Josh Imatorbhebhe
Illinois linebacker Owen Carney talks to reporters during an NCAA college football news conference at the Big Ten Conference media days, Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Illini turn to Bret Bielema to keep building in Big Ten

By Terry Towery Aug. 16, 2021 04:31 PM EDT

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Parker Washington (3) during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. Penn State defeated Michigan State 39-24. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State, Illinois ready to close out regular season

By Travis Johnson Dec. 17, 2020 05:34 PM EST

Illinois linebacker Tarique Barnes (44) celebrates with teammates after he intercepted a pass by Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
No. 24 Iowa taking nothing for granted against Illinois

By Terry Towery Dec. 03, 2020 05:48 PM EST

Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey, left, and Illinois defensive lineman Owen Carney Jr. (99) go after the ball following a bad snap in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. Nebraska recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Illini win 2nd in row 41-23 over turnover-plagued Huskers

By Eric Olson Nov. 21, 2020 03:54 PM EST

Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Illinois, in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Illinois at Nebraska 11/21/2020

Nov. 21, 2020 11:51 AM EST

California coach Justin Wilcox, left, talks to an official during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against UCLA on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
California takes on Illinois in Redbox Bowl

Michael Wagaman Dec. 29, 2019 10:02 AM EST

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz watches during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 24-22. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
No. 19 Iowa seeking 11th win over Illinois in 12 tries

By The Associated Press Nov. 21, 2019 05:52 PM EST

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) rushes against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
No. 2 Ohio St. hosts No. 9 Penn St. looking to wrap up East

By Eric Olson Nov. 21, 2019 04:00 AM EST

Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Illinois storms back to beat Michigan State 37-34

By Noah Trister Nov. 09, 2019 07:57 PM EST

Illinois defensive lineman Jamal Milan (55) tackles Rutgers quarterback Johnny Langan for a loss during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Swarming defense lifts Illinois over Rutgers 38-10

By Terry Towery Nov. 02, 2019 08:10 PM EDT

Illinois defensive lineman Jamal Milan (55) tackles Rutgers quarterback Johnny Langan for a loss during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Swarming Illinois defense leads to 38-10 win over Rutgers

By Terry Towery Nov. 02, 2019 07:18 PM EDT

Illinois' Josh Imatorbhebhe, second from right, celebrates with teammates including Donny Navarro (86) after scoring a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Oct.19, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. Illinois won 24-21. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)
Illinois stuns No. 6 Wisconsin 24-23 on last-second FG

By Terry Towery Oct. 19, 2019 04:03 PM EDT

Connecticut wide receiver Ardell Brown (83) is stopped by Illinois defensive back Nate Hobbs (8) and Illinois defensive back Stanley Green (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in East Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Illini end nonconference road losing streak 31-23 over UConn

By Pat Eaton-Robb Sep. 07, 2019 07:02 PM EDT