Illinois Takes On Western Michigan In Detroit Nov 5, 2008
com staffDate: Nov 4, 2008 The Illinois football team travels to Ford Field in Detroit to play a neutral site game against Western Michigan Saturday. This is far from the nonconference breather some had hoped for the Illini as WMU has enjoyed an outstanding season. (IlliniBoard.com)
Steve Hull Commitment Solid For Illini Nov 4, 2008
com staffDate: Nov 3, 2008 Coach Ron Zook continues to build the Illinois football program with outstanding talent from across the country, including his home state of Ohio. One early commitment this year was Cincinnati receiver Steve Hull, whose exploits on the field verified Zook's ability to evaluate and recruit talent. (IlliniBoard.com)
Panthers take a stand Nov 3, 2008
It includes words that may have had him running extra sprints at the end of an Eastern Illinois football practice and for sure would have gotten a reporter fired for repeating them in a newspaper. Hoder and his defensive teammates did not stoop to that when Murray State s Zach Kutch returned the ball 45 yards to the EIU 9-yard line for what threatened to be a game-changing interception 49 seconds before halftime. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
A game to make Eastern football alumni proud Nov 3, 2008
No, Pete Catan didn t threaten Eastern Illinois football players with his sledge hammer. Current Panthers were not even born when the All-American defensive end from the 1978 NCAA Division II championship team carried that hammer around campus as a symbol of his hard work. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Zook seeks first victory over Ferentz Oct 31, 2008
In slightly fewer than four seasons, Ron Zook has done more for the Illinois football program than most observers could have imagined. During his short tenure, he has guided the Fighting Illini to wins at both Ohio State and Michigan and to a berth in the Rose Bowl, and he brings in some of the most talented recruiting classes on an annual basis. (Daily Iowan, IA)
Iowa at Illinois football televised by ABC Oct 31, 2008
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- This Saturday's Iowa at Illinois football game will be telecast regionally to 22 percent of the country as shown by the attached distribution map. ESPN will broadcast the game to the 78 percent of the country outside the ABC region. (Hawkeyesports.com)
Viewpoint: The hard road to winning Oct 29, 2008
When Northern Illinois football coach Jerry Kill and his staff took over the program last winter, the Huskies were in pain. They had won just two games in 2007 while Murphy s Law had taken effect. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Illini needs the Juice flowing Oct 29, 2008
CHAMPAIGN The Illinois football team goes as quarterback Juice Williams goes, a point confirmed by a 27-17 loss to Wisconsin on Saturday when Williams threw three interceptions. Williams' bad game resulted in Illinois' season-low 309 total yards. (Pekin Times, IL)
Free: Kirk Ferentz Q&A Oct 29, 2008
We're anxious to turn our sights, get back into a game week routine, and certainly we'll have our hands full this week, playing a very talented, very explosive Illinois football team. They're very talented on both sides of the ball and special teams and a very capable team. (Iowa Sports -- Rivals.com)
Iowa chases sixth straight win against Illini Oct 29, 2008
"Certainly we'll have our hands full this week, playing a very talented, very explosive, Illinois football team," Iowa head coach said. "They're very talented on both sides of the ball and special teams. That's one front. Then on the other front is making sure we're ready to go and those are really the two things on our plate right now.". (Hawkeyesports.com)
Just too many distractions in EIU loss Oct 27, 2008
Hudson, up-and-rising kick returner/receiver Shawn Williams and backup linebacker Sean Campbell all were left home Eastern Illinois football trip to Eastern Kentucky. Principled coach Bob Spoo has never wanted to broadcast such in-house disciplinary measures. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Special teams secure victory (50) Oct 26, 2008
DeKALB Halfway through Saturday s postgame news conference, Northern Illinois football coach Jerry Kill had Landon Cox hold his hands high in the air. That s the reason he got there, he s got those big bear paws, Kill said. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Pre-med Johnson operating on field Oct 25, 2008
As a defensive end for Eastern Illinois football team, before treating patients Johnson is still trying to tackle ball carries, a practice he does not want to give up quite yet. It means a lot, Johnson said of this football season. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Green talks Illini trip Oct 24, 2008
