Lovie Smith
Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell (16) is sacked by Iowa defensive linemen Jack Heflin (96) and Chauncey Golston (57) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue wary of Illini as Boilermakers try to go 2-0

By Terry Towery 2 hrs ago

Wisconsin wide receiver Danny Davis III celebrates his touchdown catch with Jake Ferguson (84) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Mertz, No. 14 Wisconsin rout Illinois 45-7 in Big Ten opener

By Steve Megargee Oct. 23, 2020 11:31 PM EDT

The seats at Camp Randall Stadium are empty as players warm up before an NCAA college football game between Wisconsin and Illinois Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Illinois at Wisconsin 10/23/2020

Oct. 23, 2020 07:33 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 19, 2019, file photo, 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, in Champaign, Ill. 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. (AP Photo/Holly Hart, File)
Illinois seeking to surprise No. 14 Wisconsin one more time

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

Fans wearing face masks to help protect against the spread of the new coronavirus take a selfie before the KBO league game between Doosan Bears and LG Twins in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, July 27, 2020. Masked fans hopped, sang and shouted cheering slogans in baseball stadiums in South Korea on Sunday as authorities began bringing back spectators in professional sports games amid the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
The Latest: Lions place five players on COVID-19 list

By The Associated Press Jul. 29, 2020 01:36 PM EDT

Illinois assistant Byrd leaves program; 2 others join

Jan. 17, 2020 06:18 PM EST
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Illinois defensive passing game coordinator and safeties coach Gill Byrd said Friday he is leaving the program because of an unspecified...

California quarterback Chase Garbers (7) hands off to running back DeShawn Collins (26) against Illinois during the second half of the Redbox Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Garbers big day leads Cal past Illinois in Redbox Bowl

By Michael Wagaman Dec. 30, 2019 07:52 PM EST

California's Wilcox looks for 1st bowl win against Illinois

By The Associated Press Dec. 29, 2019 10:10 AM EST
Redbox Bowl: California (7-5) at Illinois (6-6), Monday at 4 p.m. EST (Fox). Line: California by 6½. Series record:...

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

Northwestern wide receiver Riley Lees (19) catches a touchdown pass as Illinois defensive back Sydney Brown (30) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Champaign , Ill. Northwestern won 29-10. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Northwestern upsets rival Illinois 29-10

By Terry Towery Nov. 30, 2019 03:50 PM EST

Northwestern quarterback Andrew Marty (7) celebrates with teammate Jared Thomas (65) after rushing for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA football game against Minnesota Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Minnesota won 38-22. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Illinois hopes to tame Wildcats, move up in bowl spot

By Terry Towery Nov. 29, 2019 04:00 AM EST

Iowa running back Tyler Goodson, right, scores on a 2-yard touchdown run ahead of Illinois defensive back Stanley Green, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
No. 19 Iowa shuts down Illinois 19-10 behind Stanley, Duncan

Nov. 23, 2019 03:26 PM EST

Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, front, works to bring in a reception as Minnesota defensive back Coney Durr trails during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Surging Illinois faces stern test on the road vs No. 19 Iowa

By Luke Meredith Nov. 22, 2019 12:53 PM EST

Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Purdue won 24-22. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Big Ten Spotlight: West Division coaches in long-term deals

By Keith Jenkins Nov. 21, 2019 01:55 PM EST

Members of the Illinois football team sing at the end of the team's NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Illinois joins list of bowl eligible with huge comeback

By Noah Trister Nov. 10, 2019 03:37 PM 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

Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke throws a pass against Penn State during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Illinois can become bowl eligible by beating Michigan State

By Noah Trister Nov. 08, 2019 02:12 AM 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 quarterback Brandon Peters (18) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Purdue, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Illinois enjoying momentum as Rutgers comes to town

By Terry Towery Nov. 01, 2019 01:44 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2019, file photo, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Fleck believes keeping an open line of communication is the key to allowing him to redshirt a player without resistance, and avoid having an athlete make the decision himself. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Illinois has shot to earn bowl bid for 1st time under Smith

By Larry Lage Oct. 31, 2019 04:54 PM EDT