Isaiah Gay
FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 file photo, Arkansas coach Bret Bielema gets choked up as the senior players are introduced before the start of an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. It's going on 40 days since Bret Bielema was announced as Illinois' football coach, and since then he's assembled a staff, met returning players, recruited new ones, convinced a top player to pull his name out of the transfer portal and made the rounds getting to know administrators and alumni. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)
New Illini coach Bielema says he doesn't want to wait to win

Jan. 27, 2021 05:02 PM EST

Illinois' Reggie Corbin (2) runs the ball in the second half of a NCAA college football game against Eastern Michigan, Saturday, Sept.14, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)
Huskers meet Illini looking to finally break through on road

By Eric Olson Sep. 20, 2019 03:00 AM 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