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Writer's pictureDon Glenn

Welcome to Champaign Dreams




Scoreboard at Memorial Stadium - Champaign, IL. source U of I Athletics
VOLUMEN 2 ISSUE 2 OCTOBER 20, 2024

ILLINOIS GOING BOWLING AFTER COMMANDING VICTORY OVER MICHIGAN ON A HISTORIC DAY IN CHAMPAIGN.


After the win in overtime last Saturday 50-49, vs Purdue, the Fighting Illini were 5-1. With their sights set on their second Bowl Appearance in four years under Coach Bret Bielema.

Next up on the schedule was a home game against the defending National Champions, the Michigan Wolverines. This would not be just any home game; this particular home game carried with it historic grandeur.


The Celebration


Grange Grove at the U of I photo via The Fighting Illini

It was the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium. On October 18, 1924, the University dedicated Memorial Stadium, a monument to those who served and gave their lives in World War I. On that day defending National Champions, the Michigan Wolverines came to town. On that day Junior Half-back Harold "Red" Grange, an All-American the year before complied over 400 yards of offense scored 6 TDs, and had two interceptions in the 39-14 Illinois win and earned the nickname the Galloping Ghost.


 It took Illinois AD Josh Whitman two years, working with the Big Ten powers that be, the University of Michigan, and the national media to make yesterday's game a reality. The stadium was rededicated The Illini got permission to wear throwback uniforms and had regulation helmets painted to look like the leather helmets of that era.


What was expected


What some thought would happen is the vaunted Michigan running game would roll over Illinois much like Purdue did in the second half the week prior. It was also thought That Illinois QB Luke Altmeyer would have a prime opportunity to show his wares against a suspect Michigan secondary.


What happened?


Illinois was able to contain the Michigan running game and establish a run game of their own outgaining Michigan on the ground 187 - 118. For Michigan, 3rd string Jake Tuttle was able to move the Wolverines through the air going 20-29 for 208 yards but NO TDs and one pick. The Michigan Secondary was able to temper the Illini passing game. Luke Altmeyer was 9-18 for 80 yards and 1 TD.

The Illini defense created turnovers(two fumbles and 1 pick) which the offense capitalized on. Getting 10 points off of Michigan turnovers.

Michigan didn't help themselves with costly penalties which extended Illinois drives.

Tanner Arkin was a key figure in the win as he caught the only TD pass from Luke Altmeyer and pulled off a fake punt where he was able to rumble 36 yards to put Illinois in a position to score. Luke Altmeyer while not passing for a lot of yards used his legs and contributed 48 yards rushing and Kept the Michigan defense on it's heels.

In the end, the Illini would prevail 21-7 and become bowl eligible at 6-1.

With a remaining schedule of at Oregon, Home vs Minnesota, and Michigan St. The road contests at Rutgers and Northwestern. The possibility of a 10-win season for the Illini is real. And IF they can pull an upset in Eugene next weekend and then win out they could be looking at playing for the B1G championship. Both Indiana and Penn St would have to lose at least 1 game which I think is very likely to happen.


Beating Michigan was a personal

Bret Bielema and Josh Whitman via U of I athletics

The win means a lot to both Illinois and Coach Bielema. For the Illini, it means they are bowl-eligible and still in the hunt for a conference playoff shot. They will need some help and have to take down the #1 Oregon Ducks in Eugene Oregon next Saturday. For Coach B, Michigan has held personal tragedy for him. When he was a player he lost his sister before a Michigan game and two years ago when the Illini took Michigan to the brink in Ann Arbor Coach B lost his mother. So to get a win at home in that setting was huge for the Coach.




What does this mean for recruiting?


This year has been big for recruits who have come to Illinois on official visits the overall feeling amongst recruits has been positive.

# Current Illini Recuit Edge rusher Ace Brown from Ohio who is being recruited by multiple schools, said after the Illini Michigan game, "The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning," He went on to say "The visit was great, the atmosphere was wild, and the coaching staff was amazing the players were locked in and the staff and they brought home a great win."

Andre Parker who was extended an offer last winter said about the atmosphere surrounding the Program "It was Great!"




Full house at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Il via BlackGT2

The atmosphere that these players talk about is what Coach Brett Bielima has been trying to create. A winning culture, a competitive culture. He wants a full stadium of fans every game. He said in the post-game news When talking about the crowd, "That should be the norm," referring to the raucous 60,000-plus fans that packed the rafters in Champaign. Later on, he would reiterate that the goal should be to fill that stadium as often as humanly possible." Coach B also said "We had a lot of great recruits in here today, I know there were a couple of guys that are from around here that might have said they were going someplace else, we might have changed some minds today. This comment was backed up by a recruit.

# In-state quarterback Trae Taylor, had a lot to say.

"I have now been going on game day visits to Illinois now three years. My first two years, the stadium was half-full... To see what Coach B and that staff has done over the three years has been cool to see." he went on to say, "I have been fortunate to see the huge change......The recruiting section was crammed and to see the stadium sold out was cool. It was something my parents and I spoke about how much things have changed over these past few seasons." As for his possible future with Illinois, Taylor said this, Just know I'm very impressed with Illinois and that at the end of the season, I'm going to drop my top 12 schools and just know Illinois is very much in the mix."


Injury report Bret Bielema indicated on Friday before the Michigan game that RB Kaden Feagin is out for the season following hip surgery. Bieleima said the the former Atwood star may not be available for spring ball but the goal is to have him ready for next season.


So at 6-1 with 5 to go what will the outcome be and where will they be bowling stick around and find out.


Thanks for reading please feel free to leave a comment here or hit me up on Twitter/X @tsotbgcs or on my Facebook page Talking Sports on the Bleachers.

HAve fun stay safe and we will talk later from here at Champaign dreams.



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