Illinois Fighting Illini football: Difference between revisions

Fighting Illini in the NFL/AFL
NFL Draft Selections
Top 5 Draft Picks	8
1st round:	23
Total Currently Playing:	19
Total NFL Players:	238
Notable Achievements
Illini in the Super Bowl:	39
Pro Football Hall of Famers:	6
College Football Hall of Famers:	15

Illinois Fighting Illini football
Illinois Fighting Illini football
	2017 Illinois Fighting Illini football team
First season	1890
Head coach	; 1st season, 3–9 (.250)
Stadium	Memorial Stadium; (capacity: 60,670)
Field surface	FieldTurf
Location	Champaign, Illinois
Division	West
All-time record	587–561–51 (.511)
Bowl record	8–10 (.444)
Claimed national titles	5 (1914, 1919, 1923, 1927, 1951)
Conference titles	15
Consensus All-Americans	24
Colors	Orange and blue;
Fight song	Illinois Loyalty and Oskee Wow Wow
Marching band	Marching Illini
Major Rivals	Northwestern Wildcats; Missouri Tigers; Purdue Boilermakers; Indiana Hoosiers; Ohio State Buckeyes
Outfitter	Nike

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The Illinois Fighting Illini is a college football program, representing the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. They compete in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the Big Ten Conference.

History

Early History (1890–1912)

The University of Illinois fielded its first football team in 1890, under the direction of Scott Williams, the team's starting quarterback who also served as the team's head coach. The team finished with a record of 1–2.^[2] Robert Lackey took over the reins for the program's second season in 1891, and the team finished undefeated with a mark of 6–0.^[3] In July 1892, several days after graduating from Dartmouth, Edward K. Hall was hired by the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign to serve as head football coach and director of physical training at a salary of $1,000. He announced at the time that he would spend the summer working as a waiter at a hotel in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, before reporting to Illinois.^[4] He was the third head football coach at Illinois, held that position for the 1892 and 1893 seasons, and led the team to a record of 12–6–4 in his two years as head coach.^[5] His 1892 team compiled a 9–4–1 record, played the first games in the football rivalries with Northwestern and Chicago, and played six road games in nine days (four wins and two losses) in late October 1892.^[6]^[7]

George Huff was the fifth head coach in Illini football history, succeeding Louis Vail.^[8] Huff led the Illini into the Big Ten Conference, which formed in 1896.^[9] After back-to-back 4–2–1 seasons in 1895 and 1896,^[10]^[11] the Illini posted a 6–2 record in 1897.^[12] That proved to be the high point of Huff's tenure, as Illinois slipped to 4–5 in 1898 and 3–5–1 in 1899,^[13]^[14] ending Huff's tenure at Illinois.

Arthur Hall served as Illinois' head football coach from 1907-1912, compiling a 36–12–4 record.^[15] Hall led the Illini to an undefeated 7–0 mark in 1910.^[16]

Robert Zuppke era (1913–1941)

For 29 seasons, Robert Zuppke served as Illinois' head football coach.^[17] During his tenure, Illinois' fan attendance at home games skyrocketed from an average of 4,500 to 60,000.^[18] Zuppke led Under Zuppke's leadership, the Fighting Illini posted undefeated seasons in 1914,^[19] 1915,^[20] 1923^[21] and 1927.^[22]

In 1914, the Fighting Illini compiled a 7–0 record (6–0 against Western Conference opponents), claim a national championship, and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 224 to 22.^[23] The team was retroactively selected as the national champion for 1914 by the Billingsley Report and as a co-national champion with Army by Parke H. Davis.^[24] End Perry Graves and guard Ralph Chapman were consensus All-Americans. Chapman was the team captain.^[25]

In 1915, the Illini compiled a 5–0–2 record and finished as co-champions of the Western Conference.^[26] Center John W. Watson was the team captain.^[27]

In 1923, the Fighting Illini compiled an 8–0 record (5–0 against Big Ten Conference opponents) and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 136 to 20.^[28] The team was selected retroactively as the national champion by the Boand System, College Football Researchers Association, Helms Athletic Foundation, and Parke H. Davis, and as a co-national champion by the Berryman QPRS system, National Championship Foundation, and Jeff Sagarin (using the ELO-Chess methodology).^[24] Guard Jim McMillen and halfback Red Grange were consensus All-Americans. McMillen was also the team captain.^[29]

In 1927, the Fighting Illini compiled a 7–0–1 record (5–0 against Western Conference opponents) and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 152 to 24.^[30] The team was selected as the 1927 national champion by the Billingsley Report, Dickinson System, Helms Athletic Foundation, National Championship Foundation, and Parke H. Davis.^[24] Though the team had no consensus All-Americans and was known for its lack of prominent names, center Robert Reitsch and guard Russ Crane made a handful of first-team selections. Reitsch was also the team captain.^[31]

Illinois struggled from 1930-1941, posting seven losing seasons and no conference championships.^[32] The Illini did finish 7–1 in 1934, however, this proved to be the last season of six or more wins during the Zuppke era.^[33] Zuppke retired from Illinois following a 2–6 campaign in 1941,^[34] leaving the Illini after compiling a 131–81–12 record.^[35]

Ray Eliot era (1942–1959)

File:Ray Eliot.png

Coach Eliot

Illinois promoted assistant coach Ray Eliot to the position of head coach after Zuppke's retirement.^[36] Eliot would lead the Illini football program for 18 seasons, compiling a 83–73–11 record.^[37]

In 1946, the Illini won the Big Ten Conference title and completed an 8–2 season with a 45–14 win over UCLA in the Rose Bowl. The team's captain was center Mac Wenskunas. Guard Alex Agase was voted the team's most valuable player and received the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten's most valuable player.^[38]

In 1951, the Illini compiled a 9–0–1 record, finished in first place in the Big Ten Conference, was ranked #4 in the final AP Poll, and defeated Stanford 40–7 in the 1952 Rose Bowl. The lone setback was a scoreless tie with Ohio State.^[39] The team currently is the school's last national champion in football with a 40 to 7 rout of Stanford in what was the first nationally televised college football game. Additionally, there is one NCAA record that remains unbroken today, and may stand the test of time. Al Brosky had a career record 30 interceptions during the season, including a DiMaggio like record of 16 consecutive games with an interception. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Halfback Johnny Karras was a consensus first-team pick on the 1951 College Football All-America Team.^[40] Linebacker Chuck Boerio was selected as the team's most valuable player.^[41]

In 1953, the Illini compiled a 7–1–1 record, finished in a tie for first place in the Big Ten Conference, and were ranked #7 in the final AP Poll. The sole defeat was a 34–7 loss to Wisconsin.^[42] Tackle Don Ernst was selected as the team's most valuable player.^[43] Sophomore halfback J. C. Caroline led the team with 1,256 rushing yards on 194 attempts (6.5 yards per carry) and was selected as a consensus first-team player on the 1953 College Football All-America Team.^[40] Guard John Bauer was selected by the Newspaper Enterprise Association as a third-team All-American.^[44]

Following a 5–3–1 record in 1959, Eliot opted to retire as Illinois' head football coach.^[45]

Pete Elliott era (1960–1966)

Illinois hired California head coach Pete Elliott as Eliot's replacement in 1960.^[46] With the Illini, his record was 31–34–1,^[47] earning a Big Ten title and Rose Bowl victory over Washington during the 1963 season.^[48] A few months after the end of the 1966 season in which the Illini finished 4–6,^[49] Elliott was forced to resign as head coach in the wake of a slush fund scandal in the athletic program.^[50]

Jim Valek era (1967–1970)

South Carolina assistant coach Jim Valek was hired as Elliott's replacement in 1967.^[51] Under Valek, the Illini compiled an 8–32 record,^[52] the worst of any Illini football head coach in decades.

In 1967, the Illini compiled a 4–6 record and finished in a tie for fifth place in the Big Ten Conference.^[53] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Dean Volkman with 1,005 passing yards, running back Rich Johnson with 768 rushing yards, and wide receiver John Wright with 698 receiving yards.^[54] End John K. Wright was selected as the team's most valuable player.^[55]

In 1968, the Illini compiled a 1–9 record and finished in a tie for eighth place in the Big Ten Conference.^[56] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Bob Naponic with 813 passing yards, running back Rich Johnson with 973 rushing yards, and wide receiver Doug Dieken with 223 receiving yards.^[57] Fullback Rich Johnson was selected as the team's most valuable player.^[58]

In 1969, the Illini compiled a 0–10 record and finished in last place in the Big Ten Conference.^[59] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Steve Livas with 705 passing yards, running back Dave Jackson with 465 rushing yards, and wide receiver Doug Dieken with 486 receiving yards.^[60] Dieken was selected as the team's most valuable player.^[61] Guard Doug Redmann was selected by the Newspaper Enterprise Association as a second-team player on the 1969 College Football All-America Team.^[62]

In 1970, the Illini compiled a 3–7 record and finished in a tie for last place in the Big Ten Conference.^[63] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Mike Wells with 906 passing yards, running back Darrell Robinson with 749 rushing yards, and wide receiver Doug Dieken with 537 receiving yards.^[64] Dieken was selected for the second consecutive year as the team's most valuable player.^[65]

Illinois fired Valek after the 1970 season, citing the decline in the team's on-field performance.^[66]

Bob Blackman era (1971–1976)

File:Bob Blackman.jpg

Coach Blackman

Coach Bob Blackman came to Illinois from Dartmouth, where he'd had a successful head coaching tenure spanning more than a decade, to turn the Illini football program around in 1971.^[67] Under Blackman, the Illini compiled a record of 29–36–1.^[68]

In 1971, the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a three-way tie for third place in the Big Ten Conference.^[69] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Mike Wells with 1,007 passing yards, running back John Wilson with 543 rushing yards, and wide receiver Garvin Roberson with 372 receiving yards.^[70] Punter/halfback Terry Masar was selected as the team's most valuable player.^[71]

In 1972, the Illini compiled a 3–8 record and finished in a tie for sixth place in the Big Ten Conference.^[72] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Mike Wells with 837 passing yards, running back George Uremovich with 611 rushing yards, and wide receiver Garvin Roberson with 569 receiving yards.^[73] Center Larry McCarren and defensive end Larry Allen were selected as the team's most valuable players.^[74]

In 1973, the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a four-way tie for fourth place in the Big Ten Conference.^[75] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Jeff Hollenbach with 916 passing yards, running back George Uremovich with 519 rushing yards, and wide receiver Garvin Roberson with 416 receiving yards.^[76] Halfback Eddie Jenkins and defensive end Octavus Morgan were selected as the team's most valuable players.^[77]

In 1974, the Illini compiled a 6–4–1 record and finished in fifth place in the Big Ten Conference.^[78] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Jeff Hollenbach with 1,037 passing yards, running back Chubby Phillips with 772 rushing yards, and wide receiver Joe Smalzer with 525 receiving yards.^[79] Hollenbach and linebacker Tom Hicks were selected as the team's most valuable players.^[80]

In 1975, the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a three-way tie for third place in the Big Ten Conference.^[81] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Kurt Steger with 1,136 passing yards, running back Lonnie Perrin with 907 rushing yards, and wide receiver Frank Johnson with 349 receiving yards.^[82] Offensive tackle Stu Levenick and defensive back Bruce Beaman were selected as the team's most valuable players.^[83]

In 1976, the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a four-way tie for third place in the Big Ten Conference.^[84] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Kurt Steger with 1,243 passing yards, running back James Coleman with 687 rushing yards, and wide receiver Eric Rouse with 326 receiving yards.^[85] Offensive tackle Jerry Finis and linebacker Scott Studwell were selected as the team's most valuable players.^[86]

Blackman was fired following the 1976 season, the administration again unhappy with the team's consistent mediocrity.^[87]

Gary Moeller era (1977–1979)

Michigan defensive coordinator Gary Moeller was hired to replace Blackman in 1977.^[88] Under Moeller, the Illini continued to struggle, compiling a 6–24–3 record.^[89]

In 1977, the Illini compiled a 3–8 record and finished in ninth place in the Big Ten Conference.^[90] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Mike McCray with 418 passing yards, running back James Coleman with 715 rushing yards, and wide receiver Tom Schooley with 231 receiving yards.^[91] Coleman and linebacker John Sullivan were selected as the team's most valuable players.^[92]

In 1978, the Illini compiled a 1–8–2 record and again finished in ninth place in the Big Ten Conference.^[93] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Rich Weiss with 665 passing yards, running back Wayne Strader with 389 rushing yards, and wide receiver Jeff Barnes with 270 receiving yards.^[94] Linebacker John Sullivan and center Randy Taylor were selected as the team's most valuable players.^[95]

In 1979, the Illini compiled a 2–8–1 record and, for the third season in a row, finished in ninth place in the Big Ten Conference.^[96] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Lawrence McCullough with 1,254 passing yards, running back Mike Holmes with 792 rushing yards, and wide receiver John Lopez with 296 receiving yards.^[97] McCullough was selected as the team's most valuable player.^[98]

Illinois fired Moeller after the 1979 season.^[99]

Mike White era (1980–1987)

San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Mike White succeeded Moeller and brought moderate success to Illinois' football program, compiling a 47–41–3 record in his eight years.^[100]

The Illini posted five consecutive winning seasons from 1981-1985, posting records of 7–4,^[101] 7–5,^[102] 10–2,^[103] 7–4^[104] and 6–5–1.^[105] The 1983 season ended with a loss to UCLA in the Rose Bowl.^[106]

John Mackovic era (1988–1991)

John Mackovic, head coach of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, was hired as the Fighting Illini's 20th head football coach in 1988.^[107]

In 1988, the Illini compiled a 6–5–1 record, finished in third place in the Big Ten Conference, and lost to Florida in the 1988 All-American Bowl.^[108] The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Jeff George with 2,257 passing yards, running back Keith Jones with 1,108 rushing yards, and Steve Williams with 523 receiving yards.^[109]

In 1989, the Illini finished 10–2,^[110] capping their season off with a win in the Florida Citrus Bowl.^[111]

In 1990, the Illini compiled an 8–4 record, finished in a four-way tie for first place in the Big Ten Conference, were ranked #25 in the final AP Poll, and lost to Clemson in the 1991 Hall of Fame Bowl.^[112] The team's offensive leader were quarterback Jason Verduzco with 2,567 passing yards, fullback Howard Griffith with 1,115 rushing yards, and Shawn Wax with 863 receiving yards.^[113]

In 1991, the Illini enjoyed another non-losing season, finishing 6–6 after losing in the John Hancock Bowl.^[114]^[115]

Because he was able to turn around the Illini football program, Mackovic received interest from multiple schools regarding their head football coaching position. Mackovic elected to leave Illinois after the 1991 season to accept the head coaching position at Texas.^[116]

Lou Tepper era (1992–1996)

Lou Tepper was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach of the Illini in 1992.^[117] Tepper was the first Illinois coach since Robert Zuppke to win or tie both of his first two meetings against Michigan.^[118] The 1992 game, a 22–22 tie, ended Michigan's nineteen game conference winning streak.

