The Fighting Illini football team will play their last game of the season this Saturday at Memorial Stadium against Fresno State. This year has had it’s ups and downs; mostly downs with the Illini ’s current record of 3-8. It hasn’t looked good for the Illini all season. From that first kickoff in St. Louis, it seemed like they never really had it under control. They were expected to be a great team, and Big Ten contender with Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn in their prime. What happened? Nobody really knows. It has been a disappointing season to say the least, and this Saturday it is all going to come to an end.

That said, I want to encourage all of you to attend this Saturday’s finale: all of you students, all of you alumni, and all of you Fighting Illini fans. You say we aren’t going to a bowl anyway, so why does this game matter? You say that you have to stay home and study for finals. You say that it’s going to be freezing cold and you’d rather stay in your nice warm bed. You’ll find any excuse not to come and watch your team lose again. But I say no. There is no excuse. This is senior day. The team deserves our attendance.The least you can do is give up three hours of your life to come out and support your team. They may be bad, but they are still our team.

Do It For The Seniors

Fifteen Illini seniors will be honored at the game. This will be the last game they ever play in an Illinois uniform. Over the past four years, we’ve been through a lot with these guys, and through it all, they’ve stayed strong and given it all they’ve had. Let’s support them one last time on Saturday. Here’s to you seniors!

Jon Asamoah, OL
Eric Block, OL
Michael Cklamovski, PK
Jeff Cumberland, WR
Daniel Dufrene, RB
Chris Duvalt, WR
Donsay Hardeman, DB
Dere Hicks, DB
Michael Hoomanawanui, TE
Antonio James, DL
Doug Pilcher, DL
Rahkeem Smith, DL
Juice Williams, QB
Sirod Williams, DL
Kyle Yelton, P

Do It For Juice

One senior in particular, has taken a lot of heat over the past couple of years. Mr. Juice Williams is one of those players that you either love or hate. He has his good days, and his bad days. There is a lot that one can say about our senior quarterback, but let’s just let the numbers speak for themselves. Even if you hate Juice, or think that he shouldn’t be starting on Saturday, you can’t ignore that he:

• Already holds the Illinois total offense records for a career (10,327) and season (3,892)
• Ranks fifth in total offense in Big Ten history
• Already holds the Illinois QB rushing records for a career (2,501), season (755) and game (174)
• Ranks third in school history in passing yardage (7,826)
• Is the Illinois career leader in starts by a quarterback with 43
• Needs 45 rushing yards to move up to sixth on the Illinois career rushing list
• Needs three touchdown passes to move to second on the UI list for career scoring strikes

So one last time, let’s give Juice the applause that he deserves. He, along with the rest of the team, have come in day after day and given it their all. Despite the weather forecast, let’s give them all we’ve got on Saturday. I’m expecting a sea of orange, and the loudest stands of the season. They deserve it.

Let’s do it for the orange and blue!

Illinois vs. Fresno St. // Dec. 5 // 11:30am

• Live Audio | GameTracker | TV: BTN | Radio
• Fan Guide | Parking Map | Gameday Info
• BUY TICKETS TO THIS GAME

Go Illini!

The Illini and Northwestern will be battling today for the ownership of the first Land of Lincoln Trophy. The two schools have been fighting for a rivalry trophy since 1945 with the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk Trophy. Last year was the final year for that award, and with Northwestern’s victory, they have claimed permenant ownership of the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk Trophy (even though the Illini have a better series record).

The new trophy idea was the result of an online vote by Northwestern and Illinois fans this past spring. “Land of Lincoln” edged three other finalists: President’s Trophy (named after the state’s four presidents), Popcorn Bowl (named after the Illinois state snack) and the Graham-Grange Fire Bell (named after two of the greatest players at each school).

Once the name was determined, an artist was chosen to design a stove-top hat, a signature apparel item of President Abraham Lincoln. The man who designed the trophy was Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Dick Locher, an editorial cartoonist for the Chicago Tribune as well as the artist who helped bring the Dick Tracy cartoon strip to life.

The trpohy resembles the hat worn by Lincoln while delivering the Gettysburg Address. It, along with a walnut base, weighs 28.5 pounds. The trophy will reside in the press box for the first half of Saturday’s game and then on the field for the second half.

When asked about the trophy, Coach Zook said “You want it every year, but you’re right. This is the first time that I have not seen it. I’ve seen pictures, but I have not seen it. I’ve seen pictures and heard talk about it. It’s shaped like Abraham Lincoln’s hat. No question, we’d like to bring it home.”

