Illini football program has fallen hard Oct 13, 2009
Illinois football, I reasoned, had climbed up off the mat, had staged one heck of an exciting season, and now, after this unexpected visit to the Rose Bowl, was ahead of the curve on its resurgence back into the land of college football relevance. Ron Zook and his crew were rounding up talented players and maybe the best was yet to come. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
COLUMN: After fundraiser we can get back to football Oct 12, 2009
He apparently wanted Eastern Illinois football coach Bob Spoo to gripe about how long of a trip it is to Happy Valley, Pa. to pick up a check from Penn State University. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Spartans find spark that Illini seek Oct 11, 2009
They've benched senior quarterback Juice Williams, for more than three years the face of Ron Zook's bid to revive Illinois football. Zook hands the ball this week to backup quarterback Eddie McGee, an athletic redshirt junior who has played regularly in relief of Williams, shows more emotion on the field and who, some teammates say, may be what they need. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
PSU game has many benefits for EIU Oct 10, 2009
Never mind this will be the biggest crowd ever to see an Eastern Illinois football team compete, even if Penn State fails to sell out its 107,000-plus seat stadium. Never mind the $450,000 the Lions are shelling out to Eastern Illinois just to make the Panthers their whipping boys for a day. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Orange and Blue World Series Dates Announced Oct 2, 2009
The first game will be Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. at Illinois Field, with game two on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Games three and four will be Thursday, Oct. 8, and Friday, Oct. 9, both at 3:30 p.m. Game five will be Saturday, Oct. 10, following that day's Illinois football game. The series is free and open to the public. (Fightingillini.com)
Ticket sales going well but seats still available for EIU Oct 1, 2009
CHARLESTON Some additional seats are being moved into the south end zone for Saturday s Eastern Illinois football game at O Brien Field. Ticket sales have been good for the Family Weekend contest against Eastern Kentucky matching the Ohio Valley Conference s two co-leaders with 2-0 records and Football Championship Subdivision national rankings. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Local big man gaining interest Sep 30, 2009
Central and 2012 big man Jay Simpson, it was a University of Illinois football game. Get the latest update on his recruitment in this report. (Illinois Sports -- Rivals.com)
Illinois offense stacked and ready Sep 26, 2009
Whenever a team loses the way the Illinois football squad did to open the season, questiosn surrounding the team are sure to follow. However, Illinois head coach Ron Zook still feels the same way about his squad that was picked by some to win the Big Ten. (Ohio State Sports -- Rivals.com)
Illinois looking for another upset Sep 23, 2009
Coming into the game against Ohio State this Saturday as heavy underdogs, the Illinois football team has been in this position before -- and been successful. The Illini may have one of the more explosive offenses in the Big Ten but have underachieved thus far this season. (Ohio State Sports -- Rivals.com)
Game time set for Penn State at Illinois football Sep 22, 2009
The Sentinel Online : Features Penn State Football. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
COLUMN: Could those fumbles be a good thing? Sep 21, 2009
Maybe after two routs, this undefeated Eastern Illinois football team needed a challenge so it fumbled away those apparent touchdowns just to make it interesting. To be honest with you it was good for us, quarterback Jake Christensen said. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Cardinals Minor League Notebook: 09/19/09 Sep 20, 2009
The Florida Winter League signed their first big name in former Illinois football star and current Milwaukee Brewers minor leaguer Dallas McPherson. He will play for the Space Coast Surge. (St. Louis, TheInsiders.com)
HERSOM: Bob Spoo is worth knowing Sep 18, 2009
Posted: Friday, September 18, 2009 Blame it on Robert Frost and his two roads diverging in the woods, if you like. For as long as I can remember and much to the lament of family and friends, my mind will sometimes veer off down some tangential trail, leading me from Point A to Point Z and then back to Point B.. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Injury Situation, Secondary Among Zook Topics Sep 17, 2009