Tepper was involved in a series of controversial moves associated with the recruitment of blue-chip quarterback Chris Redman in 1994 and 1995. Redman stated that he had committed to Illinois based on the recruiting efforts of Illini offensive coordinator and former NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Greg Landry.^[119] Tepper ignited a controversy when he unexpectedly fired Landry the day after Redman signed his letter of commitment.^[120] Tepper denied any attempt to deceive Redman about Landry's future at Illinois and eventually released Redman from his commitment. It would later emerge that Landry had allegedly been soliciting a NFL job behind Tepper's back. The departures of Landry and Redman and the manner in which they left had damaged Tepper's reputation among fans and media.^[121]^[122] The NCAA decided to void the LOC based on the unusual circumstances, allowing Redman five full years of eligibility and no transfer restrictions.^[123] Tepper hired former Ball State head coach and veteran Big Ten assistant Paul Schudel as Landry's replacement. The hiring of Schudel marked the fourth time in six years that the Illini had made a change at offensive coordinator.

Despite Tepper's abilities as a defensive coach, he only put together only two winning seasons in his six years in Champaign.^[124] His teams were unable to match the moderate success the Illini had enjoyed under Mackovic and Mike White, and the Illini got progressively worse over his tenure. They placed fourth in the Big Ten Conference in Tepper's first full season, 1992, and finished in fourth, fifth, seventh, and ninth in his remaining years. Tepper was fired after the 1996 season, when the Illini went 2–9 with a 1–7 conference record.^[125]^[126]

Ron Turner era (1997–2004)

Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner was hired in 1997 to replace Tepper.^[127] 1997 saw Illinois go 0–11, the worst season in program history.^[128]^[129]

In 1998, the team again posted a losing record, although it was a 3–8 campaign that bettered the previous year's mark by three games.^[130] The '98 campaign was followed by a winning 8–4 season in 1999,^[131] which was capped off by a dominant win over Virginia in the MicronPC Bowl.^[132]

After a disappointing 2000 season in which the Illini finished 5–6,^[133] the Illini finished 10–2 behind the arm of quarterback Kurt Kittner.^[134] The Illini accepted a berth in the Sugar Bowl, which they lost to LSU, coached by Nick Saban.^[135]

From 2002-2004, the Illini's struggles once again returned, as Turner's teams posted a 5–7 record in 2002,^[136] which was followed by a 1–11 campaign in 2003^[137] and a 3–8 mark in 2004.^[138] Illinois fired Turner after the 2004 season.^[139]

Ron Zook era (2005–2011)

In 2005, former Florida head coach Ron Zook was hired to replace Turner as head coach.^[140] In Zook's inaugural season of 2005, Illinois finished with an overall record of 2–9, and a record of 0–8 in Big Ten games.^[141]

Despite his team's past struggles, Zook improved the ability of Illinois to recruit top football talent. According to one source, the 2006 recruiting class was one of the 30 best in college football.^[142] Despite this, they finished the 2006 season 1–7 in the conference and 2–10 overall. While the record did not improve, the play on the field did as the Illini nearly upset top ranked Ohio State in Champaign before losing 17–10. Additionally, the Illini played well against Iowa, Wisconsin, and Penn State (they lost 63–10 the year before; Penn State led 56–3 at halftime) but ended up losing close games (they were down 15–12 at Penn State until Penn State broke open the close game to make it 26–12).

The 2006 recruiting class included Isiah "Juice" Williams of Chicago Vocational High School, considered to be one of the top quarterback recruits in the country.^[143] In late 2006, Zook signed Arrelious Benn, one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2007 class.^[144]^[145] More recently, Zook also won over Simeon High School standout Martez Wilson^[146]^[147] along with Florida prospect D'Angelo McCray.^[148] This class was one of Illinois' best in recent memory, being rated within the top 25 nationally by some experts.^[149]

Zook's recruiting success finally began to pay dividends during the 2007 season. After losing a close game on neutral turf to a Missouri squad which went on to be ranked as high as #1, the Illini ran off five straight wins, including back-to-back home wins over Penn State and Wisconsin. Illinois' 5–1 start gave them a #18 ranking in the AP Poll. This was Illinois' first ranking in the AP Poll since the end of the 2001 season. However, the ranking proved to be short-lived after consecutive losses to Iowa and Michigan. A homecoming win over Ball State gave the Illini bowl eligibility and a blowout win at Minnesota all but assured Zook's first bowl appearance as coach of the Illini. On November 10, the then-unranked Illini defeated #1-ranked Ohio State in Columbus. The Illini finished the 2007 regular season by defeating Northwestern to finish 9–3 overall, 6–2 in the Big Ten.^[150] Because Big Ten champion Ohio State football played in the BCS National Championship game, Illinois received a bid to play in the Rose Bowl as the second ranked team in the Big Ten. Their improvement of 7 wins over the 2006 season was the largest such increase of any Division I team. His success earned Zook a contract extension in October 2007, which paid him approximately $1.5 million through the 2013 season.^[151] Zook's success on recruiting trail continued as well, with Illinois having the #17 recruiting class in 2008 according to rivals.com.^[152]

On November 20, 2007, Ron Zook was selected as the Big Ten Coach of the Year.^[153] Zook also was awarded the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award following the 2007 season.^[154] After making the 2008 Rose Bowl, Illinois was squashed, 49–17, by the USC Trojans, putting a bit of a damper on an otherwise great season.

Expectations were high for 2008, but Illinois didn't live up to those expectations early on, as they lost to Missouri, 52–42, in their season opener and to Penn State, 38–24. After a 27–20 loss to Minnesota, Illinois crushed Indiana, 55–13. However, the Fighting Illini fell to Wisconsin the very next week; Wisconsin had been winless in Big Ten play prior to that game. While Zook's team was able to upset Iowa, 27–24, a week after their loss to Wisconsin, Illini finished 2008 with a three-game losing streak at the hands of Western Michigan (23–17), Ohio State (30–20), and Northwestern (27–10).^[155]

Despite a very disappointing 2008 season, Zook's 2009 Fighting Illini team received AP Poll votes. As they had the previous two years, Illinois started off the season with a loss to Missouri, but this time, the result was far more lopsided than the previous affairs; Missouri won 39–7. Illinois stomped Illinois State, 45–17, the next week, but then suffered an embarrassing 30–0 shutout at the hands of Ohio State. Illinois lost their next four games by 10 points or more (including a 27–14 loss to Indiana, which was the Hoosiers' only Big Ten win of the season), sinking to 1–6 overall. Zook's team then put together a stunning blowout of the Michigan Wolverines in Memorial Stadium, and followed it up with a 35–32 upset of Minnesota the very next week. After back-to-back wins, the Illini fell to the rival Northwestern Wildcats, 21–16. To close out the season, the Fighting Illini put up a fight against Cincinnati, who finished the year undefeated, but were unable to pull off the upset; and the Fighting Illini fell at home to Fresno State in a wild 53–52 game the very next week.^[156]

At the end of the 2009 season, offensive coordinator Mike Schultz was released from his contract,^[157] and co-defensive coordinators Dan Disch and Curt Mallory were demoted to position coaches.^[158] Illinois hired Paul Petrino as offensive coordinator, and Vic Koenning as defensive coordinator.

After back-to-back disappointing years, the Illini had almost no pre-season expectations entering 2010. Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn were no longer on the team. However, running back Mikel Leshoure was, and he proved to be an invaluable asset on offense, where Illinois started freshman Nathan Scheelhaase at quarterback.

They started off 2010 by losing to Missouri for the fourth consecutive year, 23–13. They held a 13–3 lead that almost lasted the length of the game. After the early loss, Illinois defeated Southern Illinois, 35–3, and Northern Illinois, 28–22. While the Fighting Illini lost to Ohio State in their Big Ten opener, they gave the Buckeyes a scare, knocking out quarterback Terrelle Pryor and holding the Buckeye passing offense almost entirely in check. Illinois then traveled to State College to take on the Nittany Lions, and Illinois had never won in Beaver Stadium prior to 2010. Illinois handed Penn State a stunning 33–13 loss on homecoming. They went on to win the Texas Bowl in a blowout against Baylor.^[159]

As the 2011 season begun, the Illini were picked by most experts to finish near the bottom of the newly formed Leaders Division. However, Illinois got off to one of their best starts in history by winning their first six games. After taking care of Arkansas State, 33–15, and blasting South Dakota State, 56–3, the Fighting Illini won a trio of home games by a margin of a field goal over 22nd-ranked Arizona State (17–14), Western Michigan (23–20), and Northwestern (38–35) in a game in which Illinois rallied from a 28–10 deficit in the second half. After defeating Indiana, 41–20, in Illinois' first road game of the season, the Illini were 6–0 for the first time since 1951 and they climbed to 15th in the Coaches' Poll and 16th in the AP Poll. However, the Illini lost, 17–7, to Ohio State and the season seemed headed towards a downward spiral as Illinois lost a pair of close road games at Purdue (21–14) and Penn State (10–7). Illinois returned home and lost to Michigan, 31–14. On the Tuesday before the Wisconsin game, Zook opened his weekly press conference by warning the reporters not to ask questions about his job status. When reporter Shannon Ryan of the Chicago Tribune asked Zook if he had talked to his players about the rumors pertaining to his future, he walked out of the press conference. The Illini went on to lose to Wisconsin, 28–17, and finished the regular season with a 27–7 loss to Minnesota. With the loss to the Golden Gophers, Illinois became the first team in NCAA Division I FBS history to start a season 6–0, and end it at 6–6.^[160] Zook was fired on November 27, 2011. His final record at Illinois was 34–51.^[161] The Illini did receive a bowl invitation and they defeated UCLA in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.^[162] It was first time in school history that the football team won back-to-back bowl games.

Tim Beckman era (2012–2014)

Toledo head coach Tim Beckman was hired as Zook's replacement in December 2011.^[163]

At Illinois, Beckman went 12–25 in three seasons, and only won four games in Big Ten play.^[164] In his third season, the Illini managed to qualify for a bowl with a 6–6 record,^[165] but lost 35–18 to Louisiana Tech in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.^[166]

On August 28, 2015—just a week before what was to be his fourth season—Beckman was fired after the preliminary results of an internal investigation substantiated accusations of gross player mistreatment.^[167] Most seriously, the investigation found that he'd forced players to play through serious injuries and had the medical staff clear these players too soon. ^[168]

In a statement, Beckman called his ouster a "rush to judgment" that violated the terms of his contract, and stated that he intended to "vigorously defend both my reputation and my legal rights."^[169]

On April 11, 2016, Beckman settled with the university for a one time payment of $250,000 with the decision of firing "for cause" due to the mistreatment of players standing. ^[170]

Bill Cubit era (2015)

On August 28, 2015, Illini offensive coordinator and former Western Michigan head coach Bill Cubit was named head coach at Illinois for the 2015 season after the university fired Tim Beckman for alleged mistreatment of players.^[171]^[172] On November 28, 2015, Illinois formally named Cubit as its 24th head coach, giving him a two year, $2.4 million contract.^[173]

However, on March 5, 2016, the school announced that Cubit had been relieved of his duties.^[174] Illinois director of athletics Josh Whitman stated, "I appreciate the leadership that Bill Cubit provided our football program during what has been, unquestionably, a very tumultuous time...Through his efforts, he has kept the program moving forward. Bill is a good man and a good football coach...At this juncture, however, I think it is most important that we position our program for long-term success by creating a more stable environment for the coaches, players, and prospective student-athletes."^[175]

Lovie Smith era (2016–present)

On March 7, 2016, former head coach of the NFL's Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Lovie Smith was named Fighting Illini head coach, agreeing to a contract paying $21 million over six years.^[176]^[177] The hiring of Smith caused a roar of excitement in the university community. After two predecessors who had no previous experience on the national stage, and after five years without a winning record, the acquisition of a leader who had taken a professional football team to the Super Bowl invigorated the university's football fans. Ticket sales, which following the team's 2008 Rose Bowl Game appearance had averaged more than 61,000 per game (current stadium capacity is 60,670), had plummeted to the point where only about 7,000 people actually showed up at the stadium for Tim Beckman's final home game as head coach in 2014, and pictures of the empty stands were being posted on social media by game attendees.^[178] In the 2015 season, in spite of personal appeals and campus walkabouts by then-head coach Bill Cubit, the stands averaged only about two-thirds full for the season. In the 48 hours following the announcement of the Smith hire, the university sold over 2000 new season tickets and more than 400 new student season tickets.^[179]

When Smith's contract was approved by the university's Board of Trustees at their September 2016 meeting, $2 million of the salary was moved from the last two years of the contract and made payable in earlier years. Additionally, the contract provided for up to $8 million in performance bonuses.^[180]

In Smith's first season, the Illini posted a 3–9 record.^[181]

Current staff

Name	Position	Consecutive season at Illinois in current position	Salary
Lovie Smith	Head Coach	1st	$2,000,000
Garrick McGee	Offensive Coordinator	1st	$650,000
Hardy Nickerson	Defensive Coordinator	1st	$550,000
Andrew Hayes-Stoker	Wide Receivers Coach	1st	$265,000
Bob Ligashesky	Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends	1st	$300,000
Luke Butkus	Offensive line coach	1st	$325,000
Thad Ward	Running backs coach	1st	$215,000
Mike Phair	Defensive line coach	2nd	$440,000
Tim McGarigle	Linebackers Coach	1st	$215,000
Paul Williams	Defensive backs coach	1st	$285,000
Reference:^[182]

Head coaches

All-time win/loss/tie record

592–559-51^[183]

Head-to-head Big Ten records

Team	Total Meetings	Overall Record
Indiana	70	45–23–2
Iowa	72	38–32–2
Maryland	0	0–0
Michigan	94	23–69–2
Michigan State	46	18–26–2
Minnesota	69	29–37–3
Nebraska	13	3–9–1
Northwestern	110	55–50–5
Ohio State	101	30–68–3
Penn State	23	5–18
Purdue	92	44–42–6
Rutgers	3	2–1
Wisconsin	83	36–40–7

