Submit your questions.

Hey Everyone , Just a thought . Don't you find it strange that Chase is foregoing playing with his teammates in the RellaQuest Bowl , but he has accepted the bid to play in the Senior Bowl ?

No word on what Illinois players may opt out of the ReliQuest Bowl, but I suspect we will get info from Bret Bielema soon. There is a press conference on Saturday at State Farm Center before the basketball game.

Purdue took a big hit for their bowl game.

Login to view embedded media

Actually not an Illinois signee. But another highly ranked underachiever. One of the most frustrating players for me to watch.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday.

God bless.

I’ve heard somewhere that Illinois will have anywhere from 10-15 early enrollees. Does anyone know who they are?

That was terrible in every way.

I don't think Hawkins at the point makes any sense. He has most turnovers of the starters and lowest 3pt % of starters. His free throw percentage is lowest of starters too. We need him in a position to score which is close to the basket. We have two point guards who have no one cutting to the basket. No one setting picks like Kofi did and then breaking to the basket. You basketball experts out there correct me if I am wrong. Seriously, tell this novice what he is missing. Let's move Hawkins close to the basket where he doesn't have to try to do things he is not capable of.

I'll post names that I hear in this thread.

Head coach: Bret Bielema

Offensive coordinator / quarterback: Barry Lunney Jr.
Offensive line: Bart Miller
Tight end: Ben Miller (status unknown for 2023)
Running back: Vacant
Wide receiver: George McDonald

Defensive coordinator / cornerbacks: Aaron Henry
Defensive line: Terrance Jamison
Inside linebackers: Andy Buh
Outside linebackers: Vacant
Safeties: Vacant

* assuming they keep the same basic structure in place.

In a state with 13 million people there are no winners and it’s been this way for YEARS. The 85 Bears and the Jordan Bulls and that’s pretty much it. Bulls Sox Cubs Hawks Bears are all pathetic as well as the college teams and Illini are no exception. Missouri game last night was the most inept and disappointing performance I have ever seen basketball wise and been following the Illini since the late 60s. No way that should happen with the talent in this state. Even in Missouri you have the Cards and the Chief’s as well as Missouri sports. When was last time Illini beat Missouri in football? Underwood’s coaching last night made Gross and Weber look like John Wooden. Unacceptable and pathetic. Sorry for long rant but I’m really pissed off today

Underwood took the blame, which is a good starting point.

Underwood: "I'll get us better".

Login to view embedded media

RJ Melendez should be back in the staring lineup tonight.

Zach Perrin is dressed but unlikely to play unless its a route.

Bret Bielema statement: "When I took the job here at the University of Illinois, building a championship staff was one of the first priorities. Since Cory Patterson was retained as running backs coach, he has done a tremendous job. Thank you to Cory and his family for everything they have done for Illinois. As of today, he has taken an opportunity outside of our program. As a program that continues to improve on the field, yesterday on National Signing Day, and with the opportunity ahead of us on January 2nd, transition is part of the process. With any turnover, the opportunity to improve is what excites me the most as we continue to move our program forward. I-L-L."

Iowa State

Login to view embedded media

Announcement on signing day. Michigan is notably not listed.

Login to view embedded media

This thread will be updated as national letters of intent are received at the Smith Center football offices.

Most kids are signing first thing in the morning. All should be signed before the Bret Bielma press conference at 3 pm CT.

CB Jyaire Hill is set to announce his decision at 2 pm CT. Sounds like Illinois or Purdue, but there's a lot of uncertainty.

EIU this afternoon 92 to 83 in Iowa City. The Squaks were 31.5 point favorites.

Login to view embedded media