com staffDate: Sep 16, 2009 As suspected, a solid victory over Illinois State did little to calm the concerns of the Illini fandom toward the fate of the Illinois football team for 2009. Imperfections overrule the successes in the minds of many fans. (IlliniBoard.com)
Game 3 (Sept. 26): Illinois (1-1) at Ohio State (1-1) [as... Sep 16, 2009
The 2009 Illinois football schedule includes eight teams that played in bowl games a year ago -- Missouri, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Fresno State and Cincinnati -- including three that played in BCS games. After opening against 2008 Big 12 North champion and 25th-ranked Missouri, the Illini faced Illinois State on Sept. 12 before starting the Big Ten season at #11 Ohio State and then hosting #5 Penn State and Michigan State, the top three teams in the... (Fightingillini.com)
Hawgs and Dawgs Set for Saturday's Football Game Sep 16, 2009
- The sixth annual Hawgs and Dawgs event takes place this Saturday at McAndrew Stadium as the Southern Illinois football team hosts Southwest Baptist at 6 p.m.. The "Final Ride" at McAndrew welcomes all bike types and for $20 dollars, a cycle rider will receive a game ticket, food coupon, commemorative t-shirt and the opportunity to form the Harley tunnel for the team before the game and to ride their bike around the field at halftime. (Siusalukis.com)
A shutout but no perfect game for Panthers Sep 14, 2009
TERRE HAUTE -- After griping about a win when allowing just six points, Eastern Illinois football defense pitched a shutout. So what now. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
High School Notebook: Canon-Mac senior cleared to play Sep 14, 2009
An Illinois football program has been suspended from competition indefinitely because the team and its fans were involved in a fight during a game Sept. 4. The Illinois High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) ruled North Chicago High had to forfeit its game against Vernon Hills Friday. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
EIU's Burge out for today's game with illness Sep 13, 2009
TERRE HAUTE - Defensive end Perry Burge is to miss today's Eastern Illinois football game because of illness. Colin Luczynski, a 6-foot-1, 234-pound junior, is to replace Burge in the starting lineup for the gamme set to start at 11:05 a.m. at Indiana State. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Spoo still recalls bad night at ISU Sep 12, 2009
As Eastern Illinois football coach, Spoo has won 14 of 19 meetings with the Sycamores, including one that began a four-game job-saving win streak in 1994 and then one clinching an NCAA postseason playoff berth the next year. But asked for one lasting memory of this series between nearby colleges that at least for next year is to be interrupted, Spoo brings up an unhappy one. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Illini Athletes Host Children From Carle Clinic at... Sep 11, 2009
The kids' attendance at the game is in conjunction with the University of Illinois football team's participation in Special Spectators, a national nonprofit organization. Special Spectators, in partnership with Football Bowl Subdivision programs and children's hospitals, coordinates a day of fun and excitement for seriously ill children and their parents at college football games across the United States. (Fightingillini.com)
Run or pass? Johnson will take either Sep 11, 2009
Entering his second time as a head coach facing the Mattoon program coached by his father, Gerald, from 1997 through 2007 before being inducted into the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame last spring, Wes Temples does not have a finished product at Normal quite yet. We re kind of a young team, said the younger Temples who went 9-2 last season in his first year as head coach. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Illini under pressure, look for first win Sep 11, 2009
A week into the 2009 season and this is what Illinois football coach Ron Zook is facing ... And now, the man who along with Red Grange is the icon of Illinois football, said the Illini were so bad last week that he couldn't watch. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Looking ahead Sep 10, 2009
With the majority of top prospects in state for the class of 2010 verbally committed, the Orangeews takes a look at nine 2011 state of Illinois football prospects we will be keeping an eye on this fall as potential top players for next fall. Find out more about the group and Edwardsville running back Rodney Coe in this report. (Illinois Sports -- Rivals.com)
