I on the Illini

By Mike Cagley, BleavSports

I on the Illini episodes

October 27Illinois Football Preview vs Maryland #628
Can the Illinois Fighting Illini defeat Maryland and keep their bowl eligibility hopes alive? Mike Cagley previews the Illinois–Maryland football matchup with Dylan Schmidt, deputy editor and Terrapins football and basketball reporter for Testudo Times.
The discussion covers Maryland’s coaching change following Mike Locksley’s departure, interim head coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, quarterback Malik Washington’s struggles, the Terrapins’ biggest offensive and defensive threats, special teams, key matchups and a final game prediction.
In this episode:
How Maryland’s players could respond to a midseason coaching change

Strengths and weaknesses of Terrapins quarterback Malik Washington

Maryland’s running game, offensive line and top receivers

Players Illinois fans should watch on defense

How the Fighting Illini offensive line matches up with Maryland’s pass rush

Maryland’s second-half struggles

Final Illinois vs. Maryland prediction
️ Episode Rundown:
00:00 Welcome and introduction of Dylan Schmidt
00:45 Mike Locksley’s departure and Maryland’s interim head coach
03:35 Overall Maryland football scouting report
04:45 Quarterback Malik Washington: Strengths and struggles
06:40 Offensive changes and play-calling concerns
07:30 Maryland offensive line breakdown
08:30 Terrapins running backs and rushing attack
09:35 Maryland’s preferred running style
10:20 Top wide receivers: Chris Durr Jr. and Caleb Webb
11:35 Tight end Dorian Fleming
12:35 Can Maryland move the ball against Illinois?
13:25 Join IlliniGuys.com and subscribe on YouTube
14:20 Maryland defensive line and pass rush
15:35 Illinois’ improving offensive line
16:55 Maryland secondary scouting report
17:45 Terrapins defenders Illinois fans should watch
18:35 Maryland kicking and special teams
19:30 Punt and kickoff return game
20:15 Illinois vs. Maryland game prediction
21:30 Maryland players’ reaction to the coaching change
23:00 Where to follow Dylan Schmidt and Testudo Times
23:40 IlliniGuys game-day coverage schedule
24:30 Upcoming Illinois football and basketball coverage
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Who wins: Illinois or Maryland? Leave your score prediction below!
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26 min
October 25Massive Win - Illini Knock Off Oregon 21-10 #627 I on the Illini
Illinois just pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the college football season, knocking off Oregon 21-10!
Mike Cagley and Ked Prince break down how the Illini overcame a slow start, injuries at quarterback, and a talented Oregon roster to dominate the second half.
Later, Matt Stevens joins the show from Memorial Stadium to dive deep into the coaching adjustments, the two-quarterback system, and what this win means for Illinois' bowl hopes.
Brought to you by IlliniGuys.com!
️ TIMESTAMPS / TOPIC RUNDOWN
00:00 – Intro: Illini stun Oregon, early reactions

01:00 – Offensive line dominance & 2nd half adjustments

02:00 – Bielema's underdog mentality & avenging Purdue loss

03:00 – Dylan Raiola's inefficiency & Illini defensive pressure

05:00 – Comparing Clayton vs. Raiola under pressure

06:00 – Collin Dixon's incredible tipped-ball touchdown catch

08:00 – Looking ahead: Maryland, Nebraska, UCLA, Iowa, Northwestern

09:00 – Bielema's historic underdog win record at Illinois

13:00 – Oregon's road loss streak snapped; injury discussion

16:00 – Coach of the Year case for Bielema?

