BIZARRE: 2 - What They Never Told You

Illinois finished at the bottom of a worse-than-ever Big Ten West — now that’s saying something

It’s OK that the Illini are missing out on the postseason. Nobody needed to see them play again.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 26, 2023

‘Hat’ check: Is the Illinois-Northwestern football rivalry ever going to measure up?

As end-of-November college football rivalries go, Illinois-Northwestern just might be the runt of the litter.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 21, 2023

Big Game Hunting: Illinois, Northwestern get Week 12 shots to lock into bowl position

It can’t be that hard for the Illini to beat Iowa, can it? And why is Purdue favored in Evanston?

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 17, 2023

Illinois’ Bielema, Notre Dame’s Freeman high on list of struggling coaches after Week 6

The Illini have gone so far in the wrong direction, it’s fair to ask if the program is in any better condition midway through Bret Bielema’s third season than it was on Lovie Smith’s last day.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 8, 2023

Illinois, Nebraska still searching for first Big Ten win

A key matchup to watch on the field: Illinois’ turnover-prone and slow-starting offense against Nebraska’s defense. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has thrown seven interceptions, and the Illini have lost four fumbles.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 5, 2023

Forde Yard Dash: Struggling Powerhouses Are Running Out of Time

Several giants, from Florida to Nebraska, are in decline to start the season. But which teams can turn things around before it’s too late?

Sports Illustrated · Oct 2, 2023

Illinois football has an identity, all right — it’s just not a very flattering one

The Illini, 2-3 after a 44-19 loss at Purdue, are the most disappointing team in what arguably is the worst Big Ten West division ever.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 2, 2023

Third-quarter flurry leads Purdue to rout of Illinois

Hudson Card threw two touchdown passes, Devin Mockobee and Dylan Downing each had TD runs and Purdue used a 21-point third-quarter to pull away for a 44-19 victory.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 1, 2023

Illinois football is an ugly mess … and still good enough to win the Big Ten West

Chances are, it’ll still essentially come down to a round-robin among Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Illini.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 17, 2023

Illinois turns Memorial Stadium into the gaffe factory in 30-13 loss to No. 7 Penn State

Woe was anyone who watched the Illini shoot themselves in the foot, and then in the other foot, and then in the same two feet all over again during their Big Ten opener.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 16, 2023