Courtesy of FightingIllini.com CHAMPAIGN, IL – Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman took a major step in elevating Fighting Illini football in the national landscape with the hiring of longtime NFL coach Lovie Smith as head football coach. “I am extremely excited to be named head coach of the Fighting Illini,” Smith said. “Josh approached me about this possibility, … [Read more...] about Lovie Smith named Illinois football coach
Fighting Illini
Butler falls in Maui Invitational championship game
Courtesy of ButlerSports.com. LAHAINA, HAWAII -- Brandon Paul led four Illinois players in double-figures with 20 points and helped lift the Fighting Illini to a 78-61 victory over Butler in the championship game of the 2012 Maui Invitational on Wednesday, Nov. 21. The loss stopped Butler's dramatic run through the tournament. Paul scored 10 points in the … [Read more...] about Butler falls in Maui Invitational championship game
This Date in College Football Belt History – August 30
August 30, 2008 Missouri vs Illinois The 6th ranked Missouri Tigers with coach Gary Pinkel meet the 20th ranked Illinois Fighting Illini & coach Ron Zook at a neutral site in St. Louis. The teams combined for 94 points, the 4th highest scoring Belt game in history, with the Tigers holding on for a 52-42 win to retain The Belt. Missouri's QB Chase Daniel threw 3 … [Read more...] about This Date in College Football Belt History – August 30