For the Illinois Fighting Illini, the win was sort of like one of those guys who had a close shave and says, "Yup, yeah, I'm good, no worries. Had it under control the whooooole time." The Illini certainly "had it under control" on Saturday with their 28-22 victory over Northern Illinois in front of 50,000-plus sweaty fans. While the Illini led for a good portion of the … [Read more...] about Illinois Stays Perfect Against “Directional” Illinois
Illinois offense
Illini Football Hires Paul Petrino as Offensive Coordinator
By Paul Schmidt Get ready for some shootouts. Remember this season when it seemed as though the defensively-challenged Illini would only win games by scores of say, 40-38? And when the offense proved feeble at the beginning of the year, how the season unraveled? Yeah, that won't be a problem with Paul Petrino as offensive coordinator. … [Read more...] about Illini Football Hires Paul Petrino as Offensive Coordinator
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!!
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
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
Exclusive with the Nation’s Best WR Arrelious “Rejus” Benn
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 4: Arrelious “Rejus” Benn Talk about saving the best for last- in the final installment of my interview/profiles of the stellar University of Illinois … [Read more...] about Exclusive with the Nation’s Best WR Arrelious “Rejus” Benn
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
University of Illinois Fighting Illini Season Football Preview, Part 1
By Paul Schmidt The 2009 University of Illinois Fighting Illini football team is likely to be something of an enigma. It seems that any time expectations are heaped upon the school, they never live up to those expectations, and when they have no one thinking highly of them they tend to over-perform everyone's opinions. Does that mean that this year's team will fail, … [Read more...] about University of Illinois Fighting Illini Season Football Preview, Part 1