17:00 – Full stat breakdown: yards, third downs, time of possession

20:00 – Fan reaction, message boards, and NIL talk

27:00 – Michael Clayton's first career start as a true freshman QB

33:00 – Big Ten landscape shake-up (Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Maryland)

38:00 – NIL spending philosophy & roster building

41:00 – Basketball recruiting update: Brady Pettigrew, Bennett Konkey

43:00 – Matt Stevens joins: Bielema's "personal" revenge motivation

46:00 – Why Illinois was "better prepared, better coached"

52:00 – Defensive scheme overhaul & Roger Cooper's leadership

1:01:00 – Offensive line's best rushing performance since Chase Brown

1:03:00 – The two-quarterback system: Michael Clayton & Carson Boyd

1:09:00 – Final thoughts: Identity, confidence & what's next vs. Maryland

1:14:00 – Subscribe & join IlliniGuys.com!
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️ HASHTAGS
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1 hr 17 min
October 24Illini Fall to Baylor - Breakdown & Injury Update - I on the Illini #626
Catch our in-depth analysis of Illinois basketball’s exhibition loss to Baylor!
Mike Cagley Brad Sturdy & Ked Prince break down the game’s key moments, defensive struggles, standout performances from freshmen like Quentin Coleman, and the latest injury updates on Stojakovic, Z, and Mirk.
We discuss rebounding issues, Tomislav’s shot selection, and why this game was a valuable early test for Brad Underwood’s squad. Tune in for exclusive insights you won’t find anywhere else!
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#Illini #IlliniBasketball #IlliniHoops #Baylor #CollegeBasketball #BradUnderwood #QuentinColeman #BigTen #ExhibitionGame #IlliniGuys #IontheIllini #FightingIllini #IlliniNation
️ Topic Rundown by Timestamp
(Based on the uploaded document)
00:00 – Introduction: Illini basketball season kicks off with a “fun first game” despite defensive lapses.

01:00 – First-half analysis: Illinois looked “slow” and got “bullied” by Baylor’s intensity.

02:00 – Roster & rotations: Underwood played 12 guys, including heavy minutes for freshmen/sophomores.

03:00 – Importance of young players gaining experience against a top-tier opponent.

04:00 – Discussion on Ethan Brown vs. Stefan Vaaks role; praise for Quentin Coleman’s athleticism and NBA potential.

05:00 – Injury updates: Stojakovic (head/concussion), Z (back), Mirk (setback), and Tomislav (knee).

07:00 – Mirk’s injury speculation: May miss early-season games but expected back for key matchups.

09:00 – Statistical breakdown: Shooting percentages, rebounds, turnovers, points in the paint.

11:00 – Rebounding as a major issue (47–38 advantage for Baylor).

14:00 – Second-half adjustments: Illinois held Baylor to 0/7 from three and improved defensively.

15:00 – Critique of Tomislav’s over-reliance on three-point shooting instead of post play.

17:00 – Baylor’s strength: athletic, tall, and motivated after beating Florida and a top-ranked team.

20:00 – Officiating analysis: positive note on High Knees mentoring Quentin Coleman after a foul.

22:00 – Stefan Vaaks scoring ability and defensive questions.

24:00 – Brad Sturdy joins: emphasizes defensive communication issues and learning from veterans.

28:00 – Detailed injury prognosis: Stojakovic (concussion protocol), Murk (boot for full healing).

30:00 – Baylor played like a regular-season game; Illinois is now the “hunted.”

31:00 – Freshmen evaluations: Lincoln Williams (+10), Ethan Brown, Zens, Coleman’s competitiveness.

35:00 – Baylor’s guard strength (Mingo) and Illinois’ need for inside scoring from bigs.

37:00 – Urging Tommy and Z to balance three-point shooting with post touches.

40:00 – Final thoughts: injuries frustrating but not discouraging; rebounding must improve.

42:00 – Commentary on fickle fan reactions and Super League dynamics.

44:00 – Confidence in Illinois as a Final Four contender when healthy.

45:00 – Preview of next broadcast (Oregon game) and call to subscribe/support IlliniGuys.

