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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith smiles during the game against Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 3. The Illini won 52-3.

Illini look to the future after a lackluster 3-9 season

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • December 12, 2016
Illinois defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot (91) tackles Michigan State quarterback Tyler O'Connor (7) during the first half of game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 5. The Illini won 31-27.

Illinois football represented on all-Big Ten teams

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • December 8, 2016
Illinois wide receiver Desmond Cain (86) catches the ball during the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10. The Illini loss 48-23.

Illinois wide reciever Cain announces decision to transfer

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • December 1, 2016
Illinois wide receiver Malik Turner (11) jumps over a tackle on his way to the end zone during the first half of the game against Northwestern at Ryan Field on Saturday, November 26. The Illini are down 21-14 at halftime.

Updated rapid recap: Illinois drops final game of season

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • November 26, 2016
Memorial Stadium held 53,243 attendants during the 2011 Homecoming game against Northwestern at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011. The Illini emerged victorious with a final score of 38-35, keeping their 2011 season record to an undefeated 5-0.

Illinois seniors bid farewell to Memorial Stadium for upcoming Iowa game

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • November 17, 2016
Wisconsin running back Corey Clement (6) runs through the Illinois defense for a touchdown during the first half of the game against Wisconsin at Camp Randall on Saturday.

Big Ten power rankings: Week 12

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • November 14, 2016
Illinois quarterback Jeff George Jr. looks to pass the ball during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 6.

George Jr. and the Illinois football team are not backing down against No. 7 Wisconsin

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • November 10, 2016
IOTW Kendrick Foster

Illini of the Week: Kendrick Foster

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • November 9, 2016
Illinois wide receiver Sam Mays (9) gets ready to catch a pass in the end zone during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 5. The Illini won 31-27.

Sam Mays the latest Illini to step up

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • November 7, 2016
Illinois linebacker Hardy Nickerson (10) tackles Western Michigan running back Jarvion Franklin (31) during the the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 17. The Illini lost 34-10.

Dad’s weekend means a little more for Illinois football duo

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • November 3, 2016
Players run out onto the field and the start of the game.

Safety tandem leads Illinois football youth movement

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • November 1, 2016
Illinois quarterback Jeff George Jr. (3) throws a pass during the first half of the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday October 29. The Illini are losing 14-7 at half.

Jeff George Jr. showing toughness in the pocket

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • October 31, 2016
Honoree Dick Butkus shakes hands with Athletic Director Josh Whitman at the Memorial Stadium on Thursday.

Dick Butkus takes lead in inaugural Illini Hall of Fame class

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • October 28, 2016
Illinois' Mike Dudek (18) runs the ball during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014. The Illini lost 38-27.

Illinois wide receiver Mike Dudek won’t suit up for the Illini this season

By Joey Figueroa, Staff Writer • October 24, 2016
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith walks down the sideline during a TV timeout in the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Illinois football chimes in on the Cubs mania

By Joey Figueroa, Staff Writer • October 24, 2016
Illinois' Chayce Crouch (7) winds up for a pass during the annual Orange and Blue Spring Game at Memorial Stadium, on Saturday, April 13, 2014. The Blue team won 38-7.

Illinois football heads to the Big House to face No. 3 Michigan

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • October 20, 2016
Western Michigan running back Jamauri Bogan (32) gets tackled by Illinois defensive back Patrick Nelson (21) and linebacker Tre Watson (33) during the the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 17, 2016. The Illini lost 34-10.

Illini of the Week Oct. 19: Patrick Nelson

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • October 19, 2016
Gabe Megginson.

The comedic stylings of Illinois football’s “Gooey” Megginson

By Joey Figueroa, Staff Writer • October 13, 2016
Illinois quarterback Chayce Crouch runs for a touchdown in the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Illinois football prepared to play with Crouch under center

By Joey Figueroa, Staff Writer • October 12, 2016
Illinois running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn (5) runs down the field during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Illinois running game reaches unexpected point

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • October 11, 2016
Illinois running back Kendrick Foster (22) waits for North Carolina to kickoff during the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10. The Illini loss 48-23.

Illinois football back home to host Purdue

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • October 6, 2016
Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt (12) falls during the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium (Lincoln).

Illinois’ Foltz tribute a reminder that team support is key in dealing with loss

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • October 5, 2016
Rendering of the Memorial Stadium renovations. Photo courtesy of DIA.

Athletic director Josh Whitman announces Memorial Stadium renovations

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • October 3, 2016
Illinois running back Josh Ferguson takes off down the field after breaking through the line of scrimmage during a game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium.

