IlliniHQ.com Updates

[News] Ask Bob - and give us a grade

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:15:10 CST

Bob Asmussen is back in the pressbox at TCF Bank Stadium after the Illini's 35-32 win against Minnesota. He'll take your questions at 4 p.m., but submit them now.

Also, go ahead and grade the Illini. I'll give them a B-plus for their first road win of the season.

[News] Live from Minneapolis: Illinois 35, Minnesota 32

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:18:14 CST

MINNEAPOLIS -- A bowl bid is still an option. Not likely. But an option.

Illinois kept its slim postseason hopes alive Saturday, edging Minnesota 35-32 on a sunny day at TCF Bank Stadium. The Illini, who played most of the game without starting quarterback Juice Williams, dominated the first three quarters and held on for the win.

[Podcast] Saturday Sportsline: 11-7-09

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:00:30 CST

Jim Turpin and Loren Tate talk to News-Gazette's Bob Asmussen, Minnesota Gophers' play-by-play person Mike Grim, Illini Women's Volleyball head coach Kevin Hambly, and Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress.

[News] It's Game Day: Illinois still has plenty to play for

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:00:02 CST

MINNEAPOLIS – One more loss and the bowl bid goes away. Then what for the Illinois football team?

Moping doesn't do you much good. Getting angry at everyone won't help either. So, they look for a model. And follow it. Like Mack Brown.

[News] Feldman, Illini dig deep

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:02:59 CST

CHAMPAIGN – It apparently will take more than a season-ending injury to its career digs leader to slow down the Illinois volleyball express.

Playing for the first time without record-setting libero Ashley Edinger, the No. 5 Illini didn't skip a beat Friday night at Huff Hall en route to their 10th victory in a row.

[News] New Mexico changes policy

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:37:31 CST

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico changed its human resources policies in the wake of an altercation involving football coach Mike Locksley.
University President David Schmidly said Friday that personnel issues previously handled by the athletic department now must go through the school’s Division of Human Resources.

[News] Colts' Hayden out close to month

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:34:20 CST

NDIANAPOLIS — Veteran Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden, a former Illini, is expected to be sidelined for the next three to four weeks after he suffered a sprained knee during the 18-14 win against San Francisco.

Hayden is not expected to undergo surgery.

[News] Final Word: New stadium is nice

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:30:20 CST

Bob Asmussen's news and notes from Friday afternoon in Minneapolis

[News] Asmussen's Insider: NCAA Football 2010 says ... Minnesota 45, Illinois 14

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 CST

News-Gazette Top 25

After a long break, The News-Gazette again is voting in The Associated Press poll. Here are the teams staff writer Bob Asmussen rates as the nation's best:

[Podcast] SportsTalk with Steve Kelly: Sports Talk 11-6-09

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:16:13 CST

Brian Moline fills in for Steve Kelly as Steve is on his way to cover the Illini/Minnesota game. Brian talks to Illini soccer coach Janet Rayfield, also talks with Joe Stovall from State Farm and the Executive Director of the Champaign County Sports Commission Lucas Thurman about the Shootout at the Hall happening on December 12.

[News] 5 O'Clock Shadow

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:40:00 CST

News you can't leave work without:

The fourth Shootout at the Hall will feature a point guard showdown between Chicago Mount Carmel's Tracy Abrams and Peoria Central's Bobo Drummond.

[News] HQ prediction: Minnesota 35-28

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:30:00 CST

Had Illinois played all season the way it did against Michigan, it would be the pick here. But last Saturday's win might not be the start of a trend. Weber has another big game and the Gophers hold on for a 35-28 victory. (N-G record: 5-3).

[News] Q&A with Corey Liuget

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST

Q: Like Hammer sings, are you too legit, too legit to quit?

A: I hear that almost every day in practice. The coaches, the players and even some of the students when I'm going to class.

[News] Inside Minnesota: Locker rooms the size of Decatur

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 CST

When's Minnesota going to tear down that dump Williams Arena?

Why not ask when Minnesota is going to close all its lakes, disown Garrison Keillor and burn its hockey sticks? Williams Arena is an icon. Would you tear down the Alma Mater? Or Papa Del's? It's the Barn, my friend. It's the raised court. It's the history. Is it a little dated? Perhaps. But it's on campus – and at least it's not the Metrodome.

[News] UI-Minnesota: 5 keys

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:30:00 CST

Will Tim Brewster overprepare for the Illini?

Probably. Though he might not admit it this week, the game means more to the former Illini tight end than any other. He was interested in being the Illinois coach. When that didn't happen, he found a nice job in the Big Ten. As long as he coaches the Gophers, the game against Illinois will be a big deal to the players and the staff. Unfortunately, after next year's game, the teams will take a two-year break.

[News] Asmussen: No regrets for Schultz

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:02:13 CST

His old school is kicking butt and taking names.

This year, TCU must stand for Texans Confidentially Undefeated or Totally Cruising Underdogs.

[News] Give us your Illinois football MVP?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:59:34 CST

Someone has to win it.

[News] Illinois football recruiting: A midseason checkup (defense)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:47:19 CST

This week, HQ recruiting expert Jeremy Werner analyzed where Illinois stood with the prep football stars still looking for a school.

[News] Everything you need to know about the Shootout at the Hall

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:02 CST

“This year’s event is going to be the best yet and my foundation, The Point of Hope and I are excited to be a part of it," Deron Williams said. "The talent is high and the competition looks great. It is a privilege to be supporting a great event and I wish every team and every player continued success.”

[News] Nevolo opens indoor nationals with win

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:01:36 CST

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Illinois’ Dennis Nevolo defeated South Carolina’s Diego Cubas 6-1, 6-2 Thursday in the opening round of the ITA National Indoor Championships.

In doubles, Nevolo and teammate Marek Czerwinski opened with an 8-6 loss to the third-seeded tandem of Bradley Klahn and Ryan Thacher of Stanford.