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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 quarterback Wes Lunt (12) throws a pass during the game against Wisconsin at Camp Randall on Saturday, November 12. The Illinil lost 48-3.

One more for Illinois football’s Lunt

By Kevin McCarthy, Illini columnist • November 17, 2016
Illinois linebacker Hardy Nickerson (10) tackles Michigan State wide receiver Felton Davis III (18) during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 5. The Illini won 31-27.

What would a successful fourth quarter look like for Illinois football?

By Kevin McCarthy, Illini columnist • November 10, 2016
Billy Galant

With heavenly hosts watching from above, the Cubs will be just fine

By Kevin McCarthy, Illini columnist • October 25, 2016
Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt (12) scrambles out of the pocket during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

What could make a successful game for Illini football at Michigan?

By Kevin McCarthy, Illini football columnist • October 19, 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.

Is there a case for Chayce?

By Kevin McCarthy, Football Columnist • October 12, 2016
Athletic director Josh Whitman speaks about stadium renovation plans at a press conference in Memorial Stadium on Monday.

Stadium renovation plan proves “They will win.”

By Kevin McCarthy, Illini columnist • October 5, 2016
Illinois defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot (91) forces a fumble by Western Michigan running back Jamauri Bogan (32) during the the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 17. The Illini lost 34-10.

A Conversation with a Cornhusker

By Kevin McCarthy, Assistant on-air sports editor • September 28, 2016
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith walks down the sideline during the game agaisnt 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.

The five stages of Illini football grieving

By Kevin McCarthy, columnist • September 21, 2016
North Carolina defensive end Mikey Bart (45) and defensive tackle Jeremiah Clarke (49) dive on the ball after Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt (12) fumbled during the game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10. The Illini loss 48-23.

Wes Lunt needs to — and will — be better

By Kevin McCarthy, Assistant on-air sports editor • September 14, 2016
The drum line escorts the football team into Grange Grove before the game against Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 3.

10 Reasons to go to Illinois vs. North Carolina

By Kevin McCarthy, Assistant sport on-air editor • September 7, 2016
A lofty prediction for Illinois football's non-conference schedule

A lofty prediction for Illinois football’s non-conference schedule

By Kevin McCarthy, Assistant on-air sports editor • August 31, 2016
Illinois' Aleks Vukic celebrates after winning against Jathan Malik during the meet against No. 21 Michigan at the Atkins Tennis Center on April 17, 2016. The Illini won 4-1.

Four Illinois athletes to look out for this year

By Kevin McCarthy, Assistant sports on-air sports • August 24, 2016
Welcome back to another year of Kevin McCarthy

Welcome back to another year of Kevin McCarthy

By Kevin McCarthy, Assistant Sports On-Air Editor • August 20, 2016
Lovie Smith at his introductory press conference

A lot can change in one year

By Kevin McCarthy, Assistant sports editor for on-air • July 27, 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

Academic resources help students succeed

By Kevin McCarthy, Assistant Sports Editor for On-Air • May 24, 2016

Kevin McCarthy says “ta-ta” for the year

By Kevin McCarthy, Columnist • May 5, 2016
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) reacts after scoring against the Boston Bruins in the first period during Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Saturday, June 22, 2013, in Chicago.

Illini Drive breaks down Blues vs. Blackhawks

By Kevin McCarthy • April 11, 2016
Illinois' football headcoach Lovie Smith obverses the players running drills during the first spring practice on Friday, April 1, 2016.

Vote for Lovie Smith’s defense’s new name

By Kevin McCarthy, Illini columnist • April 6, 2016
Fireworks explode over the stadium at the end of the national anthem as the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners line up before their game on opening day on Monday, April 4, 2016, at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.

Illini Drive, April 4: Opening Day 2016

By Kevin McCarthy • April 4, 2016
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a home run during the fifth inning on Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

You can't really say anything short of a World Series is a disappointment: Chris Emma

By Kevin McCarthy • April 4, 2016
Lovie Smith thanks the Illini Marching Band in the Illini Union on March 7.

Lovie Smith needs your help

By Kevin McCarthy • March 30, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team during the 89-58 loss to Purdue in the quarterfinal game of the Big Ten Tournament. 