Illinois opens conference play against Nebraska

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • September 29, 2016
Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt (12) looks to pass the ball during the first half of the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 17. The Illini are losing 24-7 at half.

Illinois coaching staff expect more out of Lunt

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • September 27, 2016
Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith (center) joins tight end Bobby Walker (83) and offensive lineman Joe Spencer (71) in singing Hail to the Orange after the game against Murrary State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 3. The Illini won 52-3.

Illinois football’s Spencer rallying shaken O-line

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • September 22, 2016
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith answers questions during the press conference after the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on September 17. The Illini lost 34-10. Lovie has lost two of his first three games as head coach of Illinois.

Illinois football going back to basics in bye week

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • September 20, 2016
Illinois wide receiver Malik Turner (11) misses a pass during the first half of the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 17. The Illini are losing 24-7 at half.

Updated rapid recap: Illinois wraps up nonconference schedule with loss to Western Michigan

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • September 17, 2016
Illinois defensive lineman Carroll Phillips (6) celebrates after sacking Murrary State quarterback KD Humphries (2) during the game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 3. The Illini won 52-3.

Carroll Phillips is Illinois football’s wild man

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • September 15, 2016
Illinois' Jihad Ward (17) warms up before the annual football Spring Game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Apr. 18, 2015. The Orange won 44-41.

Former Illini Ward staying in touch with former teammates

By Joey Figueroa, staff writer • September 14, 2016
Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt (12) calls for the snap during the game against Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 3. The Illini won 52-3.

Penalties kill Illinois’ chances against North Carolina

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • September 11, 2016
Lovie Smith watches over the players during the game against Murray State on Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 3. The Illini won 52-3.

North Carolina poses first real threat to Smith’s Illini

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • September 8, 2016
Illinois running back Kendrick Foster (22) runs down the field during the game against Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 3. The Illini won 52-3.

Kendrick Foster finishing what his father started

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • September 7, 2016
Illinois running back Kendrick Foster (22) runs down the field during the game against Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 3. The Illini won 52-3.

Foster highlights big day for Illinois’ run game

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • September 3, 2016
Illinois football defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson talks to defensive back Dillan Cazley (8) during practice at Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, August 31, 2016.

Illinois coaching staff leading in diversity

By Joey Figueroa, Staff Writer • September 1, 2016
Illinois defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot lines up waiting for the snap during the game against Middle Tennessee State on Sept. 26, 2015.

Smith, Illini ready to show finished product against Murray State

By Joey Figueroa, Staff Writer • September 1, 2016
Students in Block cheer on athletes during a football game.

Ticket sales best in years with Lovie in charge

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • September 1, 2016
Football coach Lovie Smith stands watch over players during Spring Practice on April 10, 2016.

Lovie talks depth chart at weekly presser

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • August 30, 2016
Illini head football coach Tim Beckman address the media during the Big Ten Media Days in Chicago. July 24, 2013.

Tim Beckman steps down as North Carolina volunteer assistant

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • August 25, 2016
Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith talks to reporters during Media Day at Memorial Stadium on August 14.

Smith confident in recruiting as season approaches

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • August 25, 2016
Illinois' Ke'Shawn Vaughn (5) runs with the ball during the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct 3, 2015. The Illini won 14-13.

Ke’Shawn Vaughn ready to be Illinois football’s workhorse

By Joey Figueroa, staff writer • August 22, 2016
big ten fun

See what other coaches and players said about Lovie Smith at Big Ten Media Day

By Joey Figueroa, Staff Writer • July 26, 2016
Lovie Smith responds to questions at the press conference on Monday, March 7, 2016.

LISTEN: Thoughts on Lovie Smith at Big Ten media days

By Kevin McCarthy, Joey Figueroa and Cole Henke • July 26, 2016
Quarterback Wes Lunt hands off to running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn during the Homecoming game against Wisconsin at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 24. Illinois lost 13-24.

LISTEN: Reflections on Illini players at Big Ten media days

By Kevin McCarthy, Joey Figueroa and Cole Henke • July 26, 2016
Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald stands on the sidelines during the game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 14, 2009. 

No Lovie lost between Northwestern and Illinois

By Joey Figueroa, Staff Writer • July 25, 2016

Spring ball marks new era for Illinois football

By Joey Figueroa, Staff reporter • May 8, 2016
Illinois offensive lineman Joe Spencer (left) and Gabe Megginson (right) wait for the snap during Illinois football's first spring practice Friday, April 1. Megginson is expected to become the new starter at left guard.

