Spring ball marks new era for Illinois football
By Joey Figueroa, Staff reporter
May 8, 2016
It’s not often that spring practices overshadow the football season that precedes them. But for Illinois football this year, such was the case. The hiring of Lovie Smith as the third head football coach within two years has been the big story on campus, and the star-studded coaching staff Smith bro...
Illinois football responds to Dudek’s season-ending injury
By Charlotte Carroll, Sports editor
April 10, 2016
In April 2015, Illinois football's wide receiver Mike Dudek tore his anterior cruciate ligament and was projected to play in October 2015. Instead, he missed the entire season. ag Now a year later, Dudek is once again sidelined with a torn ACL in the same knee and will have season ending surgery n...
Illinois’ Josh Whitman sets foundation for football program
By Michal Dwojak, Staff writer
March 5, 2016
Tweet: Josh Whitman wastes little time putting his plan for Illinois football into place with Cubit firing Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman has made his intentions for the University’s athletic program clear. In his first letter to donors on the day it was announced that he would ...
Wes Lunt happy to be at Illinois football’s helm during bowl push
By Michal Dwojak, Staff writer
November 17, 2015
On a cold, rainy Monday in November, Wes Lunt was where he usually is on a Monday afternoon: sitting in a chair in the Memorial Stadium press box. It’s part of the Illinois quarterback’s weekly routine: meet with media members after head coach Bill Cubit concludes his press conference. He stare...
Cataloguing the hurts: The many injuries of the Illinois offense
By Michal Dwojak, Staff writer
November 3, 2015
Illinois football head coach Bill Cubit managed to remain humorous during his weekly press conference Monday after the Illini lost 39-0 to Penn State on Saturday. His offense has been depleted of players for much of the season, and Saturday’s shutout was yet another reminder of the void those...
Depleted Illini offense fails to find rhythm against Wisconsin
By Michal Dwojak, Staff writer
October 24, 2015
Quarterback Wes Lunt knew that Illinois football’s offense would miss key offensive players when the Illini played Wisconsin Saturday. Running back Josh Ferguson and wide receivers Marchie Murdock, Justin Hardee and Mike Dudek were doubtful to play against the Badgers. The team’s injury report re...
Matchups to watch in Illinois-Nebraska game
September 30, 2015
Tommy Armstrong Jr. vs. Illinois DefenseSo far this season, when Illinois has faced a skilled quarterback, things have not turned out well. The Illini’s two biggest tests at quarterbacks were North Carolina’s Marquise Williams and Middle Tennessee State’s Brent Stockstill. Illinois gave up a ...
Illinois football defense trying to prove hot start is no fluke
By Michal Dwojak, Staff writer
September 14, 2015
Illinois co-defensive coordinator Tim Banks stood in the team’s squad room with a smile after Saturday’s win over Western Illinois. He stood in front of the white board and waited while the media assembled around him. Reporters joked around with Banks, who laughed and commented that he was no...
Illinois football players entertain during rain delay
By Michal Dwojak, Staff writer
September 8, 2015
Illinois football fans weren’t the only ones struggling to find something to do during Friday’s thunderstorm delay. Wide receiver Geronimo Allison managed to keep himself busy before the game was finally postponed — after a three-hour delay. Allison put in his headphones and sat at his locker ...
Illinois looks to class of 2015 for offensive assistance
August 25, 2015
On a team with 22 seniors, Illinois football wanted to rely mainly on its experience this season. But with injuries threatening the return of key players, the Illini may have to use its younger options sooner than anticipated.There are 36 newcomers in all, with 18 freshmen signees, seven junior-colle...
