Tag: Illinois

Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; General view of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish logo before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Report: Notre Dame to hire Illinois’ Aaron Henry as co-DC

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Aaron Henry is expected to leave Illinois to join the Notre Dame coaching staff, according to a report by CBS Sports.

Henry will step in as co-defensive coordinator and take over the defensive backs, giving Marcus Freeman another experienced piece as he reshapes the defensive staff in South Bend.

The move also answers an immediate vacancy for the Fighting Irish after Mike Mickens departed for the Baltimore Ravens, where he’s joining Jesse Minter’s staff as defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.

Henry’s exit would close a five-year run with the Fighting Illini that began in 2021 as the defensive backs coach under Bret Bielema. He was elevated to defensive coordinator in 2023 after Ryan Walters left to become head coach at Purdue.

Illinois’ win total rose to 19 victories over the past two seasons, a program-best for a two-year span, even as Henry faced criticism at times for defensive inconsistency. The Illini ranked 46th nationally, allowing 344.9 yards per game, and 57th with 23.6 points allowed per game last season. Notre Dame was 22nd (312.7 ypg) and 11th (17.6 ppg) in those same categories.

–Field Level Media

Illinois fights past Tennessee to capture Music City Bowl

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David Olano kicked a game-winning 29-yard field goal as time expired and Luke Altmyer passed and ran for one touchdown apiece as Illinois edged Tennessee 30-28 on Tuesday in the Music City Bowl in Nashville.

Illinois (9-4) secured nine-plus victories in consecutive seasons for the first time. Bret Bielema also became the first Fighting Illini coach to earn a bowl victory in successive campaigns.

A senior and third-year starter, Altmyer shined in his Illinois swan song. He went 20-for-33 passing for 196 yards and a touchdown while rushing 10 times for 54 yards and a TD.

“I am so glad I play in the best conference in America,” said Altmyer, who was selected the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Aidan Laughery gained 77 yards on 13 carries for Illinois, which outgained Tennessee 417-278.

Jordan Anderson’s 13-yard run on fourth-and-1 from the Tennessee 31 helped set up the winning kick for Olano, who also connected from 30 and 28 yards.

Tennessee (8-5) drew within 24-21 on DeSean Bishop’s 12-yard rushing touchdown with 11:40 remaining. Tennessee limited the Fighting Illini to Olano’s 28-yard field goal with 5:14 to go, then stormed ahead as Joakim Dodson returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown and a 28-27 Volunteers lead.

Joey Aguilar was 14-for-18 for 121 yards for Tennessee, while Bishop rushed 19 times for 93 yards and two touchdowns.

The Fighting Illini were in control for much of the game and twice led by 10 points, including when linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. recovered the ball in the end zone after Joe Barna’s strip sack of Aguilar early in the third quarter.

Illinois led 10-7 at halftime as Bielema twice bypassed field goal attempts in favor of going for it on fourth down. Illinois was unable to convert in both instances, turning the ball over on downs from the Tennessee 33 and 29.

Tennessee capitalized on the first such instance, driving 67 yards in 11 plays and punctuating the possession with Aguilar’s 7-yard scoring run with 6:16 remaining in the first quarter.

Illinois answered with a touchdown on the ensuing drive, with Altmyer connecting with Justin Bowick for an 18-yard TD with 36 seconds left in the first.

Olano kicked a 30-yard field goal with 21 seconds left in the second quarter after Volunteers counterpart Max Gilbert was wide right from 39 yards about three minutes earlier.

Tennessee has lost 23 straight games when trailing by 10 points or more in the fourth quarter.

–Field Level Media

Tennessee, Illinois hold maiden meeting in Music City Bowl

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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer recalls attending the 2011 Music City Bowl as his hometown university, Mississippi State, participated in the game in Nashville, Tenn.

That’s why Altmyer plans to relish Tuesday’s opportunity to face Tennessee in the 2025 edition of the game at Nissan Stadium.

Opting out to prepare for the NFL draft hardly was a consideration.

“These bowl games are very, very core memories for families, for myself, for the guys obviously,” Altmyer said. “It’s something I don’t take for granted. It’s going to stick with me forever, so I’m going to give it my best to make it a good one.”

Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar agrees, although he acknowledges the tempered enthusiasm for a meeting of 8-4 schools that opened the season with College Football Playoff aspirations.

“You could say it’s important. You could say it’s not,” Aguilar said. “I’m excited to go out there and play one more time for this team.”

Aguilar and Altmyer guided strong attacks during the regular season. Aguilar topped the SEC regular season with 3,444 passing yards and accounted for 27 total touchdowns, while Altmyer passed for 2,811 yards with 21 TDs and just five interceptions.

Altmyer will need to adjust to someone else minding his blind side, however, as left tackle J.C. Davis opted out of the game and declared for the draft.

Illinois coach Bret Bielema has mulled multiple options for a replacement, including redshirt freshman Nathan Knapik and reserve guard Brandon Hansen.

The Volunteers’ opt-outs include wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, linebacker Arion Carter, edge rusher Joshua Josephs and defensive backs Colton Hood and Jermod McCoy.

“We feel good about where we’re at,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said. “Guys that are here are ready to go play.”

Tuesday marks the first time that Tennessee and Illinois will meet in football.

Bielema is aiming to become the first coach in program history to earn a bowl victory in consecutive seasons. Illinois also is bidding to win at least nine games in successive seasons for the first time.

Heupel has led Tennessee to at least eight victories in four of his five seasons at the school.

–Field Level Media

Former Raiders coach Mike White dies at 89

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Mike White, who had stints as the head coach of Cal, Illinois and the Oakland Raiders, died at the age of 89 on Sunday in Newport Beach, Calif.

News of his death was announced Monday by the Cal athletic department.

Born in Berkeley, Calif., White was a star end and halfback for the Golden Bears in the 1950s.

Appropriately, he began his coaching career at Cal, and after a successful detour at rival Stanford, returned to become his alma mater’s head coach in 1972.

His Golden Bears managed a first-place tie in the Pac-8 in 1975 after going 8-3. Cal again went 8-3 in 1977, and White finished his time there with a 35-30-1 record.

A two-year run as an assistant coach with the San Francisco 49ers led White back to another top college job, this time at Illinois from 1980-87. His tenure — in which he went 47-41-3 — peaked with a 10-2 Big-Ten championship and Rose Bowl season in 1983.

White eventually served as an offensive assistant with the Los Angeles Raiders under Art Shell for five seasons before taking the head coaching reins in 1995, coinciding with the team’s return to Oakland. That tenure lasted two seasons and resulted in a 15-17 record.

“The Raiders family is saddened by the passing of Mike White, former head coach of the Silver and Black and a long-time NFL and college coach and mentor,” a statement from the Las Vegas Raiders read. “The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with Mike’s family at this time.”

White’s coaching career ended in 1999 when he won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams as an offensive assistant.

In later years, he served as a founding board member of the Lott IMPACT Trophy, awarded to college football’s top defender and named for former defensive back Ronnie Lott.

“The Lott IMPACT Trophy is saddened to learn of the passing of Mike White, an integral board member, who served as he coached, with fervor, determination and joy,” the organization stated. “We extend our condolences to his wife Marilyn and children Chris, Matt, and Carrie.”

–Field Level Media

Illinois forces four turnovers, holds off Northwestern in snowy rivalry win

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Ca’Lil Valentine ran for 74 yards and a touchdown Saturday night while the Illinois defense came up with four turnovers to secure a 20-13 win over visiting Northwestern in Champaign, Ill.

The Fighting Illini (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten) forced three turnovers in the fourth quarter to seal the result. Leon Lowery Jr. recovered Preston Stone’s fumble on a quarterback sneak at their 10 with 10:17 left in the game, followed by two Miles Scott interceptions in the final 5 1/2 minutes.

Luke Altmyer completed 10 of 15 passes for 136 yards for Illinois, which gained only 284 yards but avoided the major mistakes that have colored some of its losses this year. It committed just one turnover and had only five penalties for 44 yards.

Stone completed 19 of 36 attempts for 163 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. The Wildcats (6-6, 4-5) reached the Illini 44 on their last drive but a 4th-down incompletion with 36 seconds left ended their chances.