Illini Drive March 28th: The State of Illinois Basketball

By Kevin McCarthy • March 30, 2016
Tate averaged 1.8 points and 2.5 assists for the Illini last season.

Illini Drive: March 14, Tate allegations

By Kevin McCarthy • March 14, 2016
Illinois' Jaylon Tate shoots a three during the game against Minnesota at the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis, Ind. on March 9. The Illini won 85-52.

Tate's arrest the latest Illinois athletics embarassment

By Kevin McCarthy • March 13, 2016
Alex Roux previews the Big Ten men's basketball tournament

Alex Roux previews the Big Ten men's basketball tournament

By Kevin McCarthy • March 9, 2016
Daily Illini Sportscast: March 8

Daily Illini Sportscast: March 8

By Kevin McCarthy • March 9, 2016
Illini Drive, March 7: Lovie Comes to Town

Illini Drive, March 7: Lovie Comes to Town

By Kevin McCarthy • March 8, 2016
Chris Emma of 670 The Score: "I could see Lovie going after Jeff Tedford as Offensive Coordinator"

Chris Emma of 670 The Score: "I could see Lovie going after Jeff Tedford as Offensive Coordinator"

By Kevin McCarthy • March 8, 2016
Lovie Smith hire changes everything for Illinois football

Lovie Smith hire changes everything for Illinois football

By Kevin McCarthy, Sports columnist • March 7, 2016

Josh Whitman made right move on Cubit

By Kevin McCarthy • March 5, 2016
The 5 sports jerseys you'll see on Unofficial at Illinois

The 5 sports jerseys you'll see on Unofficial at Illinois

By Kevin McCarthy • March 2, 2016
Illinois' Eric Cruickshank carries the puck up the ice during the game against Lindenwold University at the Ice Arena on Saturday, January 30. The Illini lost 4-1.

Illini hockey players preview the ACHA national tournament

By Kevin McCarthy • March 1, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Rutgers at the State Farm Center on February 17. The Illini won 82-66.

Roux: "Recruiting is heating up"

By Kevin McCarthy • March 1, 2016
Illinois' new athletic director Josh Whitman lead the State Farm Center crowd in an "ILL-INI" chant during halftime of the Illini's game against Minnesota.

Illini Drive: Feb. 29

By Kevin McCarthy • March 1, 2016
New Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman speaks to the media during his introductory press conference on Feb. 18.

What to do if you weren't named Illinois' athletic director

By Kevin McCarthy • February 24, 2016
Wide receiver Geronimo Allison runs for extra yards after a catch during the game against Iowa at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Saturday, October 10. Illinois lost 20-29.

Daily Illini Sportscast Feb. 23: Illinois hockey, NFL Combine, and Daily Illini Longform

By Kevin McCarthy • February 24, 2016
Prospective Athletic Director poses for photos after being introduced by Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson as the next Illinois athletic director. Whitman is set to take over March 21, pending on the Board of Trustees' approval. 

Illini Drive: Feb. 22, 2016

By Kevin McCarthy • February 23, 2016
Illinois' new athletic director Josh Whitman and Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson pose for photos after an introductory press conference announcing Whitman as the next Illinois athletic director.

Illini athletics, you got your guy

By Kevin McCarthy • February 18, 2016
Ranking the top-10 names in Illini athletics

Ranking the top-10 names in Illini athletics

By Kevin McCarthy • February 17, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill brings the ball up the court during the game against Ohio State at the State Farm Center on Thursday, January 28. The Illini lost in overtime 68-63.

Alex Roux previews Illinois vs. Rutgers

By Kevin McCarthy • February 17, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Iowa at the State Farm Center on February 7. The Illini lost 77-65.

Daily Illini Sportscast: Feb. 16th

By Kevin McCarthy • February 17, 2016
James McGing carries the puck down the ice during the game against Illinois State at the Ice Arena on February 12. The Illini won 5-2.

Eric Cruickshank and James Mcging on Illini Drive February 15

By Kevin McCarthy • February 16, 2016
Denver Broncos starting quarterback Peyton Manning, right, holds the Lombardi Trophy after the Broncos' 24-10 win against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. The Broncos won, 24-10. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group/TNS)

Jimmy Hyams on Peyton Manning Scandal: "We jump to believe the negative vs. research it"

By Kevin McCarthy • February 16, 2016
Austin Yattoni The Daily Illini Illinois' Malcolm Hill tries to dribble around Iowa's Jarrod Uthoff during the game against Iowa at the State Farm Center on February 7. The Illini lost 77-65.