This past weekend Green took some time to unofficially check out the Illinois football program for their win against Indiana. To continue reading this article you must be a member. (Illinois Sports -- Rivals.com)
Little comes easy against EKU Oct 23, 2008
CHARLESTON -- As film critics, Eastern Illinois football coaches would definitely give thumbs down. Few happy revelations come from these Eastern Kentucky game films. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Fulton back in Champaign Oct 21, 2008
When Illinois football plays a home game in Champaign, 6-foot-5, 295-pound offensive lineman Zach Fulton knows to clear his schedule for Saturday. Get the latest on the Homewood-Flossmoor (Ill. (Illinois Sports -- Rivals.com)
The New Insideillini.com: We Keep Growing! Oct 21, 2008
My first introduction to Illinois football, or at least talking about it, was on the Rivals site as a poster ... I asked around, but mostly to Illinois football SID Cassie Arner, who is one of the coolest people around, and quickly had become my buddy. (IlliniBoard.com)
Huskies return favor to Rockets (33) Oct 19, 2008
But the Northern Illinois football team remembers very well what happened last season. It was in the back of their minds, it was in the front of their minds and, if that wasn t enough, it was posted on the scoreboard during practice this week. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Trio of Seniors Anchors Fighting Illini Defensive Line Oct 16, 2008
The defensive line is likely the unit on the Illinois football team with the most experience, and it is led by three seniors in tackle (#94) and ends (#91) and (#91). Davis currently ranks 10th on the career sacks list with Walker just outside the top 10, and Lindquist has risen from a walk-on to a two-year starter at tackle. (Fightingillini.com)
Kill feels ready to tackle Toledo rivalry Oct 15, 2008
DeKALB - Northern Illinois football coach Jerry Kill couldn t even get to the locker room after this past Saturday s 17-13 win against Miami (Ohio) when he heard it. I walked off the field Saturday, and it was a good win, and I didn t even get across the end zone and somebody yelled at me You better beat Toledo. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Backer' in the mix? Oct 15, 2008
Many Illinois football fans hope the recruiting class of 2009 brings in a strong haul of quality linebackers for Ron Zook's program. Several remain on the board, but this weekend a player committed to another school will visit the Illini. (Illinois Sports -- Rivals.com)
Huskies Hold on for 17-13 Win Over Miami Oct 13, 2008
DeKALB - Me'co Brown rushed for a career-high 123 yards and Josh Allen batted down a potential game-winning fourth-down touchdown pass, as the Northern Illinois football team held on to take a 17-13 victory over Miami (OH), Saturday at Huskie Stadium. With the win, the Huskies improve to 3-3 overall, and 2-1 in the Mid-American Conference, surpassing 2007 totals in both categories. (CollegeInsiders.com)
Illinois Encourages Fans To `Rock the House' This Saturday Oct 8, 2008
Nearly 20,000 Zook Zone Towels have been sold, meaning one in three fans attending Saturday's Homecoming game against Minnesota already owns the symbol of Illinois football unity ... " The video board will feature images of Illinois football players waving the Zook Zone Towel, encouraging fans to get on their feet during Minnesota possessions to raise the noise level. With Homecoming taking place this week, Illinois alumni are invited to help create a Memorial Stadium game day environment like... (Fightingillini.com)
World's Biggest Basketball Practice Set for Saturday Oct 8, 2008
The tie-in between the basketball and football teams is an extension of the partnership that Weber and Illinois football coach Ron Zook established this fall with the Zook Zone towels. Fans are encouraged all season to buy the orange towels at Gameday Spirit to help build energy and create a unique home-field advantage at Memorial Stadium. (Fightingillini.com)
Special Spectators To Attend Illinois Homecoming Game Oct 8, 2008
Earlier in the week, Illinois football players, , and , took a visit to Carle to spend time with children receiving treatment (see photos). click on any photo to view a larger version. (Fightingillini.com)
Illinois' Zook pleads for noise against Minnesota Oct 8, 2008
(AP) -- After a pair of big road games in front of rowdy crowds, Illinois football coach Ron Zook is pleading with Illini fans to pack relatively sedate Memorial Stadium for Saturday's contest with Minnesota. Illinois is coming off last weekend's 45-20 win at Michigan and a noisy 38-24 loss at Penn State. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NCAA Football)