The only points in the second half came on field goals. David Alano hit kicks of 47 and 27 yards for the Illini, while Jack Olsen connected from 26 for Northwestern.

The pregame storyline concerned a late-fall storm that dumped heavy snow on central Illinois. The field at Memorial Stadium was covered by the time the teams kicked off the first November night game in the facility’s 102-year history.

But the cold weather and poor playing conditions didn’t affect the teams’ ability to move the ball. Northwestern initiated scoring with a drive of 9:18 that culminated with a 38-yard field goal by Olsen with 16 seconds left in the first quarter.

After being denied on its opening drive that chewed up nearly 5 1/2 minutes, Illinois took a 7-3 lead when Valentine scored on a 6-yard run with 11:27 left in the first half. Stone put the Wildcats up 10-7 via a 13-yard touchdown pass to Hayden Eligon II at the 5:50 mark.

But Stone tossed his first interception after the 2-minute timeout to set up the Illini with a 48-yard field. They cashed it in as Kaden Feagin powered in from the 1 with 30 seconds remaining for a 14-10 halftime edge.

–Field Level Media

Slumping Illinois looks to get back on track vs. Northwestern

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It wasn’t too long ago that a chance at an eight-win season would have been celebrated at Illinois.

Now, as the Fighting Illini try to do just that Saturday night when they host Northwestern in Champaign, Ill., the overall body of work will be regarded as disappointing. And with some cause.

Illinois (7-4, 4-4 Big Ten) has shown surprisingly little pushback in the four losses, which have come by a total of 105 points. That includes last week’s 27-10 defeat at Wisconsin, which outrushed the Illini 209-50 and logged five sacks of quarterback Luke Altmyer.

Illini coach Bret Bielema understands the angst over potential that was never realized with three losses in the last five games, but emphasizes where the program is now compared to where it was before he took over.

“There’s things I’ve got to get straightened out and corrected but enjoy the boat that you’re on. It’s a pretty good boat right now,” he said. “It’s not taking on water; it’s cutting through water. We’ll be in good shape.”

Altmyer has completed 68.1% of his 317 passes for 2,675 yards with 21 touchdowns and only five interceptions despite the offensive line’s difficulties with protecting him.

Meanwhile, Northwestern (6-5, 4-4) sealed bowl eligibility last week by edging Minnesota 38-35 as Jack Olsen converted a 33-yard field goal with 53 seconds remaining. Preston Stone threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns on 25-of-30 passing.

Stone was perfect in the second half, completing all 15 of his passes for 174 yards in a performance that earned him a co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor. It was the first time a Wildcat has won the award in more than two years.

“Really proud of our team and also acknowledging there is a ton of work to be done,” said Northwestern coach David Braun. “… Tremendous amount of respect for (Bielema) in the way that he runs the program. … They’re going to challenge us in all three phases.”

This will be the 119th meeting between the in-state rivals with Illinois holding a 58-55-5 edge.

–Field Level Media

Darrion Dupree leads Wisconsin to upset of No. 21 Illinois

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Darrion Dupree ran for two touchdowns, including an 84-yarder, to pace host Wisconsin to a 27-10 upset of No. 21 Illinois in a Big Ten matchup Saturday night in Madison, Wis.

Dupree, who entered with 181 yards rushing on the season, added a 4-yard scoring run to put Wisconsin up 24-10 with 8:16 remaining.

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer was sacked on fourth-and-5 on the ensuing possession. Wisconsin converted the stop into Nathanial Vakos’ 32-yard field goal to make it 27-10.

Dupree, whose longest run this season had been 17 yards in a season-high 52-yard effort against Maryland in the fourth game, finished with 131 yards on 17 carries for Wisconsin (4-7, 2-6 Big Ten).

Altmyer completed 21 of 35 passes for 248 yards, but Illinois (7-4, 4-4 Big Ten) managed just 50 yards on the ground.

Dupree, who missed two games after injuring his knee in early October, put the Badgers up 17-7 with his long run with 9:40 left in the third quarter.

