Is 2025 going to be the year that the Illinois Fighting Illini football program finally starts stacking winning seasons? It certainly looks that way on paper. And while there was obvious cause for optimism in 2000, 2002, 2008 and 2023 (four seasons that followed major program breakthroughs), it just didn't work out that way, and all four of those years were mere five-in … [Read more...] about Illini Return 16/22 Starters, Look Very Strong in 2025
Illinois football analysis
Martez Wilson: Crucial to the Illini Defense
Few have been more maligned on the Illini defense than highly touted Illini recruit Martez Wilson. From his lack of a mark on the field to his off-field exploits, he's had a tough go of it in Champaign. However, much like they should be, his experiences have only gone to make him stronger, again, both on and off the field. He missed pretty much all of 2009 due to injury, … [Read more...] about Martez Wilson: Crucial to the Illini Defense
Illinois, Northwestern Announce Scheduling Updates
The Big Ten announced today game times for 2010 conference Homecoming games. The Fighting Illini will play at Penn State on Oct. 9 at 11 am CT, at Michigan State on Oct. 16 at 11 am CT and home on Oct. 23 against Indiana, also at 11 am CT. The Illinois Homecoming on Oct. 23 will be the 100th Homecoming celebration on the UI Campus. In addition, Illinois and Wisconsin have … [Read more...] about Illinois, Northwestern Announce Scheduling Updates
Illini Football, Cub fans know Soul-Crushing
By Paul M. Banks The year 2008 truly solidified my theory: to be a fan of either the Chicago Cubs and University of Illinois football means you know a lot about soul-crushing defeats. You know more than losing, you know exactly what it’s like to have any shred of hope or optimism crushed into grains of dust. You've had your hopes and dreams imploded so many times that you … [Read more...] about Illini Football, Cub fans know Soul-Crushing
Fighting Illini All-Decade Team Defense and 2nd Team
By Paul M. Banks & Paul Schmidt of The Sports Bank and Joe Kutsunis of Hail to the Orange, "Home of the Blogging Illini" For the All-Decade First Team Offense click here First team Defense … [Read more...] about Fighting Illini All-Decade Team Defense and 2nd Team
Illinois’ Jon Asamoah Talks Tough About the Season, His NFL Future
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
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!!
The Illini may be Alright this Year
By Paul M. Banks This past weekend, the University of Illinois Fighting Illini got some measure of redemption from their week one DISASTER in St. Louis. The Illini responded from their 37-9 thrashing at the hands of Missouri to rout FCS opponent Illinois St. 45-17 in Champaign. Granted it was against a lower tier team predicted to finish near the bottom of their vastly … [Read more...] about The Illini may be Alright this Year
Illini Tailback Situation Part 2 Daniel Dufrene Troy Pollard
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 2 Daniel Dufrene Troy Pollard
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