Lovie Smith

Ohio State running back Master Teague, right, cuts up field as Indiana defensive lineman Jonathan King tries to make the tackle during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Indiana 42-35. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Saturday's best

By The Associated Press Nov. 21, 2020 08:45 PM EST

Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey, left, and Illinois defensive lineman Owen Carney Jr. (99) go after the ball following a bad snap in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. Nebraska recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Illini win 2nd in row 41-23 over turnover-plagued Huskers

By Eric Olson Nov. 21, 2020 03:54 PM EST

Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Illinois, in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Illinois at Nebraska 11/21/2020

Nov. 21, 2020 11:51 AM EST

Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) is pursued by Penn State defensive end Jayson Oweh (28) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Illini, Huskers hope to add to positive vibes after 1st wins

By Eric Olson Nov. 19, 2020 01:56 AM EST

Illinois running back Mike Epstein (26) scores a touchdown past Rutgers linebacker Tyshon Fogg (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

McCourt's late field goal sends Illinois past Rutgers 23-20

By Matt Sugam Nov. 14, 2020 05:31 PM EST

Illinois running back Mike Epstein (26) celebrates after scoring during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Rutgers tries to end 2-game skid against winless Illinois

Nov. 13, 2020 01:01 PM EST

Illinois running back Mike Epstein (26) scores during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Ibrahim's 4TDs carries Minnesota past Illini 41-14

Nov. 07, 2020 07:35 PM EST

Illinois running back Mike Epstein (26) carries the ball as Purdue cornerback Cam Allen defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Gophers, Illini square off looking for first win of season

By Terry Towery Nov. 05, 2020 09:51 PM EST

Purdue beats quarterback-depleted Illinois 31-24

By Terry Towery Oct. 31, 2020 03:50 PM EDT

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 Oct. 29, 2020 02:04 AM EDT

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:...