National championships

The University of Illinois has five national championships in football: 1914, 1919, 1923, 1927, and 1951. The Fighting Illini now officially recognize the 1951 National Championship by the Boand selecting body,^[184] but as recently as 2006 this was not mentioned officially by the school.^[185]

Year	Coach	Selector	Record	Bowl Game
1914	Bob Zuppke	Parke H. Davis	7-0-0
1919	Bob Zuppke	Billingsley, Boand, Football Research, Parke H. Davis	6-1-0
1923	Bob Zuppke	Boand, Football Research, Helms, National Championship Foundation, Parke H. Davis	8-0-0
1927	Bob Zuppke	Billingsley, Dickinson, Helms, National Championship Foundation, Parke H. Davis	7-0-1
1951	Ray Eliot	Boand	9-0-1	Won Rose Bowl
National Championships			5

Big Ten championships

Year	Coach	Big Ten Record	Overall Record	Bowl Game
1910	Arthur Hall	4-0-0	7-0-0
1914	Bob Zuppke	6-0-0	7-0-0
1915	Bob Zuppke	3-0-2	5-0-2
1918	Bob Zuppke	4-0-0	5-2-0
1919	Bob Zuppke	6-1-0	6-1-0
1923	Bob Zuppke	5-0-0	8-0-0
1927	Bob Zuppke	5-0-0	7-0-1
1928	Bob Zuppke	4-1-0	7-1-0
1946	Ray Eliot	6-1-0	8-2-0	Won Rose Bowl
1951	Ray Eliot	5-0-1	9-0-1	Won Rose Bowl
1953	Ray Eliot	5-1-0	7-1-1
1963	Pete Elliott	5-1-1	8-1-1	Won Rose Bowl
1983	Mike White	9-0-0	10-2-0	Lost Rose Bowl
1990	John Mackovic	6-2-0	8-4-0	Lost Hall of Fame Bowl
2001	Ron Turner	7-1	10-2	Lost Sugar Bowl
15-time Big Ten Champions

Bowl games

Date	Bowl	W/L	Opponent	PF	PA
January 1, 1947	Rose Bowl	W	UCLA	45	14
January 1, 1952	Rose Bowl	W	Stanford	40	7
January 1, 1964	Rose Bowl	W	Washington	17	7
December 29, 1982	Liberty Bowl	L	Alabama	15	21
January 2, 1984	Rose Bowl	L	UCLA	9	45
December 31, 1985	Peach Bowl	L	Army	29	31
December 29, 1988	All-American Bowl	L	Florida	10	14
January 1, 1990	Florida Citrus Bowl	W	Virginia	31	21
January 1, 1991	Hall of Fame Bowl	L	Clemson	0	30
December 31, 1991	John Hancock Bowl	L	UCLA	3	6
December 30, 1992	Holiday Bowl	L	Hawai'i	17	27
December 31, 1994	Liberty Bowl	W	East Carolina	30	0
December 30, 1999	MicronPC.com Bowl	W	Virginia	63	21
January 1, 2002	Sugar Bowl	L	LSU	34	47
January 1, 2008	Rose Bowl	L	USC	17	49
December 29, 2010	Texas Bowl	W	Baylor	38	14
December 31, 2011	Fight Hunger Bowl	W	UCLA	20	14
December 26, 2014	Heart of Dallas Bowl	L	Louisiana Tech	18	35
Total	18 Bowl Games	8-10		436	403

Rivalries

All-time statistical leaders

Career leaders

Passing Yards: Jack Trudeau (8,146)
Rushing Yards: Robert Holcombe (4,105)
Receiving Yards: David Williams (3,392)
Total Yards: Nathan Scheelhaase (10,634)
Touchdowns: Howard Griffith (33)
Touchdown Passes: Kurt Kittner (70)
Receptions: David Williams (245)
Tackles: Dana Howard (495)
Interceptions: Al Brosky (30) *NCAA Record
Sacks: Simeon Rice (44.5) *NCAA Record

Season leaders

Passing Yards: Tony Eason (3,671 in 1982)
Rushing Yards: Mikel Leshoure (1,697 in 2010)
Receiving Yards: David Williams (1,278 in 1984)
Touchdowns: Mikel Leshoure (20 in 2010)
Touchdown Passes: Kurt Kittner (27 in 2001)
Receptions: David Williams (101 in 1984)
Tackles: John Sullivan (202 in 1977)
Interceptions: Al Brosky (11 in 1950 and 1951)
Sacks: Simeon Rice (16 in 1994), Whitney Mercilus (16 in 2011)

Game leaders

Passing Yards: Dave Wilson (621 vs. Ohio State in 1980) *Big Ten Record
Rushing Yards: Mikel Leshoure (330 vs. Northwestern in 2010)
Receiving Yards: A. J. Jenkins (268 vs. Northwestern in 2011)
Touchdowns: Howard Griffith (8 vs. Southern Illinois in 1990) *NCAA Record
Touchdown Passes: Dave Wilson (6 vs. Ohio State in 1980)
Receptions: David Williams (16 vs. Purdue in 1985)
Tackles: John Sullivan (34 vs. Minnesota in 1977)
Interceptions: Mike Gow (4 vs. Stanford in 1974)
Sacks: Simeon Rice (5 vs. Washington State in 1994)

Recruiting

Class	Scout.com Rank	Commits	Top Commit
2016	72nd	24	Zarrian Holcombe
2015	34th	25	Gabe Megginson
2014	71st	18	Jihad Ward
2013	42nd	25	Aaron Bailey
2012	68th	18	T.J. Neal
2011	40th	27	Jon Davis
2010	57th	22	Chandler Whitmer
2009	35th	22	Andrew Carter
2008	19th	28	Corey Liuget
2007	20th	21	Arrelious Benn
2006	28th	27	Isiah Williams
2005	45th	19	Rashard Mendenhall
2004	44th	24	Xavier Fulton
2003	31st	28	Kelvin Hayden
2002	47th	22	James McGill
2001	40th	23	Morris Virgil
2000	44th	23	Ade Adeyemo
1999	1st	23	Brandon Lloyd
Reference:^[186]

Individual honors

Sporting News Player of the Year

Dick Butkus - 1964

Jim Grabowski - 1965

Sammy Baugh Trophy

Jeff George - 1989

Butkus Award

Dana Howard - 1994

Kevin Hardy - 1995

Ted Hendricks Award

Whitney Mercilus - 2011

CFPA National Defensive Performer of the Year

Whitney Mercilus - 2011

CFPA Running Back Trophy

Mikel Leshoure - 2010

Heisman Trophy finalists

Buddy Young - 1944... 5th

Bill Burrell - 1959... 4th

Dick Butkus - 1964... 3rd

Jim Grabowski - 1965... 3rd

Rose Bowl Most Valuable Player

George Halas - 1919

Buddy Young - 1946

Julius Rykovich - 1946

Bill Tate - 1951

Jim Grabowski - 1964

Chicago Tribune Silver Football

Red Grange - 1924

Alex Agase - 1946

Bill Burrell - 1959

Dick Butkus - 1963

Jim Grabowski - 1965

Don Thorp - 1983

Rashard Mendenhall - 2007

Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year

Moe Gardner - 1990

Darrick Brownlow - 1990

Dana Howard - 1993 & 1994

Big Ten Freshman of the Year

Simeon Rice - 1992

Arrelious Benn - 2007

Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year

Moe Gardner - 1989

Simeon Rice - 1994

Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award

Mike White - 1983

Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award

Ron Zook - 2007

Big Ten Coach of the Year

Mike White - 1983

John Mackovic - 1988 & 1989

Ron Turner - 2001

Ron Zook - 2007

Retired numbers

No.	Player	Position	Career
Illinois Fighting Illini retired numbers
50	Dick Butkus	LB	1962-64
77	Red Grange ^[187]	HB	1923-25

Consensus All-Americans

Ralph Chapman - 1914
Perry Graves - 1914
Bart Macomber - 1915
John Depler - 1918
Chuck Carney - 1920
Jim McMillen - 1923
Red Grange - 1923, 1924, 1925
Bernie Shively - 1926
Alex Agase - 1946
Johnny Karras - 1951
J.C. Caroline - 1953
Bill Burrell - 1959
Dick Butkus - 1963, 1964
Jim Grabowski - 1965
David Williams - 1984, 1985
Moe Gardner - 1989, 1990
Dana Howard - 1994
Kevin Hardy - 1995
J Leman - 2007
Whitney Mercilus - 2011

College Football Hall of Famers

Alex Agase (Guard, 1941–1942; 1946)
Bob Blackman (Head Coach, 1971–1976)
Al Brosky (Safety, 1950–1952)
Dick Butkus (Center/Linebacker, 1962–1964)
Chuck Carney (End, 1918–1921)
J.C. Caroline (Halfback, 1953–1954)
Jim Grabowski (Fullback, 1963–1965)
Red Grange (Halfback, 1923–1925)
Edward K. Hall (Head Coach, 1892–1893)
Bart Macomber (Halfback, 1914–1916)
Bernie Shively (Guard, 1924–1926)
David Williams (Wide Receiver, 1983–1985)
George Woodruff (Head Coach, 1903)
Claude "Buddy" Young (Halfback, 1944, 1946)
Bob Zuppke (Head Coach, 1913–1941) ^[188]

Pro Football Hall of Famers

Red Grange, Class of 1963
George Halas, Class of 1963
Hugh "Shorty" Ray, Class of 1966
Ray Nitschke, Class of 1978
Dick Butkus, Class of 1979
Bobby Mitchell, Class of 1983

^[189]

Current NFL players

The following are former players who are currently in the NFL.^[when?]

Fighting Illini Currently in the NFL^[190]
Name	Position	Height	Weight (lbs.)	Hometown	Draft Year	Pick (Round)	Pro-Bowls	Super Bowls	Current NFL Team
Jeff Allen	Guard	6'4"	315	Chicago, IL	2012	44 (2nd Round)	0	0	Houston Texans
Geronimo Allison	Wide Receiver	6'3"	202	Tampa, FL	2016	Undrafted	0	0	Green Bay Packers
Jon Asamoah	Offensive guard	6'4"	305	Matteson, IL	2010	68 (3rd Round)	0	0	Free Agent
Alan Ball	Cornerback	6'2"	191	Detroit, MI	2007	237 (7th Round)	0	0	Arizona Cardinals
Arrelious Benn	Wide receiver	6'2"	220	Washington, D. C.	2010	39 (2nd Round)	0	0	Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Buchanan	Outside linebacker	6'5"	250	Homewood, IL	2013	226 (7th Round)	0	1 (XLIX)	Free Agent
Jeff Cumberland	Tight end	6'4"	260	Columbus, OH	2010	Undrafted	0	0	San Diego Chargers
Vontae Davis	Cornerback	5'11"	215	Washington, D.C.	2009	25 (1st Round)	2 (2014, 2015)	0	Indianapolis Colts
Michael Hoomanawanui	Tightend	6'4"	265	Bloomington, IL	2010	132 (5th Round)	0	1 (XLIX)	New Orleans Saints
A. J. Jenkins	Wide receiver	6'0"	192	Jacksonville, FL	2012	30 (1st Round)	0	0	Free Agent
Ted Karras	Guard	6'4"	305	Indianapolis, Indiana	2016	221 (6th round)	0	0	New England Patriots
Corey Liuget	Defensive end	6'2"	300	Miami, FL	2011	18 (1st Round)	0	0	San Diego Chargers
Whitney Mercilus	Outside linebacker	6'4"	252	Akron, OH	2012	26 (1st Round)	0	0	Houston Texans
Jay Prosch	Fullback	6'1"	254	Mobile, AL	2014	211 (6th Round)	0	0	Houston Texans
Akeem Spence	Defensive tackle	6'1"	307	Fort Walton Beach, FL	2013	100 (4th Round)	0	0	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Justin Staples	Linebacker	6'4"	245	Chicago, IL	2013	Undrafted	0	0	Tennessee Titans
Pierre Thomas	Running back	5'11"	215	Chicago, IL	2007	Undrafted	0	1 (XLIV)	Free Agent
Hugh Thornton	Offensive Guard	5'11"	215	Oberlin, OH	2013	86 (3rd Round)	0	0	Indianapolis Colts
Steve Weatherford	Punter	6'3"	215	Crown Point, IN	2006	Undrafted	0	1 (XLVI)	Free Agent
Tavon Wilson	Safety	6'0"	210	Washington, D.C.	2012	48 (2nd Round)	0	1 (XLIX)	Detroit Lions