Megginson ready to solidify Illinois O-line

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • April 6, 2016

By Joey Figueroa • March 10, 2016
Four Illini scored in double digits and Maverick Morgan (22) add nine in Illinois basketball's 85-52 win over Minnesota in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.

Illinois routs Minnesota, moves to Big Ten Tournament second round

By Joey Figueroa • March 10, 2016
Illinois basketball opens Big Ten tournament against Minnesota

Illinois basketball opens Big Ten tournament against Minnesota

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • March 9, 2016
Illinois' Kendrick Nunn (25) puts up a layup over Minnesota's Charles Buggs (23) during the Illini's 84-71 win over Minnesota.

Illinois basketball stomps shorthanded Minnesota

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • February 29, 2016
Illinois' Jalen Coleman-Lands shoots a three during the game against Indiana at the State Farm Center. Jalen made 5 three-pointers and scored 21 points.

Illinois basketball routed by Indiana

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • February 26, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill takes a layup off a fast break during the game against Rutgers at the State Farm Center on February 17. The Illini won 82-66.

Illinois basketball looks for major upset over Indiana

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • February 25, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill drives to the basket during the game against Rutgers at the State Farm Center on Feb. 17. The Illini won 82-66.

Illinois basketball solving point guard issue with Hill

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • February 22, 2016

Illinois basketball solving point guard issue

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • February 18, 2016
Malcolm Hill throws down a two handed dunk in the second half of Illinois' victory over Rutgers on Tuesday Night. Hill recorded his sixth double-double of the season Tuesday.

Illinois routs Rutgers at home

By Joey Figueroa • February 16, 2016

Illinois basketball loses heartbreaker at Northwestern

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • February 14, 2016
Purdue's Isaac Haas shoots over Illinois' Maverick Morgan during the Illini's 84-70 victory over the Boilermakers at State Farm Center on Sunday.

Groce hopes extended rest helps Illinois basketball

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • February 13, 2016
Illinois' D.J. Williams watches the action from the bench during the second half of the Illini's 78-67 loss to Nebraska at State Farm Center on Saturday.

Williams provides silver lining in Illinois basketball loss

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • February 8, 2016

Illinois point guards struggling to fill Abrams’ shoes

By Joey Figueroa • February 4, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce patrolling the sideline during Illinois' 78-68 loss to Michigan at State Farm Center on Wednesday, December 30.

Battered Illinois basketball heads to Rutgers

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • February 3, 2016
Ohio State's Kieta Bates-Diop (33) rises above Illinois' Maverick Morgan to snag a rebound. The Illini were out-rebounded by the Buckeyes 51-34 in Ohio State's 68-63 overtime win at State Farm Center on Thursday, Jan. 28.

Illinois basketball dwindles in OT, loses 68-63

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • January 29, 2016
Illinois' Kendrick Nunn looks for an opening in Nebraska's defense during the Illini's 78-67 loss to the Huskers at State Farm Center on Saturday, January 16.

Illinois men’s basketball back home for Ohio State

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • January 28, 2016

Illinois escapes Minnesota with overtime win

By Joey Figueroa • January 24, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill goes airborne while on a fast break during the Illini's 78-68 loss to Michigan at State Farm Center on Wednesday, December 30.

Illinois basketball has leadership questioned, faces another road test

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • January 20, 2016
Illini players (from left) Leron Black, Mike Thorne Jr., Kipper Nichols and Tracy Abrams, along with graduate manager James Haring (in suit) watch the action during Illinois' 78-68 loss to Michigan at State Farm Center on Wednesday.

Illinois basketball moving forward with ‘current rendition’ of roster

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • January 19, 2016

Illinois men’s basketball plagued by series of unfortunate events

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • December 9, 2015
Guard Aaron Jordan drives to the basket during the game against Western Carolina at the State Farm Center on Saturday, Dec. 5. Illinois won 80-68.

Freshmen seeing action for Illinois men’s basketball

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • December 8, 2015
Forward Michael Finke takes a three point shot during the game against Western Carolina at State Farm Center on Saturday.

Nunn, Finke propel Illini men’s basketball to victory

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • December 6, 2015
Guard Malcolm Hill drives to the basket during the game against Notre Dame at State Farm Center on Wednesday, Dec. 2. Illinois lost 84-79.

Illinois men’s basketball drops first game back at State Farm Center

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • December 3, 2015
Fantasy Doctor: Band-aids for everyone

Fantasy Doctor: Band-aids for everyone

By Joey Figueroa • December 2, 2015

Full strength Illinois men’s basketball ready to improve on defense

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • November 29, 2015

Illinois men’s basketball drops heartbreaker to Providence

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • November 19, 2015
Illini of the Week Nov. 18: Mike Thorne Jr.