Illini Drive: Feb. 15th, 2016

By Kevin McCarthy • February 15, 2016
Illinois' Isaiah Martinez starting off strong against Penn State's Jason Nolf during the wrestling match vs. Penn State at Huff Hall on Saturday January 23, 2016. The Illini lost 19-1.

The Daily Illini Sportscast: February 9th

By Kevin McCarthy • February 10, 2016
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival (32) gets the puck away from Montreal Canadiens center Torrey Mitchell (17) during the second period on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, at the United Center in Chicago. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

The Illini columnist's 8 tips for Valentines Day success

By Kevin McCarthy • February 10, 2016
Denver Broncos starting quarterback Peyton Manning, right, holds the Lombardi Trophy after the Broncos' 24-10 win against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. The Broncos won, 24-10. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group/TNS)

Kevin Fishbain: Reaction to Super Bowl Sunday and the upcoming NFL Draft

By Kevin McCarthy • February 9, 2016
The game's Most Valuable Player, Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller, celebrates as he holds the Vince Lombardi trophy after a 24-10 win against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group/TNS)

Illini Drive: Feb. 8, 2015

By Kevin McCarthy • February 9, 2016
Illinois' James McGing carries the puck up the ice during the game against Lindenwood University at the Ice Arena on Saturday. The Illini lost 4-1.

ON-AIR IOTW: James McGing

By Kevin McCarthy • February 3, 2016
Wisconsin's Khalil Iverson (21) attempt to block Illinois guard Khalid Lewis' layup during the Illini's 63-55 loss to the Badgers at State Farm Center on Sunday, Jan. 31. The Illini have now lost three straight home games.

Eli Schwadron: "At this point, you're gunning for the NIT"

By Kevin McCarthy • February 2, 2016
Illinois' Kendrick Nunn shouting in pain and grabbing his hip during the Illini's 63-55 loss to Wisconsin. Nunn suffered a hip contusion but checked back into the game shortly after.

Illini Drive: Feb. 1, 2016

By Kevin McCarthy • February 2, 2016
Illini wrestler Isaiah Martinez lost his lunch, not his confidence

Illini wrestler Isaiah Martinez lost his lunch, not his confidence

By Kevin McCarthy • January 31, 2016
Michael Bojda The Daily Illini Austin Zima skates with the puck during the 2nd period in a 6-3 win against Indiana Saturday night at the Ice Arena.

Sportscast: Jan. 26th, 2016

By Kevin McCarthy • January 27, 2016
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrates his goal with center Andrew Shaw (65) during the second overtime period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Kings, Saturday, June 8, 2013, in Chicago. The Blackhawks won 4-3 and advanced to the Stanley Cup finals.

Scott King on the Blackhawks: "People forget how spoiled we are by how good they are"

By Kevin McCarthy • January 26, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce yells instructions at his team during the Illini's 78-67 loss to Nebraska at State Farm Center earlier this season.

Illini Drive: Jan. 25th, 2016

By Kevin McCarthy • January 26, 2016
Head coach Bill Cubit watches his seniors line up to be honored on Senior Day before the game against Northwestern at Soldier Field on Saturday, Nov. 28.

Conversation with an Illini: Dr. Michael Raycraft

By Kevin McCarthy • January 25, 2016
Illinois' Tim Beckman during the game against Western Kentucky at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. The Illini won 42-34.

Illini Drive December 14th: Will Leitch and our Fall Awards for Illini Athletics

By Kevin McCarthy • January 22, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce looks down in disbelief during the game against Yale at the State Farm Center on Wednesday, December 9, 2015. The Illini won 69-65.

Illini resolutions for 2016

By Kevin McCarthy • January 18, 2016

Illini resolutions for 2016

By Kevin McCarthy • January 18, 2016
Illinois’ Kendrick Nunn (25) is guarded by Michigan's Aubrey Dawkins (24) during the game at United Center in Chicago, Illinois during the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday, March 12, 2015. The Illini lost 73-55.