All-Time NFL Players

Acks, Ron (1968 - 1976)
Adams, Earnest (1987 - 1987)
Agase, Alex (1947 - 1953)
Agee, Mel (1991 - 1995)
Allen, Derek (1995 - 1995)
Anderson, Paul (1925 - 1925)
Applegran, Clarence (1920 - 1920)
Atkins, Kelvin (1983 - 1983)
Ball, Alan (2007 - 2010)
Bauer, John (1954 - 1954)
Beamer, Tim (1971 - 1971)
Bellamy, Mike (1990 - 1990)
Bennett, Sean (1999 - 2002)
Bernhardt, George (1946 - 1948)
Berry, Gil (1935 - 1935)
Berschet, Marv (1954 - 1955)
Beverly, Dwight (1987 - 1987)
Bingaman, Les (1948 - 1954)
Blackman, Ken (1996 - 1998)
Bock, Wayne (1957 - 1957)
Bohm, Ron (1987 - 1987)
Boso, Cap (1986 - 1991)
Bradshaw, Jim (1926 - 1926)
Brady, Ed (1984 - 1995)
Britton, Earl (1925 - 1929)
Brookins, Mitchell (1984 - 1985)
Brosky, Al (1954 - 1954)
Brown, Bill (1961 - 1974)
Brown, Cyron (1998 - 1999)
Brownlow, Darrick (1991 - 1996)
Burdick, Lloyd (1931 - 1933)
Butkus, Dick (1965 - 1973) HOF
Byrd, Darryl (1983 - 1987)
Carney, Chuck (1922 - 1922)
Caroline, J.C. (1956 - 1965)
Carson, Howie (1944 - 1944)
Charpier, Len (1920 - 1920)
Clark, Danny (2000 - 2010)
Collier, Steve (1987 - 1987)
Cook, Dave (1934 - 1936)
Cook, Jameel (2001 - 2008)
Counts, Johnny (1962 - 1963)
Crangle, Jack (1923 - 1923)
Crawford, Mush (1925 - 1927)
Cushing, Matt (1999 - 2004)
Daugherty, Russ (1927 - 1927)
Davis, Carey (2004 - 2008)
Davis, Jason (2008 - 2008)
Davis, Scott (1988 - 1994)
Dennis, Mark (1987 - 1996)
Depler, Jack (1921 - 1929)
DeSutter, Wayne (1966 - 1966)
Diehl, David (2003 - 2010)
Dieken, Doug (1971 - 1984)
Dilger, Ken (1995 - 2004)
Donnelly, George (1965 - 1967)
Douthard, Ty (1997 - 1997)
Drayer, Clarence (1925 - 1925)
Eason, Tony (1983 - 1990)
Edwards, Dave (1985 - 1987)
Engel, Greg (1995 - 1999)
Ferrari, Ron (1982 - 1986)
Finzer, Dave (1984 - 1985)
Gardner, Moe (1991 - 1996)
Garrett, Curtis (1987 - 1987)
George, Jeff (1990 - 2001)
Gibson, Alec (1987 - 1987)
Gillen, John (1981 - 1983)
Goff, Willard (1985 - 1987)
Gordon, Lou (1930 - 1938)
Grabowski, Jim (1966 - 1971)
Grange, Garland (1929 - 1931)
Grange, Red (1925 - 1934) HOF
Grant, African (1990 - 1990)
Green, Chris (1991 - 1995)
Green, Vee (1926 - 1926)
Greenwood, Don (1945 - 1947)
Griffin, Don (1946 - 1946)
Griffith, Howard (1993 - 2000)
Halas, George (1920 - 1928) HOF
Hall, Dick (1926 - 1927)
Hall, Harry (1926 - 1926)
Halstrom, Bernie (1920 - 1921)
Hansen, Don (1966 - 1977)
Harbour, Dave (1988 - 1989)
Hardy, Kevin (1996 - 2004)
Harkey, Lance (1987 - 1987)
Hartley, Frank (1994 - 1998)
Hayden, Kelvin (2005 - 2010)
Hicks, Tom (1976 - 1980)
Hodel, Nathan (2002 - 2009)
Holcombe, Robert (1998 - 2004)
Holecek, John (1995 - 2002)
Hopkins, Brad (1993 - 2005)
Howard, Dana (1995 - 1996)
Ingwersen, Burt (1920 - 1920)
Jackson, T.J. (1966 - 2008)
Janata, John (1983 - 1983)
Johnson, Filmel (1995 - 1995)
Johnson, Garrett (2000 - 2000)
Johnson, Mike (1984 - 1984)
Johnson, Nate (1946 - 1950)
Johnson, Rich (1969 - 1969)
Jones, Henry (1991 - 2002)
Jones, Keith (1989 - 1992)
Juriga, Jim (1988 - 1990)
Karras, Johnny (1952 - 1952)
Kasap, Mike (1947 - 1947)
Kassel, Chuck (1927 - 1933)
Kawal, Eddie (1931 - 1937)
Kehoe, Scott (1987 - 1987)
Kittner, Kurt (2003 - 2003)
Klimek, Tony (1951 - 1952)
Knop, Oscar (1920 - 1927)
Knox, Sam (1934 - 1936)
Kotal, Eddie (1925 - 1929)
Kovacsy, Bill (1923 - 1923)
Kraft, Ren (1922 - 1922)
Krakoski, Joe (1961 - 1966)
Kreitling, Rich (1959 - 1964)
Lanum, Ralph (1920 - 1924)
Levanti, Lou (1952 - 1952)
Lewis, Greg (2003 - 2010)
Lingner, Adam (1983 - 1995)
Lloyd, Brandon (2003 - 2010)
Lynch, Lynn (1951 - 1951)
Machado, J.p. (1999 - 2003)
Maggioli, Archie (1948 - 1950)
Markland, Jeff (1988 - 1988)
Marquart, John (1921 - 1921)
Martin, Mike (1983 - 1989)
McCarren, Larry (1973 - 1984)
McCarthy, Jim (1946 - 1949)
McGill, Tim (2005 - 2005)
Mcillwain, Wally (1926 - 1926)
Mcmillan, Ernie (1961 - 1975)
Mcmillen, Jim (1924 - 1928)
Mendenhall, Rashard (2008 - 2010)
Miller, Terry (1970 - 1974)
Mitchell, Bobby (1958 - 1968) HOF
Moore, Brandon (2003 - 2010)
Moorehead, Aaron (2003 - 2007)
Morris, Max (1946 - 1948)
Morton, Christian (2004 - 2006)
Moss, Perry (1948 - 1948)
Mullen, Vern (1923 - 1927)
Naponic, Bob (1970 - 1970)
Nelson, Ev (1929 - 1929)
Nichols, Sid (1920 - 1921)
Nitschke, Ray (1958 - 1972) HOF
Norman, Tim (1983 - 1983)
O'bradovich, Ed (1962 - 1971)
O'connell, Tommy (1953 - 1961)
Oltz, Russ (1920 - 1925)
Osby, Vince (1984 - 1985)
Osley, Willie (1974 - 1974)
Owens, Ike (1948 - 1948)
Pashos, Tony (2004 - 2010)
Patterson, Paul (1949 - 1949)
Pearson, Preston (1967 - 1980)
Perez, Pete (1945 - 1945)
Perrin, Lonnie (1976 - 1979)
Peters, Forrest (1930 - 1932)
Petty, Ross (1920 - 1920)
Piel, Mike (1989 - 1992)
Pierce, Steve (1987 - 1987)
Piggott, Bert (1947 - 1947)
Pinder, Cyril (1968 - 1973)
Podmajersky, Paul (1944 - 1944)
Popa, Eli (1952 - 1952)
Preston, Raymond (2005 - 2008)
Price, Sam (1966 - 1968)
Rackers, Neil (2000 - 2010)
Reichle, Dick (1923 - 1923)
Rice, Simeon (1996 - 2007)
Richards, Ted (1929 - 1929)
Richman, Harry (1929 - 1929)
Roberts, Cliff (1961 - 1961)
Robertson, Bob (1968 - 1968)
Rundquist, Elmer (1922 - 1922)
Rutgens, Joe (1961 - 1969)
Ryan, Rocky (1956 - 1958)
Rykovoch, Julie (1947 - 1953)
Schau, Ryan (1999 - 2002)
Schulte, Rick (1987 - 1987)
Schumacher, Gregg (1967 - 1968)
Scully, Mike (1988 - 1988)
Shoemake, Hub (1920 - 1920)
Siegert, Herb (1949 - 1951)
Siegert, Wayne (1951 - 1951)
Siler, Rich (1987 - 1987)
Simpson, Tim (1994 - 1994)
Sinclair, Matt (2007 - 2007)
Smith, Russ (1921 - 2010)
Sorey, Revie (1975 - 1983)
Squirek, Jack (1982 - 1986)
Stallings, Dennis (1997 - 1998)
Stanley, Basil (1924 - 1924)
Starks, Marshall (1963 - 1964)
Stasica, Leo (1941 - 1944)
Stasica, Stan (1946 - 1946)
Sternaman, Ed (1920 - 1927)
Sternaman, Joey (1922 - 1930)
Stevens, Don (1952 - 1954)
Studwell, Scott (1977 - 1990)
Sturm, Jerry (1961 - 1972)
Sucic, Steve (1946 - 1948)
Sullivan, Gerry (1974 - 1981)
Sullivan, John (1979 - 2010)
Sullivan, Marques (2001 - 2003)
Sutton, Archie (1965 - 1967)
Swoope, Craig (1986 - 1988)
Taliaferro, Mike (1964 - 1972)
Taylor, Keith (1988 - 1996)
Teafatiller, Guy (1987 - 1987)
Thomas, Calvin (1982 - 1988)
Thomas, Pierre (2007 - 2010)
Thornton, Bruce (1979 - 1982)
Thorp, Don (1984 - 1988)
Trudeau, Jack (1986 - 1995)
Trumpy, Bob (1968 - 1977)
Turner, Scott (1995 - 2003)
Ulrich, Chuck (1954 - 1958)
Usher, Darryl (1989 - 1989)
Wakefield, Fred (2001 - 2008)
Wallace, Stan (1954 - 1958)
Waller, Bill (1938 - 1938)
Walquist, Laurie (1922 - 1931)
Warren, Jimmy (1964 - 1977)
Weatherford, Steve (2006 - 2010)
Wells, Mike (1977 - 1977)
Wendryhoski, Joe (1964 - 1968)
Whitman, Josh (2001 - 2001)
Williams, David (1986 - 1987)
Williams, Oliver (1985 - 1987)
Wilson, Brett (1987 - 1987)
Wilson, Dave (1981 - 1988)
Wilson, Eugene (2003 - 2010)
Woodson, Abe (1958 - 1966)
Wright, John (1968 - 1969)
Young, Buddy (1947 - 1955)
Young, Michael (2002 - 2003)
Young, Walter (2003 - 2006)
Zeller, Jerry (1921 - 1921)

Other notable players

Clarence Appelgran - APFA Tackle
Tim Brewster - Former Head Coach, University of Minnesota
Bill Brown - Former NFL Running Back
Lloyd Burdick - Former NFL player
Bill Burrell - Former NFL player
Darryl Byrd - Former NFL linebacker
Bobby Dawson - Former CFL player
Doug Dieken - Former NFL Left Offensive Tackle
Ken Dilger - Former NFL Tight End
Red Grange - Former NFL Running Back
Tony Eason - Former NFL Quarterback
Dwight Eddleman - Former Olympian and NBA player
Greg Engel - Former NFL player
Kevin Hardy - Former NFL Linebacker
Jeff George - Former NFL Quarterback
Howard Griffith - Former NFL Fullback
John Holecek - Former NFL Linebacker
Brad Hopkins - Former NFL Offensive Tackle
Kurt Kittner - Former NFL Quarterback
Sam Knox - NFL Guard
Ernie McMillan - Former NFL Offensive Tackle
Ed O'Bradovich - Former NFL Defensive End
Preston Pearson - Former NFL RB, WR, KR
Frosty Peters - Former NFL player
Simeon Rice - Former NFL Defensive End
Jack Trudeau - Former NFL Quarterback
Tim Simpson - Former NFL Offensive Guard
Jack Squirek- Former NFL Linebacker
Scott Studwell - Former NFL Linebacker
Jason Verduzco - Former CFL Quarterback
Dave Wilson - Former NFL Quarterback
Eugene Wilson Former NFL defensive back
Kirby Wilson - Running backs coach NFL Pittsburgh Steelers
Brandon Lloyd - Former Wide Receiver NFL San Francisco 49ers Washington Redskins Chicago Bears Denver Broncos St. Louis Rams New England Patriots
Mikel Leshoure - Former Runningback

Media

Illini football games are shown via the Illini Sports Network, which brings the Illini to stations across Illinois. Locally, the team's games are shown on WDWS-AM 1400 and WHMS-FM 97.5. WDWS has been the Illini's exclusive radio station in Champaign since 1935. WHMS has aired Illini games since the 1950s. The team's student newspaper is the Daily Illini, while outside coverage is handled by The News-Gazette.

Future opponents

Big Ten West-division opponents

Illinois plays the other six Big Ten West opponents once per season.

Even Numbered Years	Odd Number Years
vs Iowa	at Iowa
vs Minnesota	at Minnesota
at Nebraska	vs Nebraska
at Northwestern	vs Northwestern
at Wisconsin	vs Wisconsin
vs Purdue	at Purdue

Big Ten East-division opponents

Year	Indiana	Maryland	Michigan	Michigan State	Ohio State	Penn State	Rutgers
2016			AWAY	HOME			AWAY
2017	HOME				AWAY		HOME
2018		AWAY				HOME	AWAY
2019			HOME	AWAY			HOME

Future non-conference opponents

Announced schedules as of January 16, 2017.

2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
vs Murray State	vs Ball State	vs Kent State	vs Akron	vs Florida Atlantic	vs UTSA	vs Virginia	at Kansas	vs Kansas	at Duke	vs Duke
vs North Carolina	vs Western Kentucky	vs Western Illinois	at Connecticut	vs Connecticut	at Virginia	vs Wyoming
vs Western Michigan	at South Florida	vs South Florida	vs Eastern Michigan	vs Bowling Green	vs Charlotte	vs Central Michigan

^[192]

