Lovie Smith
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

Ohio State defenders Chase Young (2) and Tyreke Smith (11) cause Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan to fumble the ball on fourth down during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Wisconsin 38-7. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
AP Top 25 Takeaways: Heisman Chase, upset Saturday in Big 12

By Ralph D. Russo Oct. 26, 2019 09:22 PM EDT

Illinois place kicker James McCourt (17) kicks a field goal out of the hold of punter Blake Hayes (14) 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)
Fighting Illini splash through rain for 24-6 win at Purdue

By Michael Marot Oct. 26, 2019 03:32 PM EDT

Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm, center, watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 26-20. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Improving Illini defense creates big challenge for Purdue

By Michael Marot Oct. 25, 2019 02:00 AM EDT

Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters (18) is sacked by Wisconsin's Chris Orr (54) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct.19, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)
No. 3 Buckeyes face toughest test to date vs No. 13 Badgers

By Eric Olson Oct. 24, 2019 02:13 AM EDT

Penn State coach James Franklin, right, and Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, left, meet after an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. Penn State won 28-21. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
AP Top 25 Takeaways: Week before showdown, Wisconsin exposed

By Ralph D. Russo Oct. 19, 2019 10:01 PM EDT