On second-and-10 from the Wisconsin 16, Dupree went off the right side, stepped through a tackle at the second level and had no defender between him and the goal line.

David Olano’s 24-yard field goal brought Illinois within 17-10 entering the final period.

Illinois punter Keelan Crimmins was tackled for a 14-yard loss following a bad snap, with Wisconsin taking over at the Illini 14. Four plays later, Dupree scored from 4 yards out to make it 24-10.

Vakos put the Badgers up 10-7 with a 47-yard field goal with 14 seconds left in the half.

Illinois tied it 7-all on a 12-yard touchdown keeper by Altmyer. Hank Beatty’s 28-yard punt return set up the 55-yard scoring drive.

Wisconsin took a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter when Vinny Anthony scored on a 6-yard end-around to cap a 16-play, 80-yard drive.

Illinois drove to the Wisconsin 17 on the ensuing possession, only to be set back by a 15-yard penalty. Olano’s 37-yard field goal attempt was wide left.

–Field Level Media

Bret Bielema returns to Wisconsin as Illinois eyes 3rd straight win

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Illinois will be looking for its third consecutive victory when it travels to face reeling Wisconsin in a Big Ten matchup Saturday in Madison, Wis.

No. 21 Illinois (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) is coming off a 24-6 win at home over Maryland behind two touchdown passes by Luke Altmyer. The Illini have won two straight after back-to-back losses knocked them out the playoff picture.

Wisconsin (3-7, 1-6) lost 31-7 at No. 2 Indiana after trailing just 10-7 at halftime. The Badgers are 1-7 since opening with a pair of nondescript victories over Miami (Ohio) and Middle Tennessee.

Illinois coach Bret Bielema was the head coach at Wisconsin from 2006-2012, posting a 68-24 record and leading the Badgers to three Big Ten titles. Even with a stint at Arkansas in between Wisconsin and Illinois, the connection still is a topic for discussion.

“I think it goes back to when I was at Wisconsin as a defensive coordinator and I went to Iowa for the first time,” Bielema said. “Everybody made it about that, and I quickly realized that the only time that really matters is after the game.”

Illinois averages 32.2 points per game and 386.1 yards per game, including 245.7 through the air.

Altmyer has completed 195 of 282 passes (69.1%) with 21 touchdowns and five interceptions. Hank Beatty is the top target with 54 catches for 758 yards and three touchdowns.

Wisconsin has scored just 27 points in its last five games, nearly half of those coming in a 13-10 win over Washington.

True freshman quarterback Carter Smith made his first career start against Indiana, completing 9 of 15 passes for 98 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

The Badgers were outgained 388-168 and were just 2-of-11 on third-down conversions.

“Obviously, losing is always difficult, but I just think the way that we played in the first half and then the way that we played the second half, it was hard,” Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said Monday.

“It was disappointing, and I wanted to make sure our guys understood that and knew that there is no silver lining in the fact that you played well in the first half, but didn’t come out the second half.”

Wisconsin is averaging just 12.0 points and 246.8 yards per game, both last among Big Ten teams by a wide margin.

–Field Level Media

Luke Altmyer throws 2 TD passes as Illinois throttles Maryland

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Luke Altmyer threw two touchdown passes to Hudson Clement and Illinois sent Maryland to its sixth straight loss, 24-6 in Champaign, Ill. on Saturday.

Altmyer completed 15-of-25 passes for 172 yards and had one interception as Illinois (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) won its second straight game.

Clement caught three passes for 72 yards and the Fighting Illini rushed for 225 yards, including 81 by Kaden Feagin on 14 carries.

Malik Washington completed 25-of-46 passes for 238 yards and one interception for the Terrapins (4-6, 1-6).

Maryland only rushed the ball for 55 yards on 18 attempts.

Maryland needs to beat Michigan and Michigan State to reach bowl eligibility and the loss will likely fuel further debate about the fate of head coach Mike Locksley.

Leading 14-6 to start the second half, the Illini went 67 yards in seven plays (five runs) to increase the lead to 21-6. On second-and-1 at the 23, Altmyer found Clement all alone at the five and he scored his second touchdown of the day.