References

^ "University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Visual Identity: Color". Retrieved November 13, 2022.
^ http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2519
^ http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=1323
^ "Personal". Vermont Phoenix. July 8, 1892. p. 5.
^ "E. K. Hall Records By Year". College Football Data Warehouse. David DeLassus.
^ Cite error: The named reference CT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ "1892 Illinois". College Football Data Warehouse. David DeLassus. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
^ https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7173836
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-11-14. Retrieved 2012-01-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/arthur-hall-1.html
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ http://www.footballfoundation.org/Programs/CollegeFootballHallofFame/SearchDetail.aspx?id=20073
^ http://www.footballfoundation.org/Programs/CollegeFootballHallofFame/SearchDetail.aspx?id=20073
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-09-17. Retrieved 2015-07-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-10-02. Retrieved 2015-07-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-09-15. Retrieved 2015-08-03. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ "1914 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". Archived from the original on 2015-09-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b ^c National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) (2015). "National Poll Rankings" (PDF). NCAA Division I Football Records. NCAA. p. 108. Retrieved January 8, 2016. Cite error: The named reference "NCAA" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 156. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
^ "1915 Illinois Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 156. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
^ "1923 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". Archived from the original on 2015-10-02. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 156. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
^ "1927 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". Archived from the original on 2015-09-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 156. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/robert-zuppke-1.html
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ http://www.mashf.com/1990_inductees.htm#Zuppke
^ http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D03EEDB1339E432A25755C2A9649C94619FD6CF&legacy=true
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/ray-eliot-1.html
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
^ "1951 Illinois Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b "2014 NCAA Football Records: Consensus All-America Selections" (PDF). National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). 2014. p. 6. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
^ "1953 Illinois Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
^ Harry Grayson (1953-11-29). "Harry Grayson Picks All-America for 1953". Independent Record. Helena, Montana.
^ https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/105745811/
^ http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/football/2013-01-05/pete-elliott-great-motivator.html
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/pete-elliott-1.html
^ http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/sports/20140101/every-rose-bowl-game-ever-played-a-brief-look-at-99-glorious-games
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/other/1999-03-21/darkest-days.html
^ http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/090905acl.html
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/james-valek-1.html
^ "1967 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "1967 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 26, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
^ "1968 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "1968 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
^ "1969 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "1969 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
^ "Steve Owens, Mike Phipps Pace NEA All-Americans". Clovis News-Journal. November 21, 1969. p. 12.
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^ http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1970/11/28/page/57/article/illinois-fires-coach-jim-valek-again/index.html
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^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/bob-blackman-1.html
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^ "1971 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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^ "1972 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "1972 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
^ "1973 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "1973 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
^ "1974 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "1974 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
^ "1975 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "1975 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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^ "1976 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "1976 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on October 30, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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^ http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1976/11/23/page/43/article/blackman-didnt-get-fair-chance
^ http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2000-11-29/sports/0011290350_1_big-ten-titles-chris-claiborne-senior-bowl
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/gary-moeller-1.html
^ "1977 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "1977 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
^ "1978 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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^ "1979 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "1979 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
^ http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1979/11/22/page/92/article/moeller-deserved-better-from-illinois
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/mike-white-2.html
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1983-schedule.html
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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^ http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/football/2003-10-25/1983-20th-anniversary-retrospective-illinis-rose-bowl-seaso
^ http://northernstar.info/sports/illinois-hires-mackovic-for-coaching-and-more/article_dedb79ac-1e5f-59f7-8aad-e10c7a3fbe8c.html
^ "1988 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "1988 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 17, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1989-schedule.html
^ http://articles.latimes.com/1990-01-02/sports/sp-138_1_citrus-bowl
^ "1990 Illinois Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ "1990 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1991-schedule.html
^ http://articles.latimes.com/1991-12-31/sports/sp-1297_1_head-coach
^ http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-08-16/sports/9203130910_1_john-mackovic-illinois-chancellor-morton-weir
^ http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-12-17/sports/9104230409_1_lou-tepper-greg-colby-defensive
^ Fightingillini.Com // The Official Site Of University Of Illinois Athletics Archived 2008-12-16 at the Wayback Machine
^ http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-02-19/sports/9502190372_1_northern-illinois-linebackers-coach-greg-landry
^ http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-02-17/sports/9502170331_1_bob-redman-illinois-lou-tepper
^ http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/football/2013-08-04/bill-cubit-illini-savior.html
^ http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-02-17/sports/9502170331_1_bob-redman-illinois-lou-tepper
^ http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-02-17/sports/9502170331_1_bob-redman-illinois-lou-tepper
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/lou-tepper-1.html
^ http://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/12/sports/illinois-fires-coach-tepper.html
^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-11-06. Retrieved 2014-11-05. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-illinois-flashback-college-football-spt-0906-20150905-story.html
^ 0–11
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1997-schedule.html
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1998-schedule.html
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1999-schedule.html
^ http://www.virginiasports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/123099aaa.html
^ http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2000-schedule.html
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^ http://static.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls01/sugar.html
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^ http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=14&yr=2006
^ Isiah Williams – Football Recruiting
^ Arrelious Benn Profile – Football Recruiting
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^ High School Confidential
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^ Scout.com: D'Angelo McCray Profile
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^ Coach of the Year
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External links

Official website

[1] "University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Visual Identity: Color". Retrieved November 13, 2022.

[2] ttp://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2519

[3] ttp://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=1323

[4] "Personal". Vermont Phoenix. July 8, 1892. p. 5.

[5] "E. K. Hall Records By Year". College Football Data Warehouse. David DeLassus.

[CT-6] Cite error: The named reference CT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[7] "1892 Illinois". College Football Data Warehouse. David DeLassus. Retrieved November 13, 2015.

[8] ttps://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7173836

[9] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-11-14. Retrieved 2012-01-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[10] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[11] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[12] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[13] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[14] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[15] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/arthur-hall-1.html

[16] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[17] ttp://www.footballfoundation.org/Programs/CollegeFootballHallofFame/SearchDetail.aspx?id=20073

[18] ttp://www.footballfoundation.org/Programs/CollegeFootballHallofFame/SearchDetail.aspx?id=20073

[19] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-09-17. Retrieved 2015-07-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[20] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[21] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-10-02. Retrieved 2015-07-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[22] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-09-15. Retrieved 2015-08-03. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[23] "1914 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". Archived from the original on 2015-09-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[NCAA-24] National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) (2015). "National Poll Rankings" (PDF). NCAA Division I Football Records. NCAA. p. 108. Retrieved January 8, 2016. Cite error: The named reference "NCAA" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).

[25] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 156. Retrieved December 28, 2016.

[26] "1915 Illinois Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[27] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 156. Retrieved December 28, 2016.

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[29] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 156. Retrieved December 28, 2016.

[30] "1927 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". Archived from the original on 2015-09-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[31] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 156. Retrieved December 28, 2016.

[32] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/robert-zuppke-1.html

[33] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

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[35] ttp://www.mashf.com/1990_inductees.htm#Zuppke

[36] ttp://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D03EEDB1339E432A25755C2A9649C94619FD6CF&legacy=true

[37] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/ray-eliot-1.html

[38] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 28, 2016.

[39] "1951 Illinois Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[CAA-40] "2014 NCAA Football Records: Consensus All-America Selections" (PDF). National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). 2014. p. 6. Retrieved February 10, 2015.

[41] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 28, 2016.

[42] "1953 Illinois Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[43] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 28, 2016.

[44] Harry Grayson (1953-11-29). "Harry Grayson Picks All-America for 1953". Independent Record. Helena, Montana.

[45] ttps://www.newspapers.com/newspage/105745811/

[46] ttp://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/football/2013-01-05/pete-elliott-great-motivator.html

[47] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/pete-elliott-1.html

[48] ttp://www.pasadenastarnews.com/sports/20140101/every-rose-bowl-game-ever-played-a-brief-look-at-99-glorious-games

[49] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[50] ttp://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/other/1999-03-21/darkest-days.html

[51] ttp://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/090905acl.html

[52] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/james-valek-1.html

[53] "1967 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[54] "1967 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 26, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[55] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[56] "1968 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[57] "1968 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[58] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[59] "1969 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[60] "1969 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[61] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[62] "Steve Owens, Mike Phipps Pace NEA All-Americans". Clovis News-Journal. November 21, 1969. p. 12.

[63] "1970 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[64] "1970 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[65] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[66] ttp://archives.chicagotribune.com/1970/11/28/page/57/article/illinois-fires-coach-jim-valek-again/index.html

[67] ttp://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/20/sports/bob-blackman-81-coach-of-dartmouth-football-is-dead.html

[68] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/bob-blackman-1.html

[69] "1971 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[70] "1971 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[71] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[72] "1972 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[73] "1972 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[74] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[75] "1973 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[76] "1973 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[77] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[78] "1974 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[79] "1974 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[80] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[81] "1975 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[82] "1975 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[83] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[84] "1976 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[85] "1976 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on October 30, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[86] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[87] ttp://archives.chicagotribune.com/1976/11/23/page/43/article/blackman-didnt-get-fair-chance

[88] ttp://articles.chicagotribune.com/2000-11-29/sports/0011290350_1_big-ten-titles-chris-claiborne-senior-bowl

[89] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/gary-moeller-1.html

[90] "1977 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[91] "1977 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[92] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[93] "1978 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[94] "1978 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[95] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[96] "1979 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[97] "1979 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[98] "Fighting Illini Football Record Book" (PDF). University of Illinois. 2015. p. 155. Retrieved December 29, 2016.

[99] ttp://archives.chicagotribune.com/1979/11/22/page/92/article/moeller-deserved-better-from-illinois

[100] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/mike-white-2.html

[101] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[102] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[103] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1983-schedule.html

[104] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

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[106] ttp://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/football/2003-10-25/1983-20th-anniversary-retrospective-illinis-rose-bowl-seaso

[107] ttp://northernstar.info/sports/illinois-hires-mackovic-for-coaching-and-more/article_dedb79ac-1e5f-59f7-8aad-e10c7a3fbe8c.html

[108] "1988 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[109] "1988 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 17, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[110] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1989-schedule.html

[111] ttp://articles.latimes.com/1990-01-02/sports/sp-138_1_citrus-bowl

[112] "1990 Illinois Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[113] "1990 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 7, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[114] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1991-schedule.html

[115] ttp://articles.latimes.com/1991-12-31/sports/sp-1297_1_head-coach

[116] ttp://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-08-16/sports/9203130910_1_john-mackovic-illinois-chancellor-morton-weir

[117] ttp://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-12-17/sports/9104230409_1_lou-tepper-greg-colby-defensive

[118] Fightingillini.Com // The Official Site Of University Of Illinois Athletics Archived 2008-12-16 at the Wayback Machine

[119] ttp://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-02-19/sports/9502190372_1_northern-illinois-linebackers-coach-greg-landry

[120] ttp://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-02-17/sports/9502170331_1_bob-redman-illinois-lou-tepper

[121] ttp://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/football/2013-08-04/bill-cubit-illini-savior.html

[122] ttp://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-02-17/sports/9502170331_1_bob-redman-illinois-lou-tepper

[123] ttp://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-02-17/sports/9502170331_1_bob-redman-illinois-lou-tepper

[124] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/lou-tepper-1.html

[125] ttp://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/12/sports/illinois-fires-coach-tepper.html

[126] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-11-06. Retrieved 2014-11-05. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[127] ttp://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-illinois-flashback-college-football-spt-0906-20150905-story.html

[128] 0–11

[129] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1997-schedule.html

[130] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1998-schedule.html

[131] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1999-schedule.html

[132] ttp://www.virginiasports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/123099aaa.html

[133] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2000-schedule.html

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[135] ttp://static.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls01/sugar.html

[136] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2002-schedule.html

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[138] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2004-schedule.html

[139] ttp://www.semissourian.com/story/150897.html

[140] ttp://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigten/2004-12-07-illinois-zook_x.htm

[141] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2005-schedule.html

[142] ttp://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=14&yr=2006

[143] Isiah Williams – Football Recruiting

[144] Arrelious Benn Profile – Football Recruiting

[145] Scout.com: Football Recruiting

[146] High School Confidential

[147] Martez Wilson Profile – Football Recruiting

[148] Scout.com: D'Angelo McCray Profile

[149] ttp://illinois.rivals.com/teamrank.asp

[150] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2007-schedule.html

[151] Illinois' strong start earns Ron Zook extension, raise – USATODAY.com

[152] ttp://rivals100.rivals.com/teamrank.asp?SID=880

[153] ttp://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/football/cs-illinifoot20nov20,1,4722441.story?coll=cs-college-print

[154] Coach of the Year

[155] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2008-schedule.html

[156] ttp://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=293390356

[157] ttp://www.illinihq.com/news/football/2009/12/13/illinois_hiring_paul_petrino_as_offensive_coordinator/

[158] ttp://archive.chicagobreakingsports.com/2009/12/koenning-named-illinois-defensive-coordinator.html

[159] ttp://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=303630239

[160] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2011-schedule.html

[161] "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-07-06. Retrieved 2014-03-18. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[162] ttp://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=313650026

[163] ttp://www.espn.com/chicago/ncf/story/_/id/7335112/illinois-illini-hire-toledo-rockets-coach-tim-beckman

[164] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/tim-beckman-1.html

[165] ttp://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2014-schedule.html

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[167] ttp://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/13533196/tim-beckman-fired-coach-illinois-fighting-illini

[168] "Illinois fires football coach Tim Beckman". Chicago Tribune. August 28, 2015.

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[170] ttp://www.thechampaignroom.com/2016/4/12/11414200/tim-beckman-settlement-illinois-football-news

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[172] ttp://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/13533196/tim-beckman-fired-coach-illinois-fighting-illini

[173] USA Today (November 28, 2015). "Illinois gives Bill Cubit a two-year contract, removes interim tag". USA Today. Retrieved November 28, 2015.

[174] ttp://www.si.com/college-football/2016/03/05/illinois-fires-bill-cubit-head-coach

[fightingillini.com-175] Cite error: The named reference fightingillini.com was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[ILL-176] "Lovie Smith Named Illinois Football Coach". Illinois DIA. March 7, 2016. Retrieved March 7, 2016.

[177] Ryan, Shannon. "Illinois hires Lovie Smith as next football coach". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2016-03-07.

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[Tickets-179] "Illini attendance to receive big boost from Lovie Smith hire". scout.com. March 8, 2016. Retrieved August 14, 2016.

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[183] Annual Team Records

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[187] Harold E. "Red" Grange biography