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47 min
October 19 Fighting Illini Basketball Season is Here #625
The Fighting Illini basketball season is officially here!
In this exclusive IlliniGuys podcast episode, hosts Mike Cagley, Larry Smith, and Brad Sturdy dive deep into the 2026-27 Illinois squad following their exhibition win over Cincinnati.
Get expert analysis on Preseason All-American David Mirkovic, breakout freshman Quentin Coleman, the impact of Andrej Stojakovic, and why this may be Brad Underwood’s most talented and deepest roster yet.
Topics Covered:
• Exhibition takeaways & standout performances
• Player development & lineup depth
• Defensive improvements under Cam Crocker
• Preseason rankings & Final Four potential
• Upcoming tests vs. Baylor, Texas Tech & Duke
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️ Podcast Rundown by Time
Time
Segment/Topic
Key Discussion Points
00:00
Intro
Host Mike Cagley opens the show celebrating the start of basketball season.
00:30
Exhibition Game Takeaways
Larry Smith shares Elijah Smith’s live observations: team length, standout freshmen, Andrej Stojakovic’s improved physique & play.
02:00
Quentin Coleman Analysis
Brad Sturdy highlights Coleman’s mature, all-around game (14 pts, 8 ast, 7 reb) and comparisons to Keaton Wagler.
04:00
Ethan Brown’s Surprise Performance
Brown’s versatility, basketball IQ, and Underwood’s praise discussed.
06:00
Offensive Versatility
The team’s ability to score inside/outside, drive-and-kick game, and reduced three-point reliance.
08:00
Schedule & Competition
Praise for Underwood scheduling tough exhibitions (Cincinnati, Baylor) to prepare for Texas Tech & Duke.
09:00
Defensive Potential & Concerns
Discussion of defensive improvements under Cam Crocker, turnovers, and rim protection.
12:00
David Mirkovic’s Return
Mirkovic’s conditioning timeline and potential early season return.
15:00
Rotation & Depth
How Underwood may manage 9-10 player rotations, matchup-based lineups.
18:00
Team Identity & Respect
Preseason top 5 rankings as a sign of national respect for Underwood’s program.
21:00
Duke & Florida Comparisons
Roster vs. coaching edge; Illini’s fearless mentality entering big games.
24:00
Season Outlook & Fun Factor
This team’s special potential—Elite Eight/Final Four expectations.
27:00
IlliniGuys.com Pitch
Benefits of membership: message boards, game rooms, live coverage, $99/year.
30:00
Closing & Call-to-Action
Encouragement to like, share, subscribe, and join IlliniGuys.com.

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33 min
October 13Fighting Illini Football & Basketball Deep Dive #624
Illinois Football Analysis & Final Four Hype! Join Mike Cagley and Brad Sturdy for a special I on the Illini LIVE episode breaking down the latest in Fighting Illini sports.
We dive into Bret Bielema's program after the Michigan State win, quarterback Clayton's emergence, and the critical offseason ahead.

Then, we shift to Brad Underwood's loaded basketball squad—are they true national title contenders?

Plus, we tackle big-picture topics like coaching buyouts, NIL, and the evolving Big Ten landscape.
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Join the community & get premium content: IlliniGuys.com ($99/year – less than 27¢ a day!)
Episode Rundown & Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Unplanned LIVE show & opening thoughts.

01:00 – Coaching Carousel Discussion: Penn State firing James Franklin, massive buyouts, and the "Cignetti Derangement Syndrome."

05:00 – Comparing Kirk Ferentz's longevity at Iowa to Bret Bielema's potential at Illinois.

08:00 – Football Recruiting & Retention: How Illinois is using the bye week to recruit high school players AND retain current roster players.

10:00 – Basketball Season Preview: Switch to hoops! Early look at the Illini's stratospheric offensive potential and Final Four aspirations.

12:00 – Analysis of Evan Miyakawa's preseason chart placing Illinois among the national title favorites.

15:00 – What to watch for in the upcoming exhibition vs. Cincinnati: lineup mesh, defensive improvements, freshman performances.

20:00 – Player Spotlights: Lucas Murillo's emergence, Coleman's NBA draft hype, Stojakovic's growth, and the "Mirkovic is 6'10"?" discussion.

25:00 – Brad Underwood's mindset: "Final Four isn't enough." The balance between enjoying the moment and chasing a national title.

30:00 – Historical perspective: Can this Illini team step into the "blue blood" conversation?