Indiana St. has losing streak; Spoo has warning Sep 10, 2009
When talking to the media, Eastern Illinois football coach has not even spelled out the name with any intentions of discrediting another Ohio Valley Conference team. Who knows how Spoo words it to his players behind closed doors or on the practice field. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
WR prospect Prater picks USC over Illini Sep 3, 2009
Wide receiver prospect Kyle Prater commits to USC; spurns Illinois, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Tennessee - ESPN Chicago. Originally Published: September 2, 2009. (ESPN -- College Football News)
Game 1: Illinois (0-0) vs. Missouri (0-0) at St. Louis Sep 2, 2009
The 2009 Illinois football schedule includes eight teams that played in bowl games a year ago -- Missouri, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Fresno State and Cincinnati -- including three that played in BCS games. Illinois' first four FBS opponents in 2009 were a combined 40-13 last season. (Fightingillini.com)
Walters ready for last shot at staying with Kansas City Sep 2, 2009
KANSAS CITY -- Maybe few things would keep Pierre Walters from attending or at least listening to his former Eastern Illinois football team playing rival Illinois State Thursday. But Walters will be too busy. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
DIA Says Thanks to Philo's Montgomery Family Aug 27, 2009
Here is list of the items donated by the DIA to the Montgomerys, who are big Fighting Illini fans: Six tickets to the Illinois-Michigan Football game on Oct. 31, plus an invitation to be on the field with the captains for the coin toss Six tickets to the Illinois-Northwestern men's basketball game on Dec. 30 One family Go Illini Card to gain admission to all regular season home women's basketball, baseball, gymnastics, soccer, softball, track, volleyball and wrestling events One football... (Fightingillini.com)
Football ranked No. 7 in Preseason Coaches Poll Aug 25, 2009
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Southern Illinois football team debuted at No. 7 in the preseason Football Championship Subdivision Coaches Poll that was released Monday. The Salukis received 468 points in the initial poll of the 2009 season. (Siusalukis.com)
Illinois Fan Appreciation Day Set for Saturday, Aug. 29 Aug 22, 2009
University of Illinois football fans will have an opportunity to meet and greet the 2009 Fighting Illini on Saturday, Aug. 29 from Noon-2 p.m. in the Great West Hall of Memorial Stadium. Admission is free and parking will be available in the northeast and northwest lots of Assembly Hall. (Fightingillini.com)
Dufrene adds weight to pack punch for Illini Aug 20, 2009
- Illinois football coach Ron Zook expects several running backs to get playing time for the Illini this fall. But so far, senior running back Daniel Dufrene is the best of the bunch. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
Even if tired, Kyle Hudson is enjoying a full season Aug 19, 2009
Two years earlier the former Mattoon star was probably sweating through an even tougher double-day Illinois football practice. Hudson still is benefiting from his time as an Illini receiver. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Mack likes four Aug 19, 2009
Although the Illinois football staff has yet to bring 6-foot-5, 310-pound Little Rock(Ark. Pulaski Academy prospect Parker Mack to campus, they remain in the thick of the race for his signature this February. (Boston College Sports -- Rivals.com)
Illinois Football Nearing Sellout for Penn State, Michigan State Aug 18, 2009
Illinois football ticket sales totals are on pace with last year's ticket numbers at this time. Illinois has sold out four games in each of the last two seasons. (Fightingillini.com)
For Illini, don't forget the punter Aug 18, 2009
n Illinois football season opener is two weeks from Saturday against Missouri in St. Louis. And while it s true that Mizzou has lost talented quarterback Chase Daniel and electric receiver/kick returner Jeremy Maclin, the cupboard is not bare. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Michigan transfer makes himself known Aug 17, 2009
For some of the most interested Eastern Illinois football fans attending Saturday s scrimmage, this was their introduction to Jimmy Potempa, a former Michigan walk-on who two years ago carried the ball twice against Notre Dame. That s the way he s practiced all week, EIU offensive coordinator Roy Wittke said. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Scrimmage Marks Camp Rantoul's Half-way Point Aug 16, 2009
