Illini now
Owen Lewis

Owen Lewis

Joined: Sep 28, 2024

Owen is a former Defector intern and an editor at BoxingScene. He writes about sports and various other things.

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema during the second quarter of a Big Ten football game against Penn State, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa.
Football

Illinois Coach Bret Bielema Takes Responsibility for Loss to Oregon

In the aftermath of a disheartening defeat to the top-ranked Ducks, the Illini coach took the heat

Owen Lewis
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Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Malik Elzy (8) catches a touchdown in from of Eastern Illinois Panthers defensive back Isaiah Houi (23) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Suffers Huge Deficit, Injuries in First Half vs. Oregon

The Illini have more than a 35-3 hole to be upset about at halftime against the top-ranked Ducks

Owen Lewis
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Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players wear the throwback helmets and uniforms in honor of legendary Red Grange and the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium before the game against the Michigan Wolverines. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football: Nothing to Lose Against Oregon? Think Again

The Illini shouldn't give up on a win Saturday – stranger things have happened – but shouldn't be crushed by a loss either

Owen Lewis
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NFL legend Tom Brady is all smiles before an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Football

How the Weather Kept Tom Brady From Becoming an Illini

Was the game's quarterbacking GOAT ever actually close to taking his talents to Champaign?

Owen Lewis
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Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The Illinois Fighting Illini dance team performs in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Recruits Share Reactions to Week 7 Win Over Purdue

It's probably bad form to admit the Illini's win over the Boilermakers last Saturday is still giving you stress dreams—if you're a future team member or potential recruit, that is.

Owen Lewis
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Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) scores a touchdown catch over Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Botros Alisandro (19) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Ranking Every Illinois Football Touchdown from Week 7 Against Purdue

The beauty of a touchdown-laden football game. Despite the absence of starting running back Kaden Feagin, the Illini scored touchdowns in spades in a 50-49 thriller over the Boilermakers.

Owen Lewis
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Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) scores a touchdown in overtime against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Football

Watch: Illinois WR Pat Bryant Calls His Own Shot in OT to Beat Purdue

Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant suggested the decisive overtime play on which he scored in a 50-49 win

Owen Lewis
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Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) passes in the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

To Go for Two or Not to Go for Two? The Illinois-Purdue Question

Did the Boilermakers boldness on Saturday's pivotal play give the Illini a gift?

Owen Lewis
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Sep 28, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin (3) runs during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois RB Kaden Feagin to Miss Time, Coach Brad Bielema Confirms

After 50-49 Illini win, coach Bret Bielema said of his lead runner: 'Unfortunately, he’s gonna be out for a little bit'

Owen Lewis
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Robert Holcombe (35), who attended the University of Illinois from 1994-97 and ended his career with the Illini football team as its all-time leading rusher (4,105 yards), was inducted into the school's athletics Hall of Fame on Friday and will serve as the football team's honorary captain for Saturday's home game against Purdue.
Football

Robert Holcombe Enters Illinois Hall of Fame, Named Honorary Captain for Purdue

Illini all-time rusher returns to Champaign to be honored with a captaincy and a Hall of Fame induction

Owen Lewis
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Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) takes the field before a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Alum, 'Hot Ones' Host Sean Evans to Sound Siren at Purdue Football Game

'Hot Ones' host Sean Evans, an Illinois alumnus, will sound the air raid siren before Saturday's Illini-Boilermakers game

Owen Lewis
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Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini flags are waved after a touchdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Aims to Put on a Show Saturday for Packed Recruiting Room

A series of Illini football recruits will be in attendance on a day when the home team should impress

Owen Lewis
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