James McCourt
FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 file photo, Arkansas coach Bret Bielema gets choked up as the senior players are introduced before the start of an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. It's going on 40 days since Bret Bielema was announced as Illinois' football coach, and since then he's assembled a staff, met returning players, recruited new ones, convinced a top player to pull his name out of the transfer portal and made the rounds getting to know administrators and alumni. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)
New Illini coach Bielema says he doesn't want to wait to win

Jan. 27, 2021 05:02 PM EST

Rutgers quarterback Noah Vedral drops back top pass against Ohio State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Rutgers tries to end 2-game skid against winless Illinois

Nov. 13, 2020 01:01 PM EST

Illinois defensive lineman Owen Carney Jr., left, strips Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell of the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Purdue beats quarterback-depleted Illinois 31-24

By Terry Towery Oct. 31, 2020 05:20 PM EDT

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) waves to fans after an NCAA college football game against Syracuse in Clemson, S.C., on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. (Ken Ruinard/Pool Photo via AP)
Column: Lawrence just wanted to play, now he must watch

By Paul Newberry Oct. 31, 2020 12:24 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2019, file photo, Wisconsin running back Nakia Watson (14) runs past Michigan State safety Xavier Henderson (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Madison, Wis. Even after beating a Wisconsin team that was favored by 30 ½ points last year, Illinois heads into Madison as a 19 ½-point underdog as the two West Division rivals prepare to open the pandemic-delayed Big Ten season Friday night. “Illinois definitely deserves a butt-whooping from last year,” Wisconsin running back Nakia Watson said earlier this month. (AP Photo/Andy Manis, File)
Illinois seeking to surprise No. 14 Wisconsin one more time

By Steve Megargee Oct. 22, 2020 12:20 PM EDT