No official stats were kept, but several highlights were noted during the scrimmage on the Illinois Football. Check out players' and coaches' post-scrimmage comments. (Fightingillini.com)
Tight End Fiedorowicz Visits Camp Rantoul Aug 11, 2009
com staffDate: Aug 10, 2009 Ron Zook and the Illinois football coaches have done a tremendous job bringing in top talent the last five years. A sincere, caring approach and a true family atmosphere on campus and within the team have attracted top prospects from far and wide. (IlliniBoard.com)
So far, so good for Walters with KC Chiefs Aug 10, 2009
CHARLESTON Children of all ages are invited to a clinic conducted by Eastern Illinois football players and coaches as part of today s media day at O Brien Stadium. A team photo is scheduled for 1 p.m. and is to be followed by media interviews and then the clinic running from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Youth can also get autographs from EIU players and take photos with Billy the Panther. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
SjT: Big 10 Preview Part III Aug 7, 2009
A good start and it could be Roses, a bad start and theyll quit on Zook, an even split and, well, welcome to Illinois football. Key game: vs. I think the Illini will get either PSU or MSU at home this year, but the Spartan game is the one they really need to focus on as a must-win if they want to have January 1 bowl hopes, as losses in Columbus and to the Nittany Lions will be excusable. (PurpleWildcats.com)
Follow the Fighting Illini on Twitter and Facebook Aug 7, 2009
Recently, the Illinois Football Twitter page () gave away 2008 Rose Bowl game programs and the page has a weekly trivia question where the winner receives a 2007 highlight DVD.. In addition to each sport having a fan page, also offered on Facebook is a general Fighting Illini Athletics page (), which gives updates and highlights on the athletic department as a whole, including promotions and ticket specials. (Fightingillini.com)
Schedule Set for 2009 Ron Zook TV Show Aug 6, 2009
The Show features 12 episodes aired weekly following Illinois football games (will not be aired after bye weeks), with the first show set for September 7-9. Illini fans across the country can catch Zook's weekly analysis on the Big Ten Network on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. All times listed are central. (Fightingillini.com)
Zook lobbies for Illinois-Northwestern at Wrigley Jul 28, 2009
According to Illinois football coach Ron Zook, it could be an Illinois-Northwestern matchup. ESPN 1000, Chicago. (ESPN -- College Football News)
Illinois adds a year to Ron Zook's contract Jul 24, 2009
CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois football coach Ron Zook has received a one-year contract extension. University trustees on Thursday approved the agreement keeping the fifth-year coach under contract with Illinois through January 2014. (FindLaw News)
Shaw, St. Aug's earn respect Jul 24, 2009
Zook gets extension: Illinois football coach Ron Zook has received a one-year contract extension. University trustees on Thursday approved the agreement. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Biggest Questions Facing Illini Jul 23, 2009
That said, we give you Illinois Football 09. to read the rest of this story. (IlliniBoard.com)
Illinois Football Training Camp Dates Set Jul 23, 2009
Fans can watch Illinois' first 18 practices of training camp. 2009 Camp Rantoul Schedule Thurs. (Fightingillini.com)
NIU, Kansas will play one another in football Jul 22, 2009
Search Local Business Listings. 7/21/2009, 7:45 p.m. PDT. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
Illinois Football's Summer Regime Includes Yoga Training Jul 18, 2009
Summer is anything but boring for members of the Fighting Illini football team. While the pace isn't anything like that which they endure during the regular season, they're expending plenty of energy, not only in summer school classes, but also in the weight room and on the field, getting bigger, stronger, faster, and more flexible. (Fightingillini.com)
Football Equipment Manager Trent Chesnut Chat Recap Jul 17, 2009
Click the link below for the chat recap with Illinois football equipment manager from Thursday. Upcoming "Lunchtime Chat with..." Schedule 7/21 - Angela Bizzarri, Women's Track and Field 7/23 - Mike Tisdale, Men's Basketball. (Fightingillini.com)
EIU football team to play Northwestern Jul 15, 2009
