Wisconsin Badgers … [Read more...] about Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Wisconsin Badgers: Brutally Honest Preview