On their next possession, Illinois drove 61 yards to the Maryland 1-yard line, but the 14-play drive came up empty after Altmyer’s fourth-and-goal pass from the two was incomplete with 1:31 left in the third quarter.

Washington then led the Terps 95 yards to a first-and-goal at the Illinois three, but the defense stiffened, and Washington’s fourth-down pass was incomplete.

Maryland was 3-for-12 on third down and 0-for-2 on fourth.

Illinois drove again and this time got points. After a holding penalty wiped out an Altmyer touchdown run, David Olano’s 33-yard field goal made 24-6 with 4:19 remaining.

Maryland took a 3-0 lead on Sean O’Haire’s 29-yard field goal on the opening drive.

Late in the first quarter, Maryland went for it on fourth-and-1 at the Illinois 49 and failed to convert. Seven plays later, Altmyer found Clement for a 22-yard touchdown and Illinois led 7-3.

After a short punt midway through the second quarter, the Terps started on the Illini 46 and O’Haire later connected from 43 yards to make it 7-6.

Illinois took the ensuing kickoff and went 75 yards in 13 plays. Altmyer hit Clement for 27 yards to the 25 and, seven plays later, Feagin went up the middle for a three-yard touchdown with 1:38 left in the first half.

–Field Level Media

Illinois stands in way of Maryland’s postseason mission

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A five-game losing streak stands to crush Maryland’s bowl hopes as the Terrapins visit Illinois on Saturday.

Maryland (4-5, 1-5 in the Big Ten) needs to find success in a hurry with games at Champaign, Ill, home against No. 18 Michigan and at Ford Field against Michigan State.

Since surrendering a 20-0 second half lead against visiting Washington on Oct. 4 and losing 24-20, the Terrapins have been reeling. They suffered a 35-20 loss at Rutgers last Saturday.

“Despite a few challenging weeks here the last four or five weeks, our team keeps showing up and giving the type of effort we need to have,” Maryland coach Mike Locksley said. “They’re coming in and they’re putting in the work.”

The losing skid fed public discourse about Locksley’s future. Now in his seventh season and sporting a 16-40 record against the Big Ten, Locksley said “no” when asked if he felt he was coaching for his job over the final three games. His contract runs through 2027.

Things are looking brighter for Bret Bielema at Illinois (6-3, 3-3). The Fighting Illini are coming off a bye with a trip to Wisconsin sandwiched between home games with Maryland and Northwestern.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer led Illinois to a 35-13 rout of Rutgers to snap a two-game skid before the open week. He threw for 235 yards and ran for 88. He had a career-high five touchdowns – four passing and one rushing and was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season.

Wide receiver Hank Beatty had his third touchdown reception of the season. He has 49 catches for 730 yards for an Illinois offense that is averaging 33.1 points per game, which would be the highest total in school history ahead their 32.5 average in 2010.

“There’s just so many good things happening on the offensive side right now, it’s fun to see it play out,” Bielema said.

Illinois is postseason eligible in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2010-11. The team is 10-2 at home over the past two seasons.

“Illinois will obviously be a tough task on the road, but I know that our team is excited about the opportunity and being able to put the last four or five weeks behind us and getting back on the right side of the ledger,” Locksley said.

Locksley served as the offensive coordinator at Illinois from 2005-08.

Maryland trailed 21-17 at the half against Rutgers last Saturday but gained only 83 total yards in the second half, managing just a 44-yard field goal by Sean O’Haire.

A bright spot was Malik Washington, who had a career-high 164 rushing yards on just eight attempts (20.5 yards per rush), setting a school record for rushing yards by a freshman quarterback. That included a 73-yard first quarter touchdown run.

“It’s a 4-5 football team but … [they] came in last week against Rutgers, scored on the second play of the game with a quarterback run game, “Bielema said. “He’s very, very talented. Very opportunistic group, so a tremendous challenge coming here.”

Maryland leads the Big Ten and ranks second nationally with 17 interceptions and has at least one pick in seven straight games.

The Terrapins lead the all-time series 2-1. The teams last met Oct. 14, 2023 at Maryland and Altmyer passed for two touchdowns in a 27-24 Illinois win.

–Field Level Media