Illini Drive AUDIO Dec. 7

By Kevin McCarthy • December 8, 2015
Illini semester in review: What just happened?

Illini semester in review: What just happened?

By Kevin McCarthy • December 7, 2015

Illini semester in review: What just happened?

By Kevin McCarthy • December 7, 2015
Illinois' Josh Belmont (10) manuevers the puck down the rink during round one of the CSCHL hockey tournament v. Iowa State at the Ice Arena on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015. Illinois won 2-1.

Illinois hockey faces tough road test

By Kevin McCarthy • December 5, 2015
Isaiah Martinez wrestles with the loss of his father

Isaiah Martinez wrestles with the loss of his father

By Kevin McCarthy • December 1, 2015
Head coach Bill Cubit watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Northwestern at Soldier Field on Saturday. Illinois lost 24-14.

Illini Drive Nov. 30

By Kevin McCarthy • December 1, 2015
Nick Allegretti (53) celebrates Illinois' win over Kent State with Chris O'Connor (73) and Ted Karras (69) Zach Hirth (54) and Chunky Clements (11). Allegretti switched from offensive to defensive line prior to the Illini's game against Western Illinois.

Illinois offensive lineman Ted Karras: "Cubit is the kind of guy you want to play for"

By Kevin McCarthy • December 1, 2015
Michael Bojda The Daily Illini Offensive Coordinator Bill Cubit talks to a referee against Cincinnati on Saturday, September 7, 2013.

Daily Illini Sportscast: November 18th

By Kevin McCarthy • November 19, 2015
Goalkeeper Joe Olen makes a save in the game against Ohio University at the Ice Arena on Friday, October 23. Illinois won 2-0.

Illini hockey faces toughest road test yet

By Kevin McCarthy • November 18, 2015
Illinois' head coach John Groce reacts to a foul call during the game against Missouri at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014.

"Hopefully this Illini team can stay afloat"

By Kevin McCarthy • November 17, 2015
The Fighting Illini hockey players salute their fans after beating Robert Morris 5-3 on Saturday at the Ice Arena.

Daily Illini Sportscast: November 12

By Kevin McCarthy • November 13, 2015
The Illinois defense wraps up Kent State wide receiver Connor Arlia during their season-opener at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 5. Illinois defeated Kent State 52-3.

Daily Illini Sportscast November 11th, 2015

By Kevin McCarthy • November 12, 2015
Introducing your next athletic director: Kevin McCarthy

Introducing your next athletic director: Kevin McCarthy

By Kevin McCarthy • November 10, 2015
Illinois' Zepheniah Grimes (33) and Ralph Cooper (42) celebrate the win after the game against Penn State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. The Illini won 16-14.

Ralph Cooper: ' I can say I did see' belittling and mistreatment of players at practice

By Kevin McCarthy • November 10, 2015
Illinois' Athletic Director, Mike Thomas, looks up at the scoreboard during the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2014. The Illini lost 45-14. Thomas' response to Simon Cvijanovic's Twitter accusations about Illinois head coach Tim Beckman can be found here.

Illini Drive Nov. 9: Mike Thomas, Ralph Cooper and the state of Illini Athletics

By Kevin McCarthy • November 10, 2015
The Fighting Illini Volleyball team celebrate a point during the game against Rutgers at George Huff Hall, on Saturday, Sept. 27. The Illini won 3-0.

Daily Illini's Sportscast November 4th: IOTW, Women's Volleyball, Football

By Kevin McCarthy • November 5, 2015
The Kansas City Royals celebrate after defeating the New York Met 7-2 to win the World Series on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015 at Citi Field in New York. (Jill Toyoshiba/Kansas City Star/TNS)

Jordan Wilson: Historic season covering the Kansas City Royals

By Kevin McCarthy • November 3, 2015
Illinois running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn makes a long run culminating in a touchdown against Wisconsin during the Homecoming game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 24. Illinois lost 13-24.

Illini Drive November 2nd: Football, Dee Brown, Peter Bailey-Wells Jordan Wilson

By Kevin McCarthy • November 3, 2015
Dee Brown at Assembly Hall during the 2005 season. The Daily Illini file photo.