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 The University of Illinois fielded its first football team in 1890, under the direction of [[Scott Williams (American football)|Scott Williams]], the team's starting [[quarterback]] who also served as the team's head coach. The team finished with a record of 1–2.<ref>http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2519</ref> [[Robert Lackey]] took over the reins for the program's second season in 1891, and the team finished undefeated with a mark of 6–0.<ref>http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=1323</ref> In July 1892, several days after graduating from Dartmouth, [[Edward K. Hall]] was hired by the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign to serve as head football coach and director of physical training at a salary of $1,000. He announced at the time that he would spend the summer working as a waiter at a hotel in [[Old Orchard Beach, Maine]], before reporting to Illinois.<ref>{{cite news|title=Personal|newspaper=Vermont Phoenix|date=July 8, 1892|page=5|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3622744/personal_edward_k_hall/}}</ref>  He was the third head football coach at Illinois, held that position for the 1892 and 1893 seasons, and led the team to a record of 12–6–4 in his two years as head coach.<ref>{{cite web|title=E. K. Hall Records By Year|publisher=David DeLassus|work=College Football Data Warehouse |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=947}}</ref> His 1892 team compiled a 9–4–1 record, played the first games in the football rivalries with [[Northwestern Wildcats football|Northwestern]] and [[Chicago Maroons football|Chicago]], and played six road games in nine days (four wins and two losses) in late October 1892.<ref name=CT/><ref>{{cite web|title=1892 Illinois|publisher=David DeLassus|work=College Football Data Warehouse|accessdate=November 13, 2015|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=947&year=1892}}</ref>
-[[George Huff (coach)|George Huff]] was the fifth head coach in Illini football history, succeeding [[Louis Vail]].<ref>https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7173836</ref> Huff led the Illini into the [[Big Ten Conference]], which formed in 1896.<ref>http://www.bigten.org/trads/big10-trads.html</ref> After back-to-back 4–2–1 seasons in 1895 and 1896,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1895-schedule.html</ref><ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1896-schedule.html</ref> the Illini posted a 6–2 record in 1897.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1897-schedule.html</ref> That proved to be the high point of Huff's tenure, as Illinois slipped to 4–5 in 1898 and 3–5–1 in 1899,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1898-schedule.html</ref><ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1899-schedule.html</ref> ending Huff's tenure at Illinois.
+[[George Huff (coach)|George Huff]] was the fifth head coach in Illini football history, succeeding [[Louis Vail]].<ref>https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7173836</ref> Huff led the Illini into the [[Big Ten Conference]], which formed in 1896.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bigten.org/trads/big10-trads.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-01-07 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114224308/http://www.bigten.org/trads/big10-trads.html |archivedate=2013-11-14 |df= }}</ref> After back-to-back 4–2–1 seasons in 1895 and 1896,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1895-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222140604/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1895-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1896-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222163925/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1896-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref> the Illini posted a 6–2 record in 1897.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1897-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222154958/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1897-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref> That proved to be the high point of Huff's tenure, as Illinois slipped to 4–5 in 1898 and 3–5–1 in 1899,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1898-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222075138/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1898-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1899-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222134250/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1899-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref> ending Huff's tenure at Illinois.
-[[Arthur R. Hall|Arthur Hall]] served as Illinois' head football coach from 1907-1912, compiling a 36–12–4 record.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/arthur-hall-1.html</ref> Hall led the Illini to an undefeated 7–0 mark in 1910.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1910-schedule.html</ref>
+[[Arthur R. Hall|Arthur Hall]] served as Illinois' head football coach from 1907-1912, compiling a 36–12–4 record.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/arthur-hall-1.html</ref> Hall led the Illini to an undefeated 7–0 mark in 1910.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1910-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222164539/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1910-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref>
 ===Robert Zuppke era (1913–1941)===
 [[File:Robert Zuppke.jpg|thumb|Coach Zuppke]]
-For 29 seasons, [[Robert Zuppke]] served as Illinois' head football coach.<ref>http://www.footballfoundation.org/Programs/CollegeFootballHallofFame/SearchDetail.aspx?id=20073</ref> During his tenure, Illinois' fan attendance at home games skyrocketed from an average of 4,500 to 60,000.<ref>http://www.footballfoundation.org/Programs/CollegeFootballHallofFame/SearchDetail.aspx?id=20073</ref> Zuppke led Under Zuppke's leadership, the Fighting Illini posted undefeated seasons in 1914,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1914-schedule.html</ref> 1915,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1915-schedule.html</ref> 1923<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1923-schedule.html</ref> and 1927.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1927-schedule.html</ref>
+For 29 seasons, [[Robert Zuppke]] served as Illinois' head football coach.<ref>http://www.footballfoundation.org/Programs/CollegeFootballHallofFame/SearchDetail.aspx?id=20073</ref> During his tenure, Illinois' fan attendance at home games skyrocketed from an average of 4,500 to 60,000.<ref>http://www.footballfoundation.org/Programs/CollegeFootballHallofFame/SearchDetail.aspx?id=20073</ref> Zuppke led Under Zuppke's leadership, the Fighting Illini posted undefeated seasons in 1914,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1914-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-07-30 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917141959/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1914-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-09-17 |df= }}</ref> 1915,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1915-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222161909/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1915-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref> 1923<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1923-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-07-30 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002062921/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1923-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-10-02 |df= }}</ref> and 1927.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1927-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-08-03 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915183514/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1927-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-09-15 |df= }}</ref>
-In 1914, the Fighting Illini compiled a 7&ndash;0 record (6&ndash;0 against [[Big Ten Conference|Western Conference]] opponents), claim a national championship, and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 224 to 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1914-schedule.html|title=1914 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results}}</ref> The team was retroactively selected as the national champion for 1914 by the [[Billingsley Report]] and as a co-national champion with [[1914 Army Cadets football team|Army]] by [[Parke H. Davis]].<ref name=NCAA>{{cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2015/FBS.pdf |title=National Poll Rankings |author=National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |year=2015|work=NCAA Division I Football Records |publisher=NCAA |page=108 |accessdate=January 8, 2016 |format=PDF}}</ref> [[End (American football)|End]] [[Perry Graves]] and [[Guard (American football)|guard]] [[Ralph Chapman]] were consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-Americans]]. Chapman was the team captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=156|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1914, the Fighting Illini compiled a 7&ndash;0 record (6&ndash;0 against [[Big Ten Conference|Western Conference]] opponents), claim a national championship, and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 224 to 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1914-schedule.html |title=1914 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917141959/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1914-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-09-17 |df= }}</ref> The team was retroactively selected as the national champion for 1914 by the [[Billingsley Report]] and as a co-national champion with [[1914 Army Cadets football team|Army]] by [[Parke H. Davis]].<ref name=NCAA>{{cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2015/FBS.pdf |title=National Poll Rankings |author=National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |year=2015|work=NCAA Division I Football Records |publisher=NCAA |page=108 |accessdate=January 8, 2016 |format=PDF}}</ref> [[End (American football)|End]] [[Perry Graves]] and [[Guard (American football)|guard]] [[Ralph Chapman]] were consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-Americans]]. Chapman was the team captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=156|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1915, the Illini compiled a 5–0–2 record and finished as co-champions of the [[Big Ten Conference|Western Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1915 Illinois Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1915-schedule.html}}</ref> Center John W. Watson was the team captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=156|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1915, the Illini compiled a 5–0–2 record and finished as co-champions of the [[Big Ten Conference|Western Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1915 Illinois Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1915-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222161909/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1915-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Center John W. Watson was the team captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=156|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1923, the Fighting Illini compiled an 8&ndash;0 record (5&ndash;0 against [[Big Ten Conference]] opponents) and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 136 to 20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1923-schedule.html|title=1923 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results}}</ref> The team was selected retroactively as the national champion by the [[Boand System]], [[College Football Researchers Association]], [[Helms Athletic Foundation]], and [[Parke H. Davis]], and as a co-national champion by the [[Berryman QPRS]] system, [[National Championship Foundation]], and [[Jeff Sagarin]] (using the ELO-Chess methodology).<ref name=NCAA>{{cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2015/FBS.pdf |title=National Poll Rankings |author=National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |year=2015|work=NCAA Division I Football Records |publisher=NCAA |page=108 |accessdate=January 8, 2016 |format=PDF}}</ref> [[Guard (American football)|Guard]] [[Jim McMillen]] and [[Halfback (American football)|halfback]] [[Red Grange]] were consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-Americans]]. McMillen was also the team captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=156|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1923, the Fighting Illini compiled an 8&ndash;0 record (5&ndash;0 against [[Big Ten Conference]] opponents) and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 136 to 20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1923-schedule.html |title=1923 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002062921/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1923-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-10-02 |df= }}</ref> The team was selected retroactively as the national champion by the [[Boand System]], [[College Football Researchers Association]], [[Helms Athletic Foundation]], and [[Parke H. Davis]], and as a co-national champion by the [[Berryman QPRS]] system, [[National Championship Foundation]], and [[Jeff Sagarin]] (using the ELO-Chess methodology).<ref name=NCAA>{{cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2015/FBS.pdf |title=National Poll Rankings |author=National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |year=2015|work=NCAA Division I Football Records |publisher=NCAA |page=108 |accessdate=January 8, 2016 |format=PDF}}</ref> [[Guard (American football)|Guard]] [[Jim McMillen]] and [[Halfback (American football)|halfback]] [[Red Grange]] were consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-Americans]]. McMillen was also the team captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=156|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1927, the Fighting Illini compiled a 7&ndash;0&ndash;1 record (5&ndash;0 against [[Big Ten Conference|Western Conference]] opponents) and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 152 to 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1927-schedule.html|title=1927 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results}}</ref>  The team was selected as the 1927 national champion by the [[Billingsley Report]], [[Dickinson System]], [[Helms Athletic Foundation]], [[National Championship Foundation]], and [[Parke H. Davis]].<ref name=NCAA>{{cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2015/FBS.pdf |title=National Poll Rankings |author=National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |year=2015|work=NCAA Division I Football Records |publisher=NCAA |page=109 |accessdate=January 13, 2016 |format=PDF}}</ref> Though the team had no consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-Americans]] and was known for its lack of prominent names, center [[Robert Reitsch]] and guard [[Russ Crane (American football)|Russ Crane]] made a handful of first-team selections. Reitsch was also the team captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=156|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1927, the Fighting Illini compiled a 7&ndash;0&ndash;1 record (5&ndash;0 against [[Big Ten Conference|Western Conference]] opponents) and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 152 to 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1927-schedule.html |title=1927 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915183514/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1927-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-09-15 |df= }}</ref>  The team was selected as the 1927 national champion by the [[Billingsley Report]], [[Dickinson System]], [[Helms Athletic Foundation]], [[National Championship Foundation]], and [[Parke H. Davis]].<ref name=NCAA>{{cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2015/FBS.pdf |title=National Poll Rankings |author=National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |year=2015|work=NCAA Division I Football Records |publisher=NCAA |page=109 |accessdate=January 13, 2016 |format=PDF}}</ref> Though the team had no consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-Americans]] and was known for its lack of prominent names, center [[Robert Reitsch]] and guard [[Russ Crane (American football)|Russ Crane]] made a handful of first-team selections. Reitsch was also the team captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=156|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-Illinois struggled from 1930-1941, posting seven losing seasons and no conference championships.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/robert-zuppke-1.html</ref> The Illini did finish 7–1 in 1934, however, this proved to be the last season of six or more wins during the Zuppke era.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1934-schedule.html</ref> Zuppke retired from Illinois following a 2–6 campaign in 1941,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1941-schedule.html</ref> leaving the Illini after compiling a 131–81–12 record.<ref>http://www.mashf.com/1990_inductees.htm#Zuppke</ref>
+Illinois struggled from 1930-1941, posting seven losing seasons and no conference championships.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/robert-zuppke-1.html</ref> The Illini did finish 7–1 in 1934, however, this proved to be the last season of six or more wins during the Zuppke era.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1934-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222140812/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1934-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref> Zuppke retired from Illinois following a 2–6 campaign in 1941,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1941-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222164137/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1941-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref> leaving the Illini after compiling a 131–81–12 record.<ref>http://www.mashf.com/1990_inductees.htm#Zuppke</ref>
 ===Ray Eliot era (1942–1959)===
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 In 1946, the Illini won the [[Big Ten Conference]] title and completed an 8&ndash;2 season with a 45&ndash;14 win over [[1946 UCLA Bruins football team|UCLA]] in the [[1947 Rose Bowl|Rose Bowl]].  The team's captain was [[Center (American football)|center]] Mac Wenskunas.  [[Guard (American football)|Guard]] [[Alex Agase]] was voted the team's most valuable player and received the [[Chicago Tribune Silver Football]] as the Big Ten's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1951, the Illini compiled a 9–0–1 record, finished in first place in the [[Big Ten Conference]], was ranked #4 in the final [[AP Poll]], and defeated [[1951 Stanford Indians football team|Stanford]] 40–7 in the [[1952 Rose Bowl]]. The lone setback was a scoreless tie with [[1951 Ohio State Buckeyes football team|Ohio State]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1951 Illinois Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1951-schedule.html}}</ref> The team currently is the school's last [[Boand System|national champion]] in football with a 40 to 7 rout of Stanford in what was the first nationally televised college football game.  Additionally, there is one NCAA record that remains unbroken today, and may stand the test of time. [[Al Brosky]] had a career record 30 interceptions during the season, including a [[Joe DiMaggio|DiMaggio]] like record of 16 consecutive games with an interception. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Halfback [[Johnny Karras]] was a consensus first-team pick on the [[1951 College Football All-America Team]].<ref name=CAA>{{cite web|title=2014 NCAA Football Records: Consensus All-America Selections|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)|year=2014|accessdate=February 10, 2015|page=6|url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2014/Awards.pdf}}</ref> Linebacker [[Chuck Boerio]] was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1951, the Illini compiled a 9–0–1 record, finished in first place in the [[Big Ten Conference]], was ranked #4 in the final [[AP Poll]], and defeated [[1951 Stanford Indians football team|Stanford]] 40–7 in the [[1952 Rose Bowl]]. The lone setback was a scoreless tie with [[1951 Ohio State Buckeyes football team|Ohio State]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1951 Illinois Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1951-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222123854/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1951-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team currently is the school's last [[Boand System|national champion]] in football with a 40 to 7 rout of Stanford in what was the first nationally televised college football game.  Additionally, there is one NCAA record that remains unbroken today, and may stand the test of time. [[Al Brosky]] had a career record 30 interceptions during the season, including a [[Joe DiMaggio|DiMaggio]] like record of 16 consecutive games with an interception. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Halfback [[Johnny Karras]] was a consensus first-team pick on the [[1951 College Football All-America Team]].<ref name=CAA>{{cite web|title=2014 NCAA Football Records: Consensus All-America Selections|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)|year=2014|accessdate=February 10, 2015|page=6|url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2014/Awards.pdf}}</ref> Linebacker [[Chuck Boerio]] was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1953, the Illini compiled a 7–1–1 record, finished in a tie for first place in the [[Big Ten Conference]], and were ranked #7 in the final [[AP Poll]]. The sole defeat was a 34–7 loss to [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1953 Illinois Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1953-schedule.html}}</ref> Tackle [[Don Ernst]] was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref> Sophomore halfback [[J. C. Caroline]] led the team with 1,256 rushing yards on 194 attempts (6.5 yards per carry) and was selected as a consensus first-team player on the [[1953 College Football All-America Team]].<ref name=CAA>{{cite web|title=2014 NCAA Football Records: Consensus All-America Selections|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)|year=2014|accessdate=February 10, 2015|page=6|url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2014/Awards.pdf}}</ref> Guard [[John Bauer (American football)|John Bauer]] was selected by the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]] as a third-team All-American.<ref>{{cite news|author=[[Harry Grayson]]|title=Harry Grayson Picks All-America for 1953|work=Independent Record|location=Helena, Montana|date=1953-11-29}}</ref>