35:00 – Women's Basketball Update: Shauna Green's team aims for a Sweet 16 and hosting NCAA tournament games.

40:00 – Back to Football: Concerns about OC Barry Lunney potentially leaving and the upcoming defensive coordinator search.

45:00 – Remaining Schedule & Playoff Talk: Can Illinois reach 6 wins? Big Ten middle-tier analysis, Iowa's playoff path, and national contenders (Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama).

50:00 – The future of the Big Ten: league depth, NIL's impact, and why the gap between teams is shrinking.

53:00 – Final thoughts, how to support the show, and looking ahead to next week's coverage.
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#️⃣ Hashtags for Maximum Reach
#IlliniFootball #IlliniBasketball #IlliniWBB #FightingIllini #BradUnderwood #BretBielema #CollegeBasketball #CollegeFootball #B1G #BigTen #MarchMadness #FinalFour #NCAAB #NIL #SportsPodcast #IlliniGuys #IlliniNation #GoIllini #IlliniHoops #Illini

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55 min
October 11Fighting Illini vs Spartans PostGame Breakdown #623
Dive deep into Illinois football’s thrilling overtime win at Michigan State! In this episode of I on the Illini LIVE, hosts Mike Cagley, Brad Sturdy, and special guest Matt Stevens break down every pivotal moment, coaching decision, and player performance from the Illini’s dramatic road victory. Get expert analysis on the quarterback situation, defensive adjustments, and what this win means for the rest of the season.
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Join the community & get premium content: IlliniGuys.com ($99/year – less than 27¢ a day!)
Episode Rundown & Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & initial reactions to the rollercoaster game.

01:00 – Brad Sturdy’s dual perspective: Illinois’ fall from last year’s success vs. raised expectations.

03:00 – Analysis of key plays: The controversial 4th-down QB sneak, Clayton’s clutch performance.

05:00 – Update on QB Katin Hauser’s injury (“broken hand”) and the shift to Michael Clayton.

07:00 – Pat Fitzgerald’s risky playcalling & Michigan State’s late-game decisions.

10:00 – The importance of reaching bowl eligibility (6 wins) for recruiting & program momentum.

15:00 – Discussion on NIL, roster management, and offseason missteps.

20:00 – Comparing Illinois’ model to Iowa’s developmental approach.

25:00 – Defensive improvements: turnovers, sacks, and better pre-snap organization.

30:00 – Offensive line adjustments: Christian Martin benched, Knapik’s strong play at LT.

35:00 – The bizarre officiating review on Michigan State’s onside kick recovery.

40:00 – Evaluating Bret Bielema’s tenure & the “back against the wall” mentality.

45:00 – Remaining schedule outlook: winnable games in a muddled Big Ten middle/bottom.

50:00 – The critical need for better roster evaluation & coaching input in NIL era.

55:00 – Leadership moments: Matt Bailey’s film-room leadership, Collin Dixon calming Clayton.

01:00:00 – Why this win provides hope & a pulse for the 2026 season.

01:05:00 – The future of Illinois football vs. Michigan State’s trajectory under new staff.

01:10:00 – Final thoughts & how to join the IlliniGuys community.
Connect with IlliniGuys
Website: IlliniGuys.com – Subscribe for exclusive recruiting news, message boards, and live game rooms.

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Follow on Social: For real-time updates, highlights, and community discussions.
#️⃣ Hashtags
#IlliniFootball #IllinoisFootball #FightingIllini #BigTenFootball #MichiganState #Spartans #IlliniWin #CollegeFootball #BretBielema #ClaytonQB #IlliniGuys #IlliniNation #GoIllini #FootballAnalysis #SportsPodcast #NCAA #CFB #Illini