Illini of the Week Nov. 18: Mike Thorne Jr.

By Joey Figueroa • November 18, 2015
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola breaks free from Baltimore Ravens strong safety James Ihedigbo following a reception during the first half of their game in Baltimore on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (Doug Kapustin/MCT)

Fantasy Doctor: Priming for playoffs

By Joey Figueroa • November 17, 2015
Jalen Tate lies on the ground injured and is tended to by the trainer and head coach during the game against Northern Florida at Prairie Capitol Convention Center on Friday.

Illinois drops season opener to North Florida

By Joey Figueroa • November 14, 2015
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) drives to the basket during the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center, on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. The Illini won 86-60.

Illinois men’s basketball opens season against North Florida

By Joey Figueroa, Staff writer • November 12, 2015
The Miami Dolphins defense fails to stop Buffalo Bills' Karlos Williams as he scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Charles Trainor Jr./Miami Herald/TNS)

Fantasy Doctor: Waiver-wire wonders and blunders

By Joey Figueroa • November 11, 2015
Portrait of Khalid Lewis

Khalid Lewis fitting in for men’s basketball

By Joey Figueroa • November 9, 2015

Fantasy Doctor: I must be doing something right, maybe

By Joey Figueroa • November 4, 2015
Jalen Coleman-Lands worth the wait for Illinois men’s basketball

Jalen Coleman-Lands worth the wait for Illinois men’s basketball

By Joey Figueroa • October 30, 2015
Finke ready to step up for Illinois men’s basketball

Finke ready to step up for Illinois men’s basketball

By Joey Figueroa • October 29, 2015
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman finds some running room against Tennessee Titans safety Da'Norris Searcy during the first half on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS)

Fantasy Doctor: Midseason takeaways

By Joey Figueroa • October 27, 2015
Athletic scholarships at Illinois by the numbers

Athletic scholarships at Illinois by the numbers

By Joey Figueroa • October 26, 2015
Fantasy Doctor: Comeback City

Fantasy Doctor: Comeback City

By Joey Figueroa • October 20, 2015
Fantasy Doctor: Sports injuries are sad

Fantasy Doctor: Sports injuries are sad

By Joey Figueroa • October 13, 2015
Fantasy Doctor: Team check-up

Fantasy Doctor: Team check-up

By Joey Figueroa • October 6, 2015
Fantasy Doctor: bye week bonanza

Fantasy Doctor: bye week bonanza

By Joey Figueroa • September 30, 2015
Fantasy Doctor: What is going on?

Fantasy Doctor: What is going on?

By Joey Figueroa • September 22, 2015
Katrina Gerhard during practice at the Track and Soccer stadium on Monday, September 7.

Illini Katrina Gerhard: Finding freedom in the chair

By Joey Figueroa • September 21, 2015
Fantasy Doctor: Week one whirlwind

Fantasy Doctor: Week one whirlwind

By Joey Figueroa • September 16, 2015
Fantasy Doctor: The Season Approaches

Fantasy Doctor: The Season Approaches

By Joey Figueroa • September 8, 2015
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) splits the defense of cornerback Marcus Peters (22) and free safety Husain Abdullah (39) during the team's training camp practice at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo., on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015.

Fantasy Doctor: Gridiron guidelines

By Joey Figueroa • August 31, 2015
Illinois' head coach John Groce signals to his team during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Jan. 18, 2015. The Illini lost 80-74.

Groce addresses Paul’s dismissal for first time

By Joey Figueroa • August 26, 2015

Fantasy Doctor: Hit the books

By Joey Figueroa • August 17, 2015
Illini of the Week May 6: Illinois baseball team

Illini of the Week May 6: Illinois baseball team

By Joey Figueroa • May 11, 2015
Illinois' Kevin Duchene throws a pitch during the baseball game vs. Northwestern at Illinois Field on Friday. Illinois won 3-1.

Illinois baseball back home for final stretch of season

By Joey Figueroa • May 11, 2015

?Illini Coach of the Year: Dan Hartleb

By Joey Figueroa • May 10, 2015

Led by White, Illinois women’s basketball has solid season

By Joey Figueroa • May 10, 2015
Illinois' David Kerian (12) attempts to make contact with the ball during the baseball game vs. Indiana at Illinois Field on Saturday, April 18. Illinois won 6-3.

Kerian leading Illinois baseball offense

By Joey Figueroa • May 5, 2015
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