Q&A: Rashard Mendenhall

Rashard Mendenhall is still a Bears fan -- just not this Sunday. The Skokie native makes his professional return this weekend when his Steelers take ...

Illinois Fighting Illini season recap

...never stayed on track. They missed star running back Rashard Mendenhall and safeties Kevin Mitchell and Justin Harrison. Williams threw nine interceptions in his last five games. A defensive line that Zook called the...

Big Ten mailbag

...think both of us underestimated what it meant to lose J Leman, Antonio Steele, Chris Norwell, Justin Harrison and Kevin Mitchell. Illinois' defense just isn't the same without those guys, and the results...

Big Ten mailbag: Heisman chances for Big Ten backs

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg I didn't get a chance to have the regular Friday mailbag, so here are a few items before the early kickoffs. Andy...

Big Ten internal affairs for Week 6

...overcome the losses of All-American middle linebacker J Leman and talented safeties Kevin Mitchell and Justin Harrison. "I don't foresee starting lineup changes," Zook said, "but I do see guys that are...

Ranking the Big Ten secondaries

...Thomas provide depth at the other corner spot, but Illinois must replace safeties Kevin Mitchell and Justin Harrison, who combined for 155 tackles, six interceptions and 24 pass breakups last season. If guys like...

Breaking down the Big Ten

Take a look at what questions were answered this spring and what problems linger heading into the fall.

Illini, Hoosiers dealing with changes in the middle

...but lost several mainstays from its defensive midsection. In addition to Leman, safeties Kevin Mitchell and Justin Harrison are gone, as is disruptive defensive tackle Chris Norwell. Miller, a two-year starter who recorded...

Big Ten looks to regain credibility among college football's elite

Take a quick look at the position battles, coaching changes and other key factors to pay attention to during spring practices around the Big Ten.

Big Ten looking to fill holes on defense, add depth on signing day

From Michigan's signing day hopes of landing a spread-offense compatible QB to Minnesota's needs on both sides of the ball, the Big Ten is covered here.

Rose Bowl Blog: Illinois vs. USC

Follow along for a collection of thoughts, observations and analysis from the 2008 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

USC racks up record-setting 633 yards in Rose Bowl rout of Illini

The Trojans were every bit as good as advertised and the Rose Bowl was even more lopsided than expected. Freshman tailback Joe McKnight finished with 170 of USC's 633 yards in a record-setting romp Tuesday, 49-17 over outmatched Illinois.

Instant analysis: 2008 Rose Bowl -- Illinois vs. USC

ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach provides instant analysis from the 2008 Rose Bowl game.

Ohio State wide receiver Brian Hartline (9) runs against Illinois defensive back Justin Harrison (32) on the first play of the game after making a reception during the first quarter...

Team preview: Illinois

If QB Juice Williams is able to improve in his sophomore season, Illinois could be in for a special season.

Story | Conversation | June 28, 2007