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1 hr 13 min
October 08 Illinois Basketball Is DEEPER Than the Final Four Team? Inside Illini Practice w/ Coach David Williams #622
Is this Illinois basketball team BETTER than the Final Four squad? Legendary Peoria trainer David Williams watched Brad Underwood's first practice of the season, with three NBA scouts in the gym, and gives Mike Cagley an honest, unfiltered report on the 2026-27 Fighting Illini.
We break down Quentin Coleman's Top 10 NBA Draft hype, whether Underwood can really play 10 guys, Andrej Stojakovic's breakout potential, Stephon Vaaks scoring and defense questions, the new freshmen, the international pipeline, and the 2027 recruiting class.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:20 Meet the Peoria trainer who stocks Division I rosters
01:00 Players he has trained including Quinton Kitt: the Illini 2027 signee who could be a top 30 player
03:00 First impressions of Illini practice: "Their ceiling is extremely high"
03:40 Quentin Coleman as a top 10 NBA Draft pick and the projected starting five
04:15 Can Brad Underwood play 10 guys?
05:15 Landon Davis impresses
06:00 Mirk's height, his 10 weeks off and how much better he moves
07:00 "This team is better than last year"
07:30 Brad Underwood in mid-season form: accountability and leadership
08:45 Competition for minutes, Vaaks vs. Lincoln Williams
10:30 Lincoln Williams: athleticism, strength coach Fletch and the shooting question
13:45 Andrej Stojakovic: sneaky athletic and a late first / early second round pick if he shoots
16:15 Stephon Vaaks: a Luka-like scorer who has to guard
17:30 Quentin Coleman's rebounding from the point guard spot
19:30 Tomislav Ivisic: health, strength and NBA draft stock
20:15 Jake Davis: "He looks like Thor" and the sixth-man shooter
22:00 Freshmen: Xavier Zens and Landon Davis
24:00 Murillo and Ethan Brown in the numbers game
25:30 "Point Guard U" and the nine-names-on-the-wall NBA draft talk
26:30 2027 recruiting: more top 30 targets on the way
31:00 The European pipeline: why Illinois keeps landing international players
32:00 Team chemistry, and how the staff finds players who fit the system
34:15 Why international players are great teammates and a growing trend
37:00 Final thoughts: Mirk and Coleman still shooting an hour after practice
39:00 How to contact David Williams for training
40:00 Illini Guys game-day football show and how to join IlliniGuys.com
42:00 Weekly radio show, wrap-up and "Go Illini!"
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43 min
October 06Illinois Football Preview vs Michigan State #621
Get an in-depth preview of the Illinois Fighting Illini’s upcoming Big Ten matchup against the Michigan State Spartans!
Host Mike Cagley is joined by Jacob Cotsonika of Michigan State on SI to break down key players, offensive and defensive matchups, and what both fan bases are feeling after shaky starts to the season.
Can Illinois bounce back on the road? Will Michigan State’s offense find a spark? We analyze it all and give our score prediction.
Topics & Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & current mood of Illini/MSU fans

01:00 – Overview of both teams' recent struggles

03:00 – Michigan State offense deep dive: O-line, QB, RB, playmakers

12:00 – NIL & donor funding discussion for both programs

20:00 – Michigan State defense breakdown: strengths & weaknesses

24:00 – Illinois offensive outlook & Collin Dixon matchup

28:00 – Game strategy & prediction

32:00 – Quick look at Michigan State basketball

36:00 – Final score prediction & wrap-up
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IlliniGuys.com
#Illini #IllinoisFightingIllini #MichiganStateSpartans #BigTenFootball #CollegeFootballPreview #IlliniFootball #MSUFootball #BretBielema #PatFitzgerald #IlliniGuys #IontheIllini #CollegeFootballAnalysis

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41 min
October 04Illini Football Season on the Brink #620
Join Mike Cagley, Matt Stevens, and Steve Sturm of IlliniGuys.com for a raw, in-depth breakdown of Illinois football’s critical crossroads. In this episode of I on the Illini LIVE, the panel dissects the root causes behind the Illini’s struggling season—from NIL budget shortfalls and defensive line departures to baffling coaching decisions and the team’s alarming lack of adjustments.
Can Bret Bielema and staff turn it around, or is the season already lost?
Get expert analysis, post-game insights, and a candid look at what’s next for Illini football.
Subscribe to the IlliniGuys YouTube channel for exclusive Illinois sports coverage, live shows, and in-depth analysis you won’t find anywhere else!
Visit IlliniGuys.com for premium, subscription-based content and full access to our team of insiders.
️ Episode Rundown:
[00:00] Introduction: Season officially “on the brink”

