Ricky Smalling
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, Saturday, Oct.19, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. Illinois won 24-21. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)
Illinois stuns No. 6 Wisconsin 24-23 on last-second FG

By Terry Towery Oct. 19, 2019 04:03 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2019, file photo, Illinois running back Mike Epstein gets away from Rutgers defensive back Kiy Hester on the way to a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Piscataway, N.J. Epstein is back this year and ready to go, head coach Lovie Smith said. (AP Photo/David Boe, File)
Illini cite improvement, look to better 4-8 record

By Terry Towery Aug. 13, 2019 02:09 PM EDT

Illinois kicker Chase McLaughlin (43) is congratulated by teammates after kicking a field goal against Northwestern during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Thorson helps No. 20 Northwestern beats Illinois 24-16

By John Jackson Nov. 24, 2018 06:53 PM EST

Rutgers quarterback Artur Sitkowski looks for a receiver as Illinois defensive lineman Bobby Roundtree, left, is blocked during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/David Boe)
AJ Bush runs for 2 TDs, passes for another, Illinois wins

By Tom Canavan Oct. 06, 2018 07:41 PM EDT