Illinois vs. Northwestern // Nov. 14 // 11am

• Live Audio | GameTracker | TV: ESPN Classic | Radio
• Fan Guide | Parking Map | Gameday Info
• BUY TICKETS TO THIS GAME

Let’s bring it home. Go Illini!

Northwestern, Illinois Set to Play for First Land of Lincoln Trophy – FightingIllini.com

The Illini pulled off a victory Saturday defeating their in-state rivals the Illinois State Redbirds. Illinois Quarterback Juice Williams left the game early with a right quadriceps bruise so back-up Eddie McGee took his place. McGee lead the Illini to 384 rushing yards, 137 of them from sophomore Jason Ford.

Illinois led 24-0 at halftime with McGee running for one touchdown and passing for another. He was 13 of 17 for 164 yards and an interception, and he ran for 55 yards and two touchdowns.

McGee kept the ball on the option for his first TD, a 1-yarder over right tackle that gave the Illini a 14-0 lead with 3:43 left in the first quarter.

McGee hit receiver Chris Duvalt for a 27-yard touchdown and a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.

The Redbirds (0-2), who lost to Eastern Illinois 31-6 last week, got a strong performance from Matt Brown. The redshirt freshman, starting for the injured Drew Kiel, completed 27 of 45 passes for two touchdowns and one interception.

But Illinois State couldn’t score until 8:42 remained in the third quarter, when Brown found Eyad Salem for a 3-yard TD, cutting Illinois’ lead to 31-7. Salem caught seven passes for 103 yards and both Redbird touchdowns.

Congratulations to the team on a fine victory. 

The Illini begin Big Ten play battling Ohio State next, on September 26th in Columbus, OH.

Final Stats
Post-Game Quotes
Post-Game Notes

This is the fourth part of a four part series outlining Illini student football traditions. This series was published in 2008 and is being republished as an updated edition.

After an exciting two quarters, it is half-time. This is the only time where Illinois students sit in their seats. Sometimes the opposing band will perform, but usually the MI has a show ready to perform. This makes for a great time to go to the bathroom, get something to eat, or just take a break from the baking sun (or freezing temperatures). The end of the MI’s show is always the same. The students get back up and join in. The performance is known as the “Three-In-One” and used to feature Chief Illiniwek. The tradition was for the students to mimic the Chief’s motions, and you may still see some students doing this even though the Chief has been officially retired. The show includes a lot of clapping and the singing of the Alma Mater.

At Illinois, the Alma Mater is a uniting piece where all students put their arms around each other, and sway back and forth as they sing. It is vital as an Illinois student that you know the words:
Hail to the Orange.
Hail to the Blue.
Hail Alma Mater,
Ever so true.
We love no other,
So let our motto be
Victory, Illinois, Varsity.

The second half plays out much like the first, hopefully with the Illini winning.
At the end of the game, the football team likes to climb the stairs of the north bleachers and celebrate amongst the band and students. After playing the fight song “Illinois Loyalty”, the students, band members and players jump into the A cappella version of the Alma Mater. This singing tradition is one that is carried throughout all Illinois sporting events. Following the game, the MI performs a short concert on the steps of the Education Building for all those interested. The celebration does not end there however. In Champaign-Urbana, the party continues long into the night. Enjoy yourself, but be careful.

If you cannot make it to the game, or were not able to get tickets, you can still enjoy the festivities. Find a fun tailgate, or tune in on radio/TV to follow the Illini. Check out the The Quad’s Media Guide to view coverage for each game. So no matter how you do it, support Illinois and enjoy the game.

Continue to monitor The Quad for its complete coverage of Illinois football.

Go Illini!

This is the third part of a four part series outlining Illini student football traditions. This series was published in 2008 and is being republished as an updated edition.

During game-time, the Illinois fans help play as the “12th man” on the team. This is done through a series of cheers, chants, and dances. Most cheers are lead by the Marching Illini. The new student section makes it difficult for the students to hear the band, so following along is rather difficult. There are too many cheers to count, so I am going to mention just a few important ones.

At each Illinois kick-off, the students add their own sound effect by holding up and shaking their keys. Whether you have keys with you or not, you need to be shaking something and making noise during the kick-off.