A conversation with an Illini: Dee Brown

By Kevin McCarthy • November 2, 2015
Illinois’ Joe Olen defends a shot from Iowa State’s Nate Percy during Friday’s 3-1 Illini win. 

On-air IOTW: Joe Olen

By Kevin McCarthy • October 29, 2015
Illinois' Joe Olen (31) attempts to block a shot during the hockey game vs. Robert Morris at the Ice Arena on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. The Illini lost 4-3.

Daily Illini Sportscast October 28: IOTW, Illini soccer and the World Series

By Kevin McCarthy • October 28, 2015
Illinois' Reilly O'Toole (4) jumps to avoid a tackle during the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl against Louisiana Tech at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas on Friday, Dec. 26, 2014. The Illini lost 35-18.

A conversation with an Illini: Reilly O'Toole

By Kevin McCarthy • October 27, 2015
Cruikshank handles the puck during the game against Oklahoma on Saturday.  It was the first of two wins against Oklahoma this weekend.

ON-AIR IOTW: Eric Cruikshank

By Kevin McCarthy • October 22, 2015
Illini Eric Cruikshank gains control of the puck during the game against Lindenwood on February 7. Cruickshank has had to fill a void left in the Olens' absence.

Daily Illini Sportscast October 21: IOTW Hockey, Crosstalk with Dakota Karson, football talk with Michal Dwojak

By Kevin McCarthy • October 22, 2015
Wisconsin's Corey Clement (6) runs the ball during the game at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. The Illini lost 38-28.

A Conversation with a Badger: The Daily Cardinal's sports editor

By Kevin McCarthy • October 21, 2015
Aron Hiltzik

Daily Illini Sportscast: October 14, 2015

By Kevin McCarthy • October 14, 2015
Illinois' Austin Zima (3) moves the puck away from Illinois' goal during the Ohio hockey game at the Ice Arena on Friday, October 24, 2014. The Illini won 2-1.

Illini Hockey prepares for Robert Morris

By Kevin McCarthy • October 13, 2015
The Illini baseball team huddles before the start of their game against Notre Dame on May 30 at Illinois Field.

A Conversation with an Illini: Charlie Naso

By Kevin McCarthy • October 12, 2015
The Chicago Cubs greet Kris Bryant (17) after his walk-off home run during the ninth inning on Monday, July 27, 2015, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

Cubs have an Illini good luck charm

By Kevin McCarthy • October 5, 2015
Illinois' Wes Lunt (12) attempts to pass the ball during the game against Western Kentucky at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. The Illini won 42-34.

Daily Illini Sportscast: September 30th

By Kevin McCarthy • October 1, 2015
A conversation with an Illini: Austin Zima

A conversation with an Illini: Austin Zima

By Kevin McCarthy • September 29, 2015
Kevin Vongnaphone The Daily Illini Illinois' Eric Cruickshank (15) makes a short pass during the CSCHL Playoffs semi-finals v. Ohio University at the Ice Arena on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015. Illinois lost 3-5.

Sportscast September 23rd

By Kevin McCarthy • September 23, 2015
Conversation with an Illini: Martinez Johnson

Conversation with an Illini: Martinez Johnson

By Kevin McCarthy • September 21, 2015
Illinois' Michelle Strizak spikes the ball past Northwestern's block during the volleyball game against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Saturday. Strizak finished with six kills. 

Daily Illini Sportscast, September 16th

By Kevin McCarthy • September 16, 2015
Daily Illini Sportscast September 9th, 2015

Daily Illini Sportscast September 9th, 2015

By Kevin McCarthy • September 9, 2015
Live Daily Illini Sportscast at 6pm

Live Daily Illini Sportscast at 6pm

By Kevin McCarthy • September 9, 2015
Jannelle Flaws talks with media after tying the all-time scoring record in Friday's game against TCU.

A Conversation with an Illini: Jannelle Flaws

By Kevin McCarthy • September 7, 2015
Introducing your new head football coach: Kevin McCarthy

Introducing your new head football coach: Kevin McCarthy

By Kevin McCarthy, Illini columnist • August 31, 2015
Jannelle Flaws (right) holds off a defender in Illinois' game against Oakland on Friday, August 24.

Five Illini athletes to watch in 2015

By Kevin McCarthy • August 25, 2015
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