Viewpoint: Kill infused needed energy (37) Oct 6, 2008
Sept. 8, 2007 isn t the best day in Northern Illinois football history. But it may turn out as one of the most important. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Breaking down the Axis of Evil Oct 4, 2008
The Ron Turner-led team made it to the Sugar Bowl, before falling 47-34 to LSU. Illinois football compiled a 16-18 record in the three years before Cantors arrival, went 16-20 during her tenure there and posted a 7-27 record in the three years after she left. The hiring of Ron Zook has recently re-energized the football program, however, and returned the Illini to a status near the top of their conference. (CuseJuice.com)
Illini Sports Network Oct 3, 2008
ISN programming includes Illinois football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball and baseball, along with the "Illini Today" series ... The live call-in show originates from both the WDWS Radio (Champaign) studio and various campus locations each week, including fraternities, sororities, dormitories and campus buildings, allowing University of Illinois students the opportunity to meet Coach Zook and ask questions about the Illinois football program ... This weekly half-hour television... (Fightingillini.com)
Northern Illinois Football Notes 9/29 Oct 3, 2008
com: Northern Illinois Football Notes 9/29 ... Northern Illinois Football Notes 9/29 ... In this report, Northern Illinois football coach Jerry Kill talks about his team and the upcoming battle at Tennessee on Saturday night. (CollegeInsiders.com)
Huskie Notebook: Salerno stays perfect on field goals Sep 21, 2008
DeKALB Step foot into one Northern Illinois football practice and you ll see one thing, guaranteed. Coach Jerry Kill chewing out someone on special teams, usually a kicker named Mike Salerno. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Barnhart's Fighting Illini Football Report Card Sep 19, 2008
Brian Barnhart, the Voice of the Illini, gives his perspective on Illinois football as the team gets ready to begin the Big Ten season next week. Sept. 18, 2008. (Fightingillini.com)
Illini commitment tracker Sep 15, 2008
Check in on how many of the University of Illinois football verbal commits did this weekend in this report from the Orangeews. To continue reading this article you must be a member. (Illinois Sports -- Rivals.com)
No. 24 Illini hope to fix bugs against Cajuns Sep 14, 2008
Pekin Times - Sports. Sunday, September 14, 2008. (Pekin Times, IL)
Five Fighting Illini Find Right Fit At New Positions Sep 13, 2008
Change can be a good thing, especially for the Illinois football program this season. Five Fighting Illini have switched positions, and even sides of the ball, since arriving on campus, with all of them earning a starting position this season. (Fightingillini.com)
Rosters Set for A Night of Legends Alumni Basketball Game Sep 12, 2008
The Big Ten Network is producing a 90-minute television special covering A Night of Legends that will air on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6:30 p.m. Following the alumni basketball game, the BTN will air back-to-back episodes of Illinois Football: The Journey, beginning at 8 p.m.. Alumni Game Rosters. (Fightingillini.com)
Big Ten Network to televise Illinois Basketball's 'Night of Legends' Alumni Game Sep 11, 2008
Back-to-back episodes of Illinois Football: The Journey will immediately follow, beginning at 8 PM CT.. "This will be an exciting and memorable night for Illini fans, and the Big Ten Network is thrilled to be able to bring this special event to fans all over the country," Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman said. (Fightingillini.com)
Freshman LeShoure Already a Factor Sep 11, 2008
com staffDate: Sep 10, 2008 Coach Ron Zook continues to demonstrate the value of doing his own evaluations when recruiting players for the Illinois football team. Ignoring guru rating systems, he and his staff recruit players they project will have bright college futures. (IlliniBoard.com)
Talking about former and current linebackers Sep 9, 2008
Tim Carver, one of the leaders of mid-1990s teams that helped turn Bob Spoo s Eastern Illinois football program into a perennial postseason playoff qualifier, e-mailed last week ... A Charleston product has joined a Mattoon player on Southern Illinois football team. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Louisiana-Lafayette may head north early ahead of Hurricane Ike Sep 9, 2008