The William Tell Overture is a staple in any Illinois arena. The driving beat encourages students to join one another in the most patented dance on campus. Clapping at the beginning of the song leads to the bridge section where student put their arms around each other’s shoulders and trot, first “to the left”, then reverse. After the hopping, comes a rhythmic beat played on the bleacher beneath you and full body spin. Finally, sixteenth note air-drums with your hands and finish with a “Hey!” It is not as hard as it sounds. For the first time, just grab the person next to you and hold on for the ride.

The Imperial March is played on each opposing team’s fourth downs. This is followed by the students with a somewhat fist pump.

The Hey Song and Hey Baby are two classic cheers you should be able to sing along to.

In the past few years, the MI has enjoyed playing mainstream music. Depending on the student’s reaction to these renditions, they will most likely play them again in future year. Some of these songs include Green Day’s “Holiday” and Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Students particularly enjoy singing along to these songs.

At every Illinois first down, the students hold up their hands and flex their fingers until the stadium announcer says “First Down Illinois,” at that point they throw their hands in the direction of the first down and point.

Another fan favorite is the I-L-L-I-N-I cheer. This has some difficulties with the location of the new student section, but the basic concept is still there. One side of the stadium (usually the students) will chant I-L-L, and the other half will respond with I-N-I. The cheer can last a pretty long time, but not as long as the wave; which can hold up pretty well in Memorial Stadium.

One of the newest cheers is for the Illinois quarterback Juice Williams. It is pretty simple, everybody yells “Juuuuuuuuice!” holding out the “u” of course. It almost sounds like booing, but it is not.

Some of the best cheers, however, are the impromptu student chants calling upon another fan or an incredible play on the field. Some of these include “kick him out”, “bull-shit”, and even “let him stay!”

Continue to monitor The Quad for the next part of this story and its complete coverage of Illinois football.

This is the second part of a four part series outlining Illini student football traditions. This series was published in 2008 and is being republished as an updated edition.

The 2008 season was a very special one for the UI Football program with the completion of the Renaissance renovation program at Memorial Stadium. As you enjoy the pre-game celebration outside of the stadium, I encourage you to walk around and check out the new features, most notably the addition of the Red Grange satute on the west side. For details of the renovation project, check out Memorial Stadium Renaissance project website. Before you enter that stadium, make sure that you have a valid ticket. Check out The Quad’s Student Ticket guide for information about how to purchase and redeem student tickets.

Getting into the stadium early will give you the opportunity to find the best seat. You may notice that there seems to be a lot of empty seats and not many students are coming to the game. Do not be fooled. Most students show up during the first ten minutes of the game and by the time the first William Tell is played, you will be surrounded by fellow Illini trotting “to the left.” During game-time, it is a student tradition to stand during the game…yes, during the entire game. With all the jumping around, clapping and dancing, it isn’t as bad as it seems. The most important thing you need to know is that you must stand on your own seat. The section makes it easy to step forward and stand on the seat in front of you, but this will cause a problem with those in the first row, so the only way to make it work, is to step back and stand on the seat you would normally sit in.

Before the start of the game, the Marching Illini will perform their pregame show. This exhibition showcases the traditional numbers including God Bless America, the Star Spangled Banner, and Illinois Loyalty. The band also has a tradition of playing the opposing school’s fighting song. In the student section, it is normally difficult to hear this because of the constant booing. Most students feel the need to face their backs to the field at this point. As mentioned, the band will proceed into the Illinois Loyalty at which the students erupt. Illinois loyalty is employed by students with a specific clapping rhythm. I cannot explain it in words, just start clapping on the beat, and when you hear a break or change in beat, follow along. Select band members then form a tunnel from the Illinois locker room (the northeast corner of the stadium) where the team will soon enter the field. The team is lead by the flag of the state of Illinois, the United States flag, and their head coach Ron Zook. It is customary for team members to touch the Grange Rock when entering the field. The coin-toss will soon follow, and the game will begin.

Continue to monitor The Quad for the next part of this story and its complete coverage of Illinois football.

This is the first part of a four part series outlining Illini student football traditions. This series was published in 2008 and is being republished as an updated edition.

