Community Picks: Western Michigan 0% vs Illinois 0%

Three plays into the fourth quarter last Saturday, Illinois was within a touchdown and a two-point conversion of North Carolina. Over the next 14-plus minutes, first-year coach Lovie Smith learned a lot about his Illini and how far they have to go. Illinois (1-1) fell apart over that final quarter, and ended up with a 48-23 loss in a game that was within reach even after a night of inconsistent play. Continue to Article

September 15, 2016 5:23:pm EST

Nursing an eight-point lead with just over 12 minutes left Saturday, North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trupisky heaved the ball deep toward Ryan Switzer but instead connected with the back of an Illinois defensive back. The ball bounced high and came down in the hands of Tar Heel tight end Jake Bargas for a first down that set up a touchdown that gave North Carolina a 38-23 lead. The junior quarterback threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two more scores Saturday to lead the Tar Heels to a 48-23 win at Illinois. Continue to Article

September 11, 2016 12:35:am EST

North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two more scores Saturday to lead the Tar Heels to a 48-23 win at Illinois. ''He played well tonight, he took care of the football,'' North Carolina coach Larry Fedora said. Early on, Trubisky had to lead the Tar Heels (1-1) from behind. Continue to Article

September 10, 2016 11:56:pm EST

Nittany Lions fans aren't satisfied with back-to-back 7-6 records, so this game could be a referendum on third-year coach James Franklin. Pitt is recognized as a program on the rise, and that chafes Penn State people who long for the days when their team was relevant for the right reasons. The Illini, who allowed nearly 250 yards rushing in each of its last three games in 2015, are No. 1 nationally against the run this week after FCS Murray State netted minus-10 yards. Continue to Article

September 08, 2016 4:33:pm EST