One thing is for sure- this Illinois Fighting Illini team can play some defense. With starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase injured, safety Ashante Williams returned an interception 60 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown to help Illinois and new coach Tim Beckman hang on for a 24-7 win Saturday over Western Michigan in the season opener for both teams. The Illini … [Read more...] about Illini win Tim Beckman’s debut convincingly
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Illini Football Media Day highlights
New Illinois football head coach Tim Beckman takes over for the fired Ron Zook. The rookie head coach (on a Big Ten level) from Toledo addressed the media yesterday (Here is the link to the 25 minute video) after a week at Camp Rantoul; the Illini train on the former Chanute air force base. Here are some of the highlights of what he had to say … [Read more...] about Illini Football Media Day highlights
Illini vs. Washington at Soldier Field in 2013
University of Illinois Director of Athletics Mike Thomas announced that the Fighting Illini will play the Washington Huskies at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sept. 14, 2013. It will mark Illinois' second game at the historic home of the Chicago Bears. "This is a great opportunity for our football team to play in one of the most historic football venues in the nation," Thomas … [Read more...] about Illini vs. Washington at Soldier Field in 2013
Illini Coach Tim Beckman addresses issue of recruiting Penn State players
Newly minted Illini head Coach Tim Beckman addressed the issue of the day surrounding his program, and the Big Ten conference in general, the Penn State football roster being re-opened for recruiting. Beckman took the topic head on with the opening statement in his time at the podium: … [Read more...] about Illini Coach Tim Beckman addresses issue of recruiting Penn State players
#54 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Football 77 in 77
The Illini started to get defensive, real defensive in the 2010 Texas Bowl. In that 38-14 trouncing of Robert Griffin III and Baylor, they held RG3 and the Bears in check. The man who would win the Heisman trophy and become the #2 overall pick in the NFL Draft the very next season was out of rhythm, out of sync versus the Illini in Houston. And that D carried over into 2011, … [Read more...] about #54 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Football 77 in 77
Can Tim Beckman keep Illini Defensive Dominance going?
The Illini started to get defensive, real defensive in the 2010 Texas Bowl. In that 38-14 trouncing of Robert Griffin III and Baylor, they held RG3 and the Bears in check. The man who would win the Heisman trophy and become the #2 overall pick in the NFL Draft the very next season was out of rhythm, out of sync versus the Illini in Houston. And that D carried over into 2011, … [Read more...] about Can Tim Beckman keep Illini Defensive Dominance going?
Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase: should he keep his job?
In the 2012 Illini spring game, they seemed to have the same exact issue that they have during the final seven games of 2011- throwing the ball forward. Perhaps part of the spring scrimmage m.o. was to hold back that part of the offense, but then again it's a preseason exhibition why wouldn't you let it fly? Unless it's simply because you can't? And the statistics for … [Read more...] about Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase: should he keep his job?
New 2012 Illini Football slogan unveiled
Illinois football coach Tim Beckman revealed the 2012 Illinois “Loyal-Tee” shirt design Tuesday in front of Foellinger Auditorium in Champaign. The winning design, featured on the front of the shirt, was voted on by thousands of Illini fans out of four designs based on the winning fan-submitted slogan, “A New Era BECKons.” Get it? Cuz of Tim Beckman, beckons..."STEAKS … [Read more...] about New 2012 Illini Football slogan unveiled
Illini Coach Tim Beckman: motivation through food
STEAKS AND CAKES!!! There's food on the line yet again surrounding Illini football. Earlier this week it was announced that this Illinois football spring game would have a couple culinary twists. Newly installed coach Tim Beckman decided that the losing team would have to eat frank and beans as their postgame meal. Not sure what the winners got, but I'm assuming it's … [Read more...] about Illini Coach Tim Beckman: motivation through food
Illini Hire Tim Beckman From Toledo: Very Underwhelming on Paper
Ohio State hiring Urban Meyer this was not. Utah hiring Urban Meyer this could possibly be. Even though it's not official yet, conventional wisdom, the status quo and 4 out of 5 dentists agree: Toledo Rockets head Coach Tim Beckman will soon become the successor to Ron Zook at Illinois. This Illini head coaching hire has far less pizazz and excitement than any hire … [Read more...] about Illini Hire Tim Beckman From Toledo: Very Underwhelming on Paper