Big Ten conference play begins with the annual in-state rivalry game between the Northwestern Wildcats and Illinois Fighting Illini. It does feel a little weird not having this game played on the last week of the season, when all the other intrastate, intra-region bloodfeud games are held. But last year it was such a special event that it's hard not to get excited for the 2011 … [Read more...] about #22 Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats: Brutally Honest Game Preview
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Troy Pollard, Jay Prosch Add to Illini RB Depth
While Illinois’ rushing offense has remained dominant, the Illini are doing it by committee this year rather then relaying on one dominant runner like they did in 2007 (Rashard Mendenhall) and 2010 (Mikel Leshoure). Four different Illini have over 200 rushing yards on the season, and all four have scored at least one rushing TD. Senior RB Troy Pollard (a runner in the Daniel … [Read more...] about Troy Pollard, Jay Prosch Add to Illini RB Depth
Donovonn Young Might Continue Illini #5 Running Back Tradition
Given the recent tradition/memories of the last two players to wear the famed #5 in Champaign: Mikel Leshoure (a Detroit Lions rookie who will miss the season with an injury) and the Pittsburgh Steelers Rashard Mendenhall (who's developed into a Pro Bowl, 1,000 yard rusher style NFL back) it's easy to see why the jersey number is starting to take on a special meaning for … [Read more...] about Donovonn Young Might Continue Illini #5 Running Back Tradition
Why the Illini Will Win More Games than Notre Dame
You're like, "ok Captain Obvious." Not so fast my friend, I was saying this in August too. I thought my local media friends would find that assertion crazy given all the BCS preseason hype Notre Dame was getting, and the fact that Illinois was getting zero votes in either poll. But the truth is Notre Dame is 2-2, and very mediocre, while the Illini are this year's … [Read more...] about Why the Illini Will Win More Games than Notre Dame
Questioning Ron Zook’s Very Questionable Play-Calls, Rationale
Fans of the Florida Gators will understand this piece. Actually non college football fans will probably understand it even. It feels like we publish this column every season. Last year, we did the "Did Ron Zook's play-calling cost Illinois a win?" story after the Illini had a chance to upset then #2 Ohio State at home in the Big Ten conference opener. Go here to brush up … [Read more...] about Questioning Ron Zook’s Very Questionable Play-Calls, Rationale
Illini Escape Western Michigan; Illinois 4-0 First Time since 1951!
Sandwiched in between last weekend's emotional prime time upset of nationally ranked Arizona State and next week's Big Ten opener versus hated in-state rival Northwestern, today's contest against MAC opponent Western Michigan certainly had a "trap game" feel. And given the Illini performance in the first half, it certainly looked that way for awhile (think Minnesota game … [Read more...] about Illini Escape Western Michigan; Illinois 4-0 First Time since 1951!
Hawkeyes Marvin McNutt, Illini Whitney Mercilus on College Football All-Name Team
With a name like Mercilus, pronounced merciless, you have to be a college football player. And a player at the very aggressive attacking position of defensive end too- that helps. Illinois Fighting Illini junior DE Whitney Mercilus is just that; a man with a name built for his role like former Illini OL Eric Block, or current Buffalo Bills DB Reggie Corner. "I do get a lot … [Read more...] about Hawkeyes Marvin McNutt, Illini Whitney Mercilus on College Football All-Name Team
Illini Win Over #18 Arizona State Feels Like Champaign Campaign
With Illinois defeating the #18 Arizona State Sun Devils 17-14 tonight; and getting off to their first 3-0 start since 2001, it's starting to feel quite a bit like that year. It was Illinois' most recent Big Ten title season, but that's not why it feels that way. The Fighting Illini have a long way to go to reach that Champaign Campaign plateau. However, there are a few … [Read more...] about Illini Win Over #18 Arizona State Feels Like Champaign Campaign
#22/#18 Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Illinois Fighting Illini: Brutally Honest Game Preview
A.J. Jenkins Develops into Illini Go-to Receiver, Big Ten Star
In the 2009 preseason, college football experts were proclaiming the Illinois Fighting Illini receiving corps to be the best in the Big Ten, and among the best in the nation. Well, the Illini finished 10th in passing in the conference out of 11 teams and stumbled to a 3-9 record. So it's safe to say that the WRs fell short of expectations. … [Read more...] about A.J. Jenkins Develops into Illini Go-to Receiver, Big Ten Star