Illini now
Steven Greenberg

Steven Greenberg

Joined: Sep 28, 2024

Steve Greenberg, a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, has written about college sports since the early 1990s.

Nov 16, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh McCray (6) leaps over the pile for a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Big Ten Football Week 13 Power Rankings: Illinois, Rutgers Rising as Saturday Clash Nears

The Illini are up two spots from last week, equalling their highest ranking of the season.

Steven Greenberg
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Nov 5, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans tight end Tyler Hunt (97) is tackled by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Sydney Brown (30) and teammate Seth Coleman (49 )during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football vs. Michigan State: Odds, Trends and Prediction

The Illini are slight favorites against the Spartans in a series that has featured three straight upsets

Steven Greenberg
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Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players take the field before a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Bowl Projections: Potential Foes Include Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss

The Illini would be huge underdogs against any SEC powerhouse, according to oddsmakers we consulted

Steven Greenberg
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Nov 8, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) shoots the ball over SIU Edwardsville Cougars forward Jo Valrie (33) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Basketball

Illinois Basketball Misses AP Top 25 Ranking By a Whisker

The Illini are 26th – first among “others receiving votes” – in the latest poll, released Monday

Steven Greenberg
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Nov 2, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey (7) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Big Ten Football Week 12 Power Rankings: Illinois Holding Steady

The Illini are nine spots higher than Saturday's opponent, Michigan State

Steven Greenberg
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Nov 2, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Big Ten Football Week 11 Power Rankings: Illinois Falls, Indiana Rises

The Illini's loss to Minnesota, at least for now, puts them back toward the middle of the conference pack

Steven Greenberg
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Nov 4, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin (3) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Tip Reiman (89) during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Football

Why Illinois Football Is the Underdog Against Unranked Minnesota

The 24th-ranked Illini opened as favorites vs. the Gophers, but the line has moved dramatically

Steven Greenberg
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Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches the game against the Oregon Ducks during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Bowl Projections: Potential Matchups With Alabama, LSU, Tennessee

The Illini, who have Minnesota up next, have the Citrus Bowl and Music City Bowl among possible destinations

Steven Greenberg
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Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws a pass during the second half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football vs. Minnesota: Illini's Quest for 10 Wins Gets Real This Week

The 6-2 Illini will be favored in their last four regular-season games, which is a new kind of pressure

Steven Greenberg
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Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema during a time out in a game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Football

Big Ten Football Week 10 Power Rankings: Oregon Soars, Illinois Tops ‘Others’

The Illini remain first among teams that are (almost) eliminated from Big Ten title contention

Steven Greenberg
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Nov 10, 2007; Columbus, OH, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Juice Williams (7) throws in the pocket against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. The Fighting Illini beat the Buckeyes 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football: A Historical Look at Matchups Against No. 1-Ranked Teams

The Illini – who visit No. 1 Oregon on Saturday – have toppled the top dog a few times before

Steven Greenberg
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Oct 12, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks fans cheer on a touchdown by Oregon Ducks wide receiver Evan Stewart (7) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Autzen Stadium
Football

Illinois Football vs. Oregon: Week 9 Odds, Ends and Prediction

The No. 1-ranked Ducks are huge favorites against the No. 20 Illini at Autzen Stadium

Steven Greenberg
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