Louisiana-Lafayette is Illinois football opponent at 11 a.m., Saturday at Memorial Stadium ... The University of Illinois football team has turned a portion of the former Chanute Air Force Base into its annual late summer training camp. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Update On Former Illini In The NFL Sep 9, 2008
"Illinois football is really a huge family, and that's the great thing, because every time you go back you are bound to run into a couple of alumni who played at Illinois. It's fun to share your experiences with them and see where they are. It's kind of a fraternity in itself, and seeing all the alumni who come back, you can tell how much the program means to them." - Dave Diehl ... "It's awesome to be a part of the Illinois football family, and I really believe the Illini fans have a lot to... (Fightingillini.com)
Northern Illinois Football Injury Update Sep 9, 2008
Northern Illinois Huskies Football, Basketball, and Recruiting. com overs Northern Illinois athletics on the Scout. (CollegeInsiders.com)
Viewpoint: Problems glaring, but fixable (26) Sep 8, 2008
With an off week ahead, it s time to take stock of the Northern Illinois football team and see what we ve learned about the Huskies to this point of the season. Me co Brown is as good as advertised. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Viewpoint: Loss tough to swallow (28) Sep 7, 2008
- If winning is a learning process, the Northern Illinois football team needs to hit the classroom for the next two weeks before they host Indiana State on Sept. 20. Because for the second straight week, the Huskies had a fourth-quarter lead. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Three QBs cant get job done (26) Sep 7, 2008
The Northern Illinois football team suffered its fourth consecutive Mid-American Conference loss to start conference play. Below is a list of conference openers since the 2000 season. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Winless Illini aim to fix what ails them Sep 7, 2008
CHAMPAIGN (AP) Illinois football coach Ron Zook is sure he can fix what ailed his defense in last weekend's 52-42 loss to No. 6 Missouri, and he's more than happy he gets a chance to try this weekend. The Illini gave up 549 yards to the Tigers, leading to a locker room apology from defensive leader Brit Miller and harsh criticism from Zook, for his players and himself. (Pekin Times, IL)
NIU Comeback Attempt Falls Short at WMU Sep 7, 2008
- For a moment, it appeared the Northern Illinois football team would have a chance to mount a last-second drive again. After a 16-yard touchdown pass from to pulled the Huskies within three points of the homestanding Broncos with 40 seconds left on the clock, NIU kicker spun a perfect onside kick that teammate recovered. (CollegeInsiders.com)
A Star-Studded Night At Renovated Memorial Stadium Sep 6, 2008
Eighty former Illinois football players were selected from amongst the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs and specialists. Fourty-seven of those 80 will be on campus this weekend, and most of those were on hand Friday night to enjoy the inaugural event at the stunning Colonnades Club in the brand new stadium-west structure. (Fightingillini.com)
Special Videos To Be Shown At Renaissance Celebration Sep 6, 2008
In addition to those videos, a video commemorating the history of Illinois football will be shown at halftime, which is also the time when the 10 Greatest Quarterbacks in Illinois history will be honored. All 80 players named to the lists of 10 Greatest Players will be honored throughout the game, with video tributes and on-field appearances by the former players who were able to attend. (Fightingillini.com)
Eastern Illinois comes to town Sep 6, 2008
Plenty of former University of Illinois football greats including Dick Butkus will be in Champaign this weekend for the unveiling of the newly renovated Memorial Stadium and the Fighting Illini home opener against Eastern Illinois Saturday morning. The Orangeews takes a look at this week's contest in this report. (Illinois Sports -- Rivals.com)
Senior Xavier Fulton Is Ready For Action Sep 5, 2008
The current Illinois football players have a lot of respect for all the Illini greats that have graced the field of Memorial Stadium. Read here for more on Xavier Fulton. (IlliniBoard.com)
Michael Collison Makes Minnesota Visit Sep 4, 2008
Collison attended the Gopher-Northern Illinois football game Saturday night and GoldenSports. Net talked to Collison about his recruitment. (GoldenSports.net)
Former Illini relish chance with Panthers Sep 3, 2008
CHARLESTON -- Trash talk, albeit friendly for now, is well under way for Saturday s Eastern Illinois-Illinois football game ... What you watch on film from last Thursday won t be the same team that comes in here, the Illinois football coach said of the Panthers. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
