"One way, or another, I'm gonna find you! I'm gonna git ya git ya one way!" as Blondie told us back in the early 1980s. One Saturday, late in November of 2010, these words applied to a Big Ten college football game. It was more than a Big Ten league game, it was branded the Wrigleyville Classic, and it actually hosted ESPN College Gameday. It was an in-state rivalry game as … [Read more...] about Revisiting Illini-Northwestern, 1 End Zone Only, at Wrigley 2010
Illinois Fighting Illini
#22 Illini vs Northwestern at Wrigley Field: Land of Lincoln Trophy Game Preview
Who's Hat? Well right now it's Northwestern's Land of Lincoln hat trophy, but it appears they'll really have their work cut for them in terms of keeping it. The Illini are receiving votes in the College Football Playoff right now while Northwestern appears to have shut down operations for the season already. In getting blown out 50-6, by a very mediocre Michigan team, the … [Read more...] about #22 Illini vs Northwestern at Wrigley Field: Land of Lincoln Trophy Game Preview
Illini Torched By Oregon Ducks Historically Good QB, Dillon Gabriel
No Bo Nix, no problem for the Oregon Ducks this season. In Dillon Gabriel, the Ducks once again have a superstar QB who transferred in from a SEC powerhouse program. In fact, Gabriel will end his college football career in a much more storied place than Nix did. The #20 Illinois Fighting Illini took on the nation's #1 team for the first time in 17 years yesterday. It did not go … [Read more...] about Illini Torched By Oregon Ducks Historically Good QB, Dillon Gabriel
Illini Notes: Leather Helmets, Memorial Stadium Museum, Beating Natl Champs, Playing #1
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
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
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
Howard Griffith on Meeting Red Grange, His Eight TD Game
With the 100th anniversary of the Red Grange/Memorial Stadium dedication game approaching, we re-publish this exclusive with Howard Griffith, covering the time he met Red Grange. The piece, written by Paul Schmidt, ran originally in 2010. … [Read more...] about Howard Griffith on Meeting Red Grange, His Eight TD Game
#23 Illinois Fighting Illini vs Purdue Boilermakers Preview, Prediction
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
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
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