Rod Smith
University of Illinois' new football coach Bret Bielema and his family were introduced to the media outside the Smith Center on UI campus in Champaign, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 20 , 2020. (Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette via AP)
New Illinois coach to make homegrown talent a priority

By Terry Towery Dec. 21, 2020 05:45 PM EST

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

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, left, and Illinois head coach Lovie Smith shakes hands after an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. Iowa won 35-21. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Illinois fires coach Lovie Smith after 5 seasons

Dec. 13, 2020 12:56 PM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2017, file photo, Wisconsin's Isaiahh Loudermilk (97) and Leon Jacobs celebrate after a sack of Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin traditionally wins games primarily because of its running game and defense. Now that Jonathan Taylor has moved on to the NFL, that would seem to put more pressure on the defense to carry the load as the Badgers’ offense adjusts to life without the two-time Doak Walker Award winner. The defense looks forward to that challenge. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Wisconsin's veteran defense ready for bigger responsibility

By Steve Megargee Oct. 19, 2020 05:10 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