CHARLESTON -- Make it six trips to Big Ten Country in six straight seasons for Eastern Illinois football team. EIU announced on Tuesday it is to play at Northwestern University in 2011 giving the Panthers a game against a fifth opponent from the one of the nation s best football conferences. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Ten years on the job Jul 10, 2009
The Orangeews on the Rivals network has been around now for ten long years covering Illinois football. Three of those that have been with the site the longest take a look back at some of our memories of covering the team during that period of time in this report. (Illinois Sports -- Rivals.com)
Chat Recap with Mike Davis Jul 10, 2009
Upcoming "Lunchtime Chat with" Schedule 7/14 - Arrelious "Rejus" Benn, Illinois football // 7/16 - , Football equipment manager. . (Fightingillini.com)
McElroy back with Bears, still running youth camp Jul 10, 2009
Eastern Illinois football coach Bob Spoo soon started to host his own football camp, but McElroy still held onto the idea of hosting his own youth football camp at some point. It wasn t a professional guy that came from here that was putting on the camp, McElroy said. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Chat Recap with Ticket Office Director Jason Heggemeyer Jul 8, 2009
Upcoming "Lunchtime Chat with" Schedule 7/9 - , Illinois basketball // 7/14 - Arrelious "Rejus" Benn, Illinois football 7/16 - , Football equipment manager. . (Fightingillini.com)
Romo to return to EIU for Homecoming/Hall of Fame Jul 7, 2009
CHARLESTON -- Why cram Hall of Fame day and Homecoming into the same Oct. 17 Eastern Illinois football game. Because that s when Tony Romo can come, that s why. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Illinois Athletics Introduces "Lunchtime Chats With..." Jul 7, 2009
"Lunchtime Chat with" Schedule 7/7 - , Illinois ticket office 7/9 - , Illinois basketball 7/14 - Arrelious "Rejus" Benn, Illinois football 7/16 - , Football equipment manager. . (Fightingillini.com)
Illinois Sports Network Radio Stations Jul 5, 2009
The 45-station Illini Sports Network brings Illinois football to fans across the state and Midwest with Brian Barnhart, Kurt Kittner and Steve Kelly calling the action ... 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,... (Fightingillini.com)
Dogs Get More TV Time Jun 25, 2009
The Dec. 5 Fresno State at Illinois football game will be on Big Ten Network at 9:30 a.m. PST. It will be Fresno State's first-ever appearance on the Big Ten Network. Fresno State has never played Illinois. (Gobulldogs.com)
Two More Illinois Football Game Times Set Jun 25, 2009
The Big Ten Conference announced today a pair of game times and television coverage for the 2009 Illinois football schedule ... 2009 Illinois Football Schedule game times set thus far. (Fightingillini.com)
Lions Dominate BTN Honors Jun 20, 2009
Most Dominating Performance: - Illinois football (10/4/08) Penn State Nominees: Megan Hodge - Penn State volleyball (Final Four, 12/18 and 12/20/08) - Penn State football (9/27/08). Game of the Year: Northwestern vs. State - men's basketball (1/21/09) Penn State nominees: Penn State vs. - football (10/25/08) Michigan State vs. Penn State - men's basketball (2/1/09) Penn State vs. Iowa - men's basketball (3/7/09) Penn State vs. Iowa - football (11/8/08). (LionNews.com)
Defender talks Illini visit Jun 20, 2009
One player Ron Zook's University of Illinois football program has been recruiting hard recently is Chicago (Ill. St. Rita defensive tackle Bruce Gaston Jr. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound standout was on the University of Illinois campus today and recaps his visit in this Orangeews update. (Illinois Sports -- Rivals.com)
More from Easterly Jun 19, 2009
6-foot-5, 200-pound Detroit(MI) Cass Tech athlete Daniel Easterly became the fourth verbal commitment to the Illinois football program yesterday after calling up head coach Ron Zook and assistant Keith Gilmore with the good news. To continue reading this article you must be a member. (Illinois Sports -- Rivals.com)
Kirk? Tom? Daniel? Lauren? Jun 19, 2009
Most Dominating Performance Megan Hodge - Penn State volleyball (Final Four, 12/18 and 12/20/08) Deshawn Sims - Michigan basketball (Big Ten Tournament, 3/12/09) - Iowa softball (10/4/08) Derrick Williams - Penn State football (9/27/08) Juice Williams - Illinois football (10/4/08) Alex Wimmers - Ohio State baseball (4/1/09). Most Courageous Performance Jamelle Cornley - Penn State basketball Robbie Hummel - Purdue basketball Jaevery McFadden - Wisconsin football Mark Mitera - Michigan hockey Joe... (Hawkeyesports.com)
