October 1999
Illinois dares to dream at Michigan
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Illinois didn't need Johnny Johnson. It didn't need Jim Klein. It didn't need Ricky Powers.
The 1999 version of the Illinois football team created new heroes Saturday at Michigan Stadium. The '93 team's win here against the Wolverines has been replaced.
UI men's basketball practice update
Mahomet-Seymour will open basketball practice in 15 days without Brett Melton.
Kittner shocks Michigan
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – "Kurt Kittner just keeps getting better and better. He has great composure in the huddle and he keeps making plays."
Kittner's spokesman was the effervescent Michael Dean, who could be downcast with three receptions in the last two games. But if defensive attention is directed toward Dean, that creates openings for other Illini. And Kittner isn't particular whom he throws to.
Illini newcomers hold their own
Jamal Parker and Matt Snyder each went 2-0 in singles to lead Illinois to a 10-7 record Saturday in the First Federal Invitational at Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana.
UI title chase hits roadblock
CHAMPAIGN – Put the title talk on the back burner. Illinois' feverish chase of Big Ten volleyball leader Penn State was abruptly cooled off by a longtime tormentor.
Winning for the fifth straight time at Huff Hall, Michigan State handed the No. 20 Illini a 15-9, 15-6, 17-15 setback Friday night that dropped the hosts two games behind the Nittany Lions and into third place. Top-ranked Penn State is 9-0 in the league, and Minnesota (8-1) is a game ahead of Illinois (7-2).
Michigan Stadium can be haunting
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Ron Turner worked in Michigan Stadium twice before today's game against the Wolverines. One trip brings back nice memories. The other, he would just as soon forget.
In 1978, Turner's first year as an Arizona assistant, the Wildcats scared the blue out of the Wolverines.
Illini enter unfamiliar territory
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The blue-covered fans who pack the gigantic stadium will be looking at something unusual today: Illinois football players.
For the first time since 1996, the Illini walk onto the Michigan Stadium turf for a game against the Wolverines.
Illinois zeros in on postseason
CHAMPAIGN – Tricia Taliaferro is absolutely, positively, 100 percent sure her slumping Illini can turn it around in two weeks at the Big Ten women's soccer tournament.
Just as long as no one blows out a knee or flips out on a referee between now and then.
Q&A - A weekly chat with Bob Asmussen - WR Brandon Lloyd
He came to school as a defensive back. Instead, Brandon Lloyd has provided Illinois a much-needed lift as a receiver. Someday, he hopes to chase David Williams' school receiving records.
First poll won't bring nice feeling
The friendly folks who run the Bowl Championship Series plan to unveil their first poll next week. Get ready for an onslaught of criticism.
About the only school that will be happy is Florida State, which should safely be at the top of the standings. Everybody else will be screaming bloody murder.
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