Illini have chance to show growth against Rutgers

A week after outlasting Penn State on the road in an NCAA-record nine overtimes, Illinois has an opportunity to show the program is finally rounding into shape under first-year coach Bret Bielema.

Deep Illini build expectations around big man Kofi Cockburn

For all the excitment at Illinois this year, from earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament to the Illini’s second-round loss to Loyola-Chicago, the biggest decision for the immediate future came in the heat of midsummer when Kofi Cockburn announced he was coming back for his junior season.

Illinois 24, Charlotte 13

Chase Brown rushed for 257 yards and two touchdowns, the fourth best single-game rushing performance in Illinois history.

Virginia Cavaliers beat Fighting Illini 42-14

Wide receiver Deuce Spann caught a 33-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter for the Illini, and running back Chase Brown capped the opening drive of the second half with a 21-yard scoring run.