+In 1953, the Illini compiled a 7–1–1 record, finished in a tie for first place in the [[Big Ten Conference]], and were ranked #7 in the final [[AP Poll]]. The sole defeat was a 34–7 loss to [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1953 Illinois Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1953-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222144346/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1953-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Tackle [[Don Ernst]] was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 28, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref> Sophomore halfback [[J. C. Caroline]] led the team with 1,256 rushing yards on 194 attempts (6.5 yards per carry) and was selected as a consensus first-team player on the [[1953 College Football All-America Team]].<ref name=CAA>{{cite web|title=2014 NCAA Football Records: Consensus All-America Selections|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)|year=2014|accessdate=February 10, 2015|page=6|url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2014/Awards.pdf}}</ref> Guard [[John Bauer (American football)|John Bauer]] was selected by the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]] as a third-team All-American.<ref>{{cite news|author=[[Harry Grayson]]|title=Harry Grayson Picks All-America for 1953|work=Independent Record|location=Helena, Montana|date=1953-11-29}}</ref>
 Following a 5–3–1 record in 1959, Eliot opted to retire as Illinois' head football coach.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/105745811/</ref>
 ===Pete Elliott era (1960–1966)===
-Illinois hired [[California Golden Bears football|California]] head coach [[Pete Elliott]] as Eliot's replacement in 1960.<ref>http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/football/2013-01-05/pete-elliott-great-motivator.html</ref> With the Illini, his record was 31–34–1,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/pete-elliott-1.html</ref> earning a Big Ten title and [[1964 Rose Bowl|Rose Bowl]] victory over Washington during the 1963 season.<ref>http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/sports/20140101/every-rose-bowl-game-ever-played-a-brief-look-at-99-glorious-games</ref> A few months after the end of the 1966 season in which the Illini finished 4–6,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1966-schedule.html</ref> Elliott was forced to resign as head coach in the wake of a [[slush fund]] scandal in the athletic program.<ref>http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/other/1999-03-21/darkest-days.html</ref>
+Illinois hired [[California Golden Bears football|California]] head coach [[Pete Elliott]] as Eliot's replacement in 1960.<ref>http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/football/2013-01-05/pete-elliott-great-motivator.html</ref> With the Illini, his record was 31–34–1,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/pete-elliott-1.html</ref> earning a Big Ten title and [[1964 Rose Bowl|Rose Bowl]] victory over Washington during the 1963 season.<ref>http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/sports/20140101/every-rose-bowl-game-ever-played-a-brief-look-at-99-glorious-games</ref> A few months after the end of the 1966 season in which the Illini finished 4–6,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1966-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222163403/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1966-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref> Elliott was forced to resign as head coach in the wake of a [[slush fund]] scandal in the athletic program.<ref>http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/other/1999-03-21/darkest-days.html</ref>
 ===Jim Valek era (1967–1970)===
 [[South Carolina Gamecocks football|South Carolina]] assistant coach [[Jim Valek]] was hired as Elliott's replacement in 1967.<ref>http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/090905acl.html</ref> Under Valek, the Illini compiled an 8–32 record,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/james-valek-1.html</ref> the worst of any Illini football head coach in decades.
-In 1967, the Illini compiled a 4–6 record and finished in a tie for fifth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1967 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1967-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Dean Volkman]] with 1,005 passing yards, running back Rich Johnson with 768 rushing yards, and wide receiver John Wright with 698 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1967 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1967.html}}</ref> End [[John K. Wright]] was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1967, the Illini compiled a 4–6 record and finished in a tie for fifth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1967 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1967-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222160355/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1967-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Dean Volkman]] with 1,005 passing yards, running back Rich Johnson with 768 rushing yards, and wide receiver John Wright with 698 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1967 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1967.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126032144/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1967.html |archivedate=November 26, 2015 |df= }}</ref> End [[John K. Wright]] was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1968, the Illini compiled a 1–9 record and finished in a tie for eighth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1968 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1968-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Bob Naponic]] with 813 passing yards, running back Rich Johnson with 973 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Doug Dieken]] with 223 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1968 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1968.html}}</ref> Fullback Rich Johnson was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1968, the Illini compiled a 1–9 record and finished in a tie for eighth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1968 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1968-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222082543/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1968-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Bob Naponic]] with 813 passing yards, running back Rich Johnson with 973 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Doug Dieken]] with 223 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1968 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1968.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107223619/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1968.html |archivedate=November 7, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Fullback Rich Johnson was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1969, the Illini compiled a 0–10 record and finished in last place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1969 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1969-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Steve Livas with 705 passing yards, running back Dave Jackson with 465 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Doug Dieken]] with 486 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1969 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1969.html}}</ref> Dieken was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref> [[Guard (American and Canadian football)|Guard]] Doug Redmann was selected by the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]] as a second-team player on the [[1969 College Football All-America Team]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Steve Owens, Mike Phipps Pace NEA All-Americans|newspaper=Clovis News-Journal|date=November 21, 1969|page=12|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3369758/1969_nea_all_america_football_team/}}</ref>
+In 1969, the Illini compiled a 0–10 record and finished in last place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1969 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1969-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222132103/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1969-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Steve Livas with 705 passing yards, running back Dave Jackson with 465 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Doug Dieken]] with 486 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1969 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1969.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107223624/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1969.html |archivedate=November 7, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Dieken was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref> [[Guard (American and Canadian football)|Guard]] Doug Redmann was selected by the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]] as a second-team player on the [[1969 College Football All-America Team]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Steve Owens, Mike Phipps Pace NEA All-Americans|newspaper=Clovis News-Journal|date=November 21, 1969|page=12|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3369758/1969_nea_all_america_football_team/}}</ref>
-In 1970, the Illini compiled a 3–7 record and finished in a tie for last place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1970 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1970-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Mike Wells (quarterback)|Mike Wells]] with 906 passing yards, running back [[Darrell Robinson]] with 749 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Doug Dieken]] with 537 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1970 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1970.html}}</ref> Dieken was selected for the second consecutive year as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1970, the Illini compiled a 3–7 record and finished in a tie for last place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1970 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1970-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222153117/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1970-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Mike Wells (quarterback)|Mike Wells]] with 906 passing yards, running back [[Darrell Robinson]] with 749 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Doug Dieken]] with 537 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1970 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1970.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107223629/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1970.html |archivedate=November 7, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Dieken was selected for the second consecutive year as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
 Illinois fired Valek after the 1970 season, citing the decline in the team's on-field performance.<ref>http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1970/11/28/page/57/article/illinois-fires-coach-jim-valek-again/index.html</ref>
@@ Line 99: / Line 99: @@
 Coach [[Bob Blackman (American football)|Bob Blackman]] came to Illinois from [[Dartmouth Indians football|Dartmouth]], where he'd had a successful head coaching tenure spanning more than a decade, to turn the Illini football program around in 1971.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/20/sports/bob-blackman-81-coach-of-dartmouth-football-is-dead.html</ref> Under Blackman, the Illini compiled a record of 29–36–1.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/bob-blackman-1.html</ref>
-In 1971, the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a three-way tie for third place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1971 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1971-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Mike Wells (quarterback)|Mike Wells]] with 1,007 passing yards, running back John Wilson with 543 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Garvin Roberson]] with 372 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1971 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1971.html}}</ref> Punter/halfback Terry Masar was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1971, the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a three-way tie for third place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1971 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1971-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222165603/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1971-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Mike Wells (quarterback)|Mike Wells]] with 1,007 passing yards, running back John Wilson with 543 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Garvin Roberson]] with 372 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1971 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1971.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107223634/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1971.html |archivedate=November 7, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Punter/halfback Terry Masar was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1972, the Illini compiled a 3–8 record and finished in a tie for sixth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1972 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1972-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Mike Wells (quarterback)|Mike Wells]] with 837 passing yards, running back [[George Uremovich]] with 611 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Garvin Roberson]] with 569 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1972 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1972.html}}</ref> Center [[Larry McCarren]] and defensive end Larry Allen were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1972, the Illini compiled a 3–8 record and finished in a tie for sixth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1972 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1972-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222120848/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1972-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Mike Wells (quarterback)|Mike Wells]] with 837 passing yards, running back [[George Uremovich]] with 611 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Garvin Roberson]] with 569 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1972 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1972.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107223639/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1972.html |archivedate=November 7, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Center [[Larry McCarren]] and defensive end Larry Allen were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1973, the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a four-way tie for fourth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1973 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1973-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Jeff Hollenbach]] with 916 passing yards, running back [[George Uremovich]] with 519 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Garvin Roberson]] with 416 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1973 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1973.html}}</ref> Halfback Eddie Jenkins and defensive end Octavus Morgan were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1973, the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a four-way tie for fourth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1973 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1973-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222094539/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1973-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Jeff Hollenbach]] with 916 passing yards, running back [[George Uremovich]] with 519 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Garvin Roberson]] with 416 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1973 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1973.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107223644/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1973.html |archivedate=November 7, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Halfback Eddie Jenkins and defensive end Octavus Morgan were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1974, the Illini compiled a 6–4–1 record and finished in fifth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1974 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1974-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Jeff Hollenbach]] with 1,037 passing yards, running back [[Chubby Phillips]] with 772 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Joe Smalzer]] with 525 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1974 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1974.html}}</ref> Hollenbach and linebacker Tom Hicks were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1974, the Illini compiled a 6–4–1 record and finished in fifth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1974 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1974-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222150925/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1974-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Jeff Hollenbach]] with 1,037 passing yards, running back [[Chubby Phillips]] with 772 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Joe Smalzer]] with 525 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1974 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1974.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121045438/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1974.html |archivedate=November 21, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Hollenbach and linebacker Tom Hicks were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1975, the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a three-way tie for third place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1975 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1975-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Kurt Steger]] with 1,136 passing yards, running back [[Lonnie Perrin]] with 907 rushing yards, and wide receiver Frank Johnson with 349 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1975 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1975.html}}</ref> Offensive tackle Stu Levenick and defensive back Bruce Beaman were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1975, the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a three-way tie for third place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1975 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1975-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222165758/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1975-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Kurt Steger]] with 1,136 passing yards, running back [[Lonnie Perrin]] with 907 rushing yards, and wide receiver Frank Johnson with 349 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1975 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1975.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121045441/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1975.html |archivedate=November 21, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Offensive tackle Stu Levenick and defensive back Bruce Beaman were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1976, the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a four-way tie for third place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1976 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1976-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Kurt Steger]] with 1,243 passing yards, running back James Coleman with 687 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Eric Rouse]] with 326 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1976 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1976.html}}</ref> Offensive tackle Jerry Finis and linebacker [[Scott Studwell]] were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1976, the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a four-way tie for third place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1976 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1976-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222113542/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1976-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Kurt Steger]] with 1,243 passing yards, running back James Coleman with 687 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Eric Rouse]] with 326 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1976 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1976.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030031909/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1976.html |archivedate=October 30, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Offensive tackle Jerry Finis and linebacker [[Scott Studwell]] were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
 Blackman was fired following the 1976 season, the administration again unhappy with the team's consistent mediocrity.<ref>http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1976/11/23/page/43/article/blackman-didnt-get-fair-chance</ref>
@@ Line 116: / Line 116: @@
 [[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]] defensive coordinator [[Gary Moeller]] was hired to replace Blackman in 1977.<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2000-11-29/sports/0011290350_1_big-ten-titles-chris-claiborne-senior-bowl</ref> Under Moeller, the Illini continued to struggle, compiling a 6–24–3 record.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/gary-moeller-1.html</ref>
-In 1977, the Illini compiled a 3–8 record and finished in ninth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1977 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1977-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Mike McCray]] with 418 passing yards, running back James Coleman with 715 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Tom Schooley]] with 231 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1977 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1977.html}}</ref> Coleman and linebacker John Sullivan were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1977, the Illini compiled a 3–8 record and finished in ninth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1977 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1977-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222101946/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1977-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Mike McCray]] with 418 passing yards, running back James Coleman with 715 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[Tom Schooley]] with 231 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1977 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1977.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121233248/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1977.html |archivedate=November 21, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Coleman and linebacker John Sullivan were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1978, the Illini compiled a 1–8–2 record and again finished in ninth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1978 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1978-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Rich Weiss with 665 passing yards, running back Wayne Strader with 389 rushing yards, and wide receiver Jeff Barnes with 270 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1978 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1978.html}}</ref> Linebacker John Sullivan and center Randy Taylor were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1978, the Illini compiled a 1–8–2 record and again finished in ninth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1978 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1978-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222150821/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1978-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Rich Weiss with 665 passing yards, running back Wayne Strader with 389 rushing yards, and wide receiver Jeff Barnes with 270 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1978 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1978.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121210129/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1978.html |archivedate=November 21, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Linebacker John Sullivan and center Randy Taylor were selected as the team's most valuable players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