George, Gow, And Young Join Illinois Renaissance Celebration Sep 3, 2008
"It is an honor to be named one of the best in the history and great tradition of Illinois football," George said ... "I am very excited to get back to Champaign not only to see the players who have come before me and paved the way at Illinois, but also to meet the current players that will carry on the tradition of Illinois Football.". (Fightingillini.com)
`Illinois Football: The Journey' Debuts Tuesday at 8:30 PM CT Sep 2, 2008
Illinois Football: The Journey' Debuts Tuesday at 8:30 PM CT Season premiere follows Fighting Illini from Camp Rantoul through Missouri game ... The Big Ten Network original series Illinois Football: The Journey debuts at 8:30 PM CT on Tuesday, Sept. 2 ... The first episode of Illinois Football: The Journey includes exclusive interviews with Head Coach , senior linebacker , junior quarterback , sophomore wide receiver Rejus Benn and others. (Fightingillini.com)
Illinois' loss to Missouri no reason to give up on season Sep 1, 2008
I said it before the game and I ll say it again, even though the result was more lopsided than I expected: This one game doesn t need to spoil Illinois football season. And it won t. But it does point out for the second straight game (including the Rose Bowl loss to USC) that while Illinois has made major advancements in the past three seasons, as its own coach, Ron Zook, has been saying, We ve still got a long way to go. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
GAME DAY CENTRAL Aug 31, 2008
com - 2008 Illinois Football Gameday Information. 2008 Gameday Central. (Fightingillini.com)
NIU PREVIEW - VIEWPOINT: Progress will be seen in opener Aug 30, 2008
When the Northern Illinois football team heads out of the Metrodome tunnel and onto the field Saturday night, it will be the moment new coach Jerry Kill has been waiting for since he accepted the job last December. During the game, he ll get his first test, his first opportunity to succeed or fail. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Illinois teams playing for entire state Aug 30, 2008
But you don't see Illinois football play against the teams from California, Florida or Ohio. There's been a handful of games where it's happened in the past. (Prep Sports Sports -- Rivals.com)
NIU announces depth chart, but not starting QB Aug 27, 2008
DeKALB - There still is no public decision from Northern Illinois football coach Jerry Kill on who plays quarterback, but his first game-week news conference offered evidence of how playing time will be divided. After months of insisting hes not a coach who will rotate quarterbacks, Kill stuck to that sentiment Tuesday. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Ron Zook Television Show Airs Starting September 1 Aug 26, 2008
The Show will air every week of the season starting September 1 at the dates and times below, with the exception of the week of Sept. 21, after an open date on the Illinois football schedule, when there will be no show. MARKETS. (Fightingillini.com)
Sundays Daily Dose (25) Aug 24, 2008
St. Mary s Catholic School s PTO Dad s Club in Sycamore invites area fathers to join them for a breakfast with Northern Illinois football coach Jerry Kill for a breakfast at 7 a.m on Sept. 12. The breakfast, which will be in the parish activity center, costs 15 per person. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Lighter, Quicker Miller the Man in the Middle Aug 24, 2008
Some feared the Illinois football team would have trouble replacing star J Leman at middle linebacker. But seeing how smoothly Brit Miller has assumed leadership at that spot, those fears have diminished. (IlliniBoard.com)
After losing son, EIU player leans on teammates Aug 23, 2008
CHARLESTON -- As Eastern Illinois football teammates were starting preseason practice, Seymour Loftman held his dying baby in his arms. After months of fighting, Elijah James Loftman, who was born prematurely, could fight no longer. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Beaver, Sorey To Attend Illinois Renaissance Celebration Aug 23, 2008
Sorey was a two-time All-Big Ten selection in 1973 and 1974, and was awarded the Monsignor Edward J. Duncan Award at the 2007 Illinois Football annual banquet, which is awarded annually to a UI football letterman who has displayed exemplary integrity and dedication to his community through public service and citizenship. He was a fifth-round selection by the Chicago Bears in the 1975 NFL Draft and played eight seasons with the Bears. (Fightingillini.com)