[01:00] Root cause #1: Defensive line losses & NIL budget gaps

[04:00] Root cause #2: Coaching hires & the “Montana experiment”

[08:00] Offensive struggles: Playcalling, QB rhythm, and missed opportunities

[12:00] Halftime adjustments (or lack thereof) & offensive predictability

[16:00] Defensive scheme debate: 3-3-5 flaws and tackling issues

[22:00] Staffing and recruiting philosophy under scrutiny

[30:00] Lack of depth & player development concerns

[40:00] The path forward: Can Illinois salvage the season?

[50:00] Upcoming coverage: Michigan State preview & Illini basketball
Hashtags:
#IlliniFootball #Illini #IllinoisFootball #BretBielema #BigTen #CollegeFootball #IlliniGuys #IlliniNation #FightingIllini #IlliniSports #IlliniYouTube #IlliniPodcast #IlliniAnalysis #GoIllini

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1 hr 25 min
September 29Illinois Football Preview vs Purdue #619
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Purdue Boilermakers football preview! Mike Cagley is joined by Purdue expert Ryan Dowd of Boiled Sports to break down the matchup, Illinois’ defensive coordinator change, Purdue’s defensive struggles, key players and the Big Ten factors that could decide the game.
Can Bret Bielema stabilize the Illini defense following Bobby Hauck’s departure? Will Illinois generate more pressure and force turnovers—or will Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne take advantage of the Illini secondary? Mike and Ryan examine both teams’ strengths, weaknesses, injuries, coaching decisions, NIL resources and paths to victory.
In this episode:
Illinois’ defensive coordinator shakeup

Why both defenses have struggled

Ryan Browne and Purdue’s passing attack

Illinois’ offensive opportunities against Purdue

Key injuries and offensive line concerns

NIL spending and roster construction in the Big Ten

Players who could change the game

What this matchup means for Bret Bielema and Barry Odom

Why Illinois vs. Purdue could become a high-scoring battle
️Episode Rundown
00:00 Illinois vs. Purdue football preview
00:55 Comparing the Illini and Boilermakers defenses
02:00 Illinois’ defensive coordinator change and possible adjustments
03:00 Can either defense pressure the quarterback?
05:15 Purdue defensive coordinator Kevin Kane under scrutiny
07:15 Talent, NIL spending and competing in the Big Ten
10:35 Indiana’s turnaround and Purdue’s program challenges
13:35 Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne and the passing attack
15:20 Purdue’s receivers, tight ends and running backs
17:00 Lessons from Illinois-Ohio State and Purdue-Notre Dame
18:45 Purdue’s offensive line injuries and quarterback protection
20:15 Why Purdue has struggled to finish games
22:00 How much can one quarterback elevate a football team?
24:20 Illinois’ injury situation and offensive line outlook
25:30 Purdue’s defensive scheme and communication problems
27:15 Former Illinois players on the Purdue defense
28:40 The numbers point toward a potential shootout
30:15 Illinois players who could make the difference
32:15 Why the Illini offense must play aggressively
33:30 Bret Bielema’s decision following Bobby Hauck’s departure
38:00 Barry Odom’s situation and Purdue’s rebuilding challenge
39:30 Illinois football history and the value of program stability
42:20 Ryan Dowd and Boiled Sports
43:10 Join IlliniGuys.com for insider Illini coverage
45:30 Upcoming coverage and final thoughts
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Who wins Illinois vs. Purdue—and what must the Illini defense change? Share your prediction in the comments!
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#Illini #IllinoisFootball #FightingIllini #PurdueFootball #BigTenFootball #CollegeFootball #IlliniGuys #IOnTheIllini

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47 min