-In 1979, the Illini compiled a 2–8–1 record and, for the third season in a row, finished in ninth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1979 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1979-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Lawrence McCullough]] with 1,254 passing yards, running back [[Mike Holmes]] with 792 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[John Lopez]] with 296 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1979 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1979.html}}</ref> McCullough was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
+In 1979, the Illini compiled a 2–8–1 record and, for the third season in a row, finished in ninth place in the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1979 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1979-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222165106/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1979-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Lawrence McCullough]] with 1,254 passing yards, running back [[Mike Holmes]] with 792 rushing yards, and wide receiver [[John Lopez]] with 296 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1979 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1979.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121210134/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1979.html |archivedate=November 21, 2015 |df= }}</ref> McCullough was selected as the team's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fighting Illini Football Record Book|publisher=University of Illinois|year=2015|accessdate=December 29, 2016|page=155|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/fightingillini.com/documents/2015/8/3/3_History_7_30.pdf}}</ref>
 Illinois fired Moeller after the 1979 season.<ref>http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1979/11/22/page/92/article/moeller-deserved-better-from-illinois</ref>
@@ Line 127: / Line 127: @@
 [[San Francisco 49ers]] offensive line coach [[Mike White (American football)|Mike White]] succeeded Moeller and brought moderate success to Illinois' football program, compiling a 47–41–3 record in his eight years.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/mike-white-2.html</ref>
-The Illini posted five consecutive winning seasons from 1981-1985, posting records of 7–4,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1981-schedule.html</ref> 7–5,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1982-schedule.html</ref> 10–2,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1983-schedule.html</ref> 7–4<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1984-schedule.html</ref> and 6–5–1.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1985-schedule.html</ref> The 1983 season ended with a loss to [[UCLA Bruins football|UCLA]] in the [[1984 Rose Bowl|Rose Bowl]].<ref>http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/football/2003-10-25/1983-20th-anniversary-retrospective-illinis-rose-bowl-seaso</ref>
+The Illini posted five consecutive winning seasons from 1981-1985, posting records of 7–4,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1981-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222122238/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1981-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref> 7–5,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1982-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222165213/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1982-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref> 10–2,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1983-schedule.html</ref> 7–4<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1984-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222104014/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1984-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref> and 6–5–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1985-schedule.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-12-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222124618/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1985-schedule.html |archivedate=2015-12-22 |df= }}</ref> The 1983 season ended with a loss to [[UCLA Bruins football|UCLA]] in the [[1984 Rose Bowl|Rose Bowl]].<ref>http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/football/2003-10-25/1983-20th-anniversary-retrospective-illinis-rose-bowl-seaso</ref>
 ===John Mackovic era (1988–1991)===
 [[John Mackovic]], head coach of the [[National Football League|NFL]]'s [[Kansas City Chiefs]], was hired as the Fighting Illini's 20th head football coach in 1988.<ref>http://northernstar.info/sports/illinois-hires-mackovic-for-coaching-and-more/article_dedb79ac-1e5f-59f7-8aad-e10c7a3fbe8c.html</ref>
-In 1988, the Illini compiled a 6–5–1 record, finished in third place in the [[Big Ten Conference]], and lost to [[1988 Florida Gators football team|Florida]] in the [[1988 All-American Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1988 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1988-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Jeff George]] with 2,257 passing yards, running back [[Keith Jones (American football)|Keith Jones]] with 1,108 rushing yards, and Steve Williams with 523 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1988 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1988.html}}</ref>
+In 1988, the Illini compiled a 6–5–1 record, finished in third place in the [[Big Ten Conference]], and lost to [[1988 Florida Gators football team|Florida]] in the [[1988 All-American Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1988 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1988-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222102943/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1988-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leaders were quarterback [[Jeff George]] with 2,257 passing yards, running back [[Keith Jones (American football)|Keith Jones]] with 1,108 rushing yards, and Steve Williams with 523 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1988 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1988.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151217132140/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1988.html |archivedate=December 17, 2015 |df= }}</ref>
 In 1989, the Illini finished 10–2,<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1989-schedule.html</ref> capping their season off with a win in the Florida Citrus Bowl.<ref>http://articles.latimes.com/1990-01-02/sports/sp-138_1_citrus-bowl</ref>
-In 1990, the Illini compiled an 8–4 record, finished in a four-way tie for first place in the [[Big Ten Conference]], were ranked #25 in the final [[AP Poll]], and lost to [[1990 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] in the [[1991 Hall of Fame Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1990 Illinois Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1990-schedule.html}}</ref> The team's offensive leader were quarterback [[Jason Verduzco]] with 2,567 passing yards, fullback [[Howard Griffith]] with 1,115 rushing yards, and Shawn Wax with 863 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1990 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=December 16, 2015|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1990.html}}</ref>
+In 1990, the Illini compiled an 8–4 record, finished in a four-way tie for first place in the [[Big Ten Conference]], were ranked #25 in the final [[AP Poll]], and lost to [[1990 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] in the [[1991 Hall of Fame Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1990 Illinois Schedule and Results |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1990-schedule.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222162454/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1990-schedule.html |archivedate=December 22, 2015 |df= }}</ref> The team's offensive leader were quarterback [[Jason Verduzco]] with 2,567 passing yards, fullback [[Howard Griffith]] with 1,115 rushing yards, and Shawn Wax with 863 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web|title=1990 Illinois Fighting Illini Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=SR/College Football |accessdate=December 16, 2015 |url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1990.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207190342/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1990.html |archivedate=December 7, 2015 |df= }}</ref>
 In 1991, the Illini enjoyed another non-losing season, finishing 6–6 after losing in the [[John Hancock Bowl]].<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1991-schedule.html</ref><ref>http://articles.latimes.com/1991-12-31/sports/sp-1297_1_head-coach</ref>
@@ Line 143: / Line 143: @@
 ===Lou Tepper era (1992–1996)===
-[[Lou Tepper]] was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach of the Illini in 1992.<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-12-17/sports/9104230409_1_lou-tepper-greg-colby-defensive</ref> Tepper was the first Illinois coach since [[Robert Zuppke]] to win or tie both of his first two meetings against [[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]].<ref>[http://fightingillini.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/AllTimeScores.html#Zuppke Fightingillini.Com // The Official Site Of University Of Illinois Athletics<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>  The 1992 game, a 22–22 tie, ended Michigan's nineteen game conference winning streak.
+[[Lou Tepper]] was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach of the Illini in 1992.<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-12-17/sports/9104230409_1_lou-tepper-greg-colby-defensive</ref> Tepper was the first Illinois coach since [[Robert Zuppke]] to win or tie both of his first two meetings against [[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]].<ref>[http://fightingillini.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/AllTimeScores.html#Zuppke Fightingillini.Com // The Official Site Of University Of Illinois Athletics<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216045848/http://fightingillini.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/AllTimeScores.html |date=2008-12-16 }}</ref>  The 1992 game, a 22–22 tie, ended Michigan's nineteen game conference winning streak.
 Tepper was involved in a series of controversial moves associated with the [[Recruiting (college athletics)|recruitment]] of [[Blue chip (sports)|blue-chip]] quarterback [[Chris Redman]] in 1994 and 1995.  Redman stated that he had committed to Illinois based on the recruiting efforts of Illini offensive coordinator and former NFL [[Pro Bowl]] quarterback [[Greg Landry]].<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-02-19/sports/9502190372_1_northern-illinois-linebackers-coach-greg-landry</ref>  Tepper ignited a controversy when he unexpectedly fired Landry the day after Redman signed his [[letter of commitment]].<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-02-17/sports/9502170331_1_bob-redman-illinois-lou-tepper</ref>  Tepper denied any attempt to deceive Redman about Landry's future at Illinois and eventually released Redman from his commitment. It would later emerge that Landry had allegedly been soliciting a NFL job behind Tepper's back.  The departures of Landry and Redman and the manner in which they left had damaged Tepper's reputation among fans and media.<ref>http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/football/2013-08-04/bill-cubit-illini-savior.html</ref><ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-02-17/sports/9502170331_1_bob-redman-illinois-lou-tepper</ref>  The [[NCAA]] decided to void the LOC based on the unusual circumstances, allowing Redman five full years of eligibility and no transfer restrictions.<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-02-17/sports/9502170331_1_bob-redman-illinois-lou-tepper</ref>  Tepper hired former [[Ball State Cardinals football|Ball State]] head coach and veteran [[Big Ten]] assistant [[Paul Schudel]] as Landry's replacement. The hiring of Schudel marked the fourth time in six years that the Illini had made a change at offensive coordinator.
-Despite Tepper's abilities as a defensive coach, he only put together only two winning seasons in his six years in Champaign.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/lou-tepper-1.html</ref> His teams were unable to match the moderate success the Illini had enjoyed under Mackovic and [[Mike White (American football)|Mike White]], and the Illini got progressively worse over his tenure. They placed fourth in the [[Big Ten Conference]] in Tepper's first full season, 1992, and finished in fourth, fifth, seventh, and ninth in his remaining years. Tepper was fired after the 1996 season, when the Illini went 2–9 with a 1–7 conference record.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/12/sports/illinois-fires-coach-tepper.html</ref><ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1996.html</ref>
+Despite Tepper's abilities as a defensive coach, he only put together only two winning seasons in his six years in Champaign.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/lou-tepper-1.html</ref> His teams were unable to match the moderate success the Illini had enjoyed under Mackovic and [[Mike White (American football)|Mike White]], and the Illini got progressively worse over his tenure. They placed fourth in the [[Big Ten Conference]] in Tepper's first full season, 1992, and finished in fourth, fifth, seventh, and ninth in his remaining years. Tepper was fired after the 1996 season, when the Illini went 2–9 with a 1–7 conference record.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/12/sports/illinois-fires-coach-tepper.html</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1996.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-11-05 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106005901/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1996.html |archivedate=2014-11-06 |df= }}</ref>
 ===Ron Turner era (1997–2004)===
@@ Line 180: / Line 180: @@
 They started off 2010 by losing to Missouri for the fourth consecutive year, 23–13. They held a 13–3 lead that almost lasted the length of the game. After the early loss, Illinois defeated [[Southern Illinois Salukis football|Southern Illinois]], 35–3, and [[Northern Illinois Huskies football|Northern Illinois]], 28–22. While the Fighting Illini lost to Ohio State in their Big Ten opener, they gave the Buckeyes a scare, knocking out quarterback [[Terrelle Pryor]] and holding the Buckeye passing offense almost entirely in check. Illinois then traveled to State College to take on the [[2010 Penn State Nittany Lions football team|Nittany Lions]], and Illinois had never won in Beaver Stadium prior to 2010. Illinois handed Penn State a stunning 33–13 loss on homecoming. They went on to win the [[Texas Bowl]] in a blowout against [[Baylor Bears football|Baylor]].<ref>http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=303630239</ref>
-As the 2011 season begun, the Illini were picked by most experts to finish near the bottom of the newly formed Leaders Division. However, Illinois got off to one of their best starts in history by winning their first six games. After taking care of [[Arkansas State Red Wolves football|Arkansas State]], 33–15, and blasting [[South Dakota State Jackrabbits football|South Dakota State]], 56–3, the Fighting Illini won a trio of home games by a margin of a field goal over 22nd-ranked [[Arizona State Sun Devils football|Arizona State]] (17–14), [[Western Michigan Broncos football|Western Michigan]] (23–20), and [[Northwestern Wildcats football|Northwestern]] (38–35) in a game in which Illinois rallied from a 28–10 deficit in the second half. After defeating [[Indiana Hoosiers football|Indiana]], 41–20, in Illinois' first road game of the season, the Illini were 6–0 for the first time since 1951 and they climbed to 15th in the [[Coaches' Poll]] and 16th in the [[AP Poll]]. However, the Illini lost, 17–7, to [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]] and the season seemed headed towards a downward spiral as Illinois lost a pair of close road games at [[Purdue Boilermakers football|Purdue]] (21–14) and [[Penn State Nittany Lions football|Penn State]] (10–7). Illinois returned home and lost to [[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]], 31–14. On the Tuesday before the Wisconsin game, Zook opened his weekly press conference by warning the reporters not to ask questions about his job status. When reporter Shannon Ryan of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' asked Zook if he had talked to his players about the rumors pertaining to his future, he walked out of the press conference. The Illini went on to lose to [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin]], 28–17, and finished the regular season with a 27–7 loss to [[2011 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team|Minnesota]].  With the loss to the Golden Gophers, Illinois became the first team in NCAA Division I FBS history to start a season 6–0, and end it at 6–6.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2011-schedule.html</ref> Zook was fired on November 27, 2011. His final record at Illinois was 34–51.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/ron-zook-1.html</ref> The Illini did receive a bowl invitation and they defeated [[UCLA Bruins football|UCLA]] in the [[Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl]].<ref>http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=313650026</ref> It was first time in school history that the football team won back-to-back bowl games.
+As the 2011 season begun, the Illini were picked by most experts to finish near the bottom of the newly formed Leaders Division. However, Illinois got off to one of their best starts in history by winning their first six games. After taking care of [[Arkansas State Red Wolves football|Arkansas State]], 33–15, and blasting [[South Dakota State Jackrabbits football|South Dakota State]], 56–3, the Fighting Illini won a trio of home games by a margin of a field goal over 22nd-ranked [[Arizona State Sun Devils football|Arizona State]] (17–14), [[Western Michigan Broncos football|Western Michigan]] (23–20), and [[Northwestern Wildcats football|Northwestern]] (38–35) in a game in which Illinois rallied from a 28–10 deficit in the second half. After defeating [[Indiana Hoosiers football|Indiana]], 41–20, in Illinois' first road game of the season, the Illini were 6–0 for the first time since 1951 and they climbed to 15th in the [[Coaches' Poll]] and 16th in the [[AP Poll]]. However, the Illini lost, 17–7, to [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]] and the season seemed headed towards a downward spiral as Illinois lost a pair of close road games at [[Purdue Boilermakers football|Purdue]] (21–14) and [[Penn State Nittany Lions football|Penn State]] (10–7). Illinois returned home and lost to [[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]], 31–14. On the Tuesday before the Wisconsin game, Zook opened his weekly press conference by warning the reporters not to ask questions about his job status. When reporter Shannon Ryan of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' asked Zook if he had talked to his players about the rumors pertaining to his future, he walked out of the press conference. The Illini went on to lose to [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin]], 28–17, and finished the regular season with a 27–7 loss to [[2011 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team|Minnesota]].  With the loss to the Golden Gophers, Illinois became the first team in NCAA Division I FBS history to start a season 6–0, and end it at 6–6.<ref>http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/2011-schedule.html</ref> Zook was fired on November 27, 2011. His final record at Illinois was 34–51.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/ron-zook-1.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-03-18 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706232715/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/ron-zook-1.html |archivedate=2014-07-06 |df= }}</ref> The Illini did receive a bowl invitation and they defeated [[UCLA Bruins football|UCLA]] in the [[Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl]].<ref>http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=313650026</ref> It was first time in school history that the football team won back-to-back bowl games.
 ===Tim Beckman era (2012–2014)===
@@ Line 593: / Line 593: @@
 *[[George W. Woodruff (coach)|George Woodruff]] (Head Coach, 1903)
 *[[Claude "Buddy" Young]] (Halfback, 1944, 1946)
-*[[Bob Zuppke]] (Head Coach, 1913–1941) <ref>[http://www.collegefootball.org/famersearch.php College Football Hall of Famers]</ref>
+*[[Bob Zuppke]] (Head Coach, 1913–1941) <ref>[http://www.collegefootball.org/famersearch.php College Football Hall of Famers] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416235549/http://www.collegefootball.org/famersearch.php |date=2008-04-16 }}</ref>
 ==Pro Football Hall of Famers==
@@ Line 603: / Line 603: @@
 *[[Bobby Mitchell]], Class of 1983
-<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/colleges.html|title=Heroes of the Game - Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site|publisher=|accessdate=19 June 2016}}</ref>
+<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/colleges.html |title=Heroes of the Game - Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site |publisher= |accessdate=19 June 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930034624/http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/colleges.html |archivedate=30 September 2007 |df= }}</ref>
 ==Current NFL players==

v t e Illinois Fighting Illini football
Venues	Illinois Field (1890–1922) Memorial Stadium (1923–present) Soldier Field (1994–present)
Bowls & rivalries	Bowl games Indiana Michigan Missouri Northwestern Ohio State: Battle for Illibuck Purdue
Culture & lore	Illinois Loyalty "Oskee Wow-Wow" Marching Illini Gene Honda Fighting Illini Sports Network Chief Illiniwek 1960s slush fund scandal 2021 Penn State game
People	Head coaches NFL draftees Statistical leaders
Seasons	1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
National championship seasons in bold

v t e Big Ten Conference football
Current teams	Illinois Fighting Illini Indiana Hoosiers Iowa Hawkeyes Maryland Terrapins Michigan Wolverines Michigan State Spartans Minnesota Golden Gophers Nebraska Cornhuskers Northwestern Wildcats Ohio State Buckeyes Oregon Ducks Penn State Nittany Lions Purdue Boilermakers Rutgers Scarlet Knights UCLA Bruins USC Trojans Washington Huskies Wisconsin Badgers
Championships & awards	Conference champions All-time standings (1896–1958), (1959–present) Championship Game Individual awards All-Big Ten Conference teams Chicago Tribune Silver Football
Seasons	1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024