Rule number 1 is to wear orange. As a student sitting (or standing) in the student section, it is your responsibility to represent your school. I know what you’re thinking… “But my white Illinois shirt represents my school!” or “My blue shirt matches my shoes!” I don’t care. Illinois nation doesn’t care. The advantage of playing at Memorial Stadium is the home-field advantage. The “12th man” is what helps win games. When visitors come to Illinois we want them to have to wear sunglasses from all the orange. It’s the “sea of orange” that represents the pride that we have, and the school that we stand for. So, if you don’t already have one, buy an orange shirt, and wear it to the football game. Also remember that when it gets cold, your purple coat will stick out like a sore thumb, so try to get some orange winter-wear, if possible.

One of the greatest traditions in all of college football is the pre-game festivities. It is no longer just a three hour game, but an entire day celebration. The festivities in Champaign begin very early in the morning. The University of Illinois offers many locations for individuals to celebrate before and after the game. The tradition of tailgating is deeply rooted at the U of I. The people participating in tailgate celebrations range from young college coeds in the back of a pick-up to seasoned veterans with a decked out orange and blue motor home. You can find these celebrations in the parking lots surrounding the stadium, Assembly Hall, and lining Florida Ave. Local businesses also take part in the festivities offering entertainment, food, beverages, and souvenirs.

The Marching Illini performs a short parade as they march from the Band building (next to the Armory) to the stadium. They stop at the official tailgating bandstand, on Kirby, and perform a short concert for awaiting fans, before heading into the stadium.

As students, alumni, or simply just fans, I encourage you all to take part in this tradition of celebration. If you plan to host your own tailgate party, check out The Quad’s Tailgating guide for locations, rules, and regulations. Most people don’t know that by contacting the MI, you can have a small band perform for you at your tailgate party. See the benefits from reading this blog?!

Continue to monitor The Quad for the next part of this story and its complete coverage of Illinois football.

UPDATE: The statue has been placed in its permenant home. Check out the photos >

Illinois’ most revered football player, Red Grange will be honored this week in a number of ways. After being labeled as the Greatest College Football Player of All Time last year, there is a lot to be said about Red Grange.

The Illini have chosen to honor the player with an eternal monument, a statue on the west side of Memorial Stadium. The Red Grange statue is expected to be installed today in its permanent home looking over the west lawn. The statue is made of bronze with an estimated cost of $350,000 paid by an anonymous donor. It will sit high upon a 14- to 18-foot base made from the same brick and limestone used at Memorial Stadium. It was built by UI Fine Arts alum George Lundeen and has a height of 12 foot, twice that of Grange’s.

In the statue, Grange will be standing on one leg, ball in hand, “hellbent for the goal line,” Lundeen said. “That’s not the title. We’re just going to call it ‘Harold “Red” Grange.’ ”

At first, Illinois officials discussed a lifesize statue. Lundeen wanted something bigger.

“Even 12 feet isn’t going to look real big outside,” Lundeen said. “It’s amazing how small something looks when you get it scaled up against something like the stadium.”

The new feature is part of the Memorial Stadium Renaissance project. Saturday’s game is the dedication of the statue. Read more about the statue and its designer here.

Some other ways to honor the Galloping Ghost include the Grange Rock,  which was unveiled by the University last year as a timeless symbol of Illinois’ storied history. Additionally, WILL TV will air never before seen footage of a 1982 interview with Red Grange at 7pm tonight as part of a special “Illini Night” production. 

Don’t miss it!

Photo Credit: The News-Gazette, Inc.

Illinois Football fans will have the opportunity to meet the 2009 Illinois Football team and get autographs from the players and coaches at Fan Appreciation Day. The event is scheduled for August 29th from 12pm-2pm in the Great West Hall of Memorial Stadium. Admission is free and parking is available in the Assembly Hall northwest and northeast lots.

Fans will enter the West side of the Stadium using Gate 24 and can get autographs and photos with members of the entire team. Due to a large anticipated attendance, fans will be limited to one item per player for autographs (fans can bring multiple items, but an individual player will sign just one per fan).

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the team you will be cheering on in the upcoming season. Wear orange, and go Illini!

Illinois Fan Appreciation Day Set for Saturday, Aug. 29 – FightingIllini.com

The 2009 Illini Football schedule has made some adjustments. The Freshno State game that was originally scheduled for November 21st has been moved to Saturday, December 5th.  The game will take place at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL. Television coverage nor game time has been determined.

Illinois has never played a regular-season game in the month of December. The latest the Illini have wrapped up the regular season has been Nov. 30 of 1893, 1899 and 1905.

Date Change On 2009 Illinois Football Schedule – FightingIllini.com