FamILLy Focus: Fighting Illini Fans Share Favorite Illinois Big Ten F…

As Illinois returns to Memorial Stadium on Sept. 16, when the Fighting Illini take on Penn State in the team’s Big Ten opener, it is important to reflect on the program’s history within conference play from the perspective of our fans. 

From the players and coaches on the field, to the Marching Illini, to everyone donning Orange and Blue throughout Memorial Stadium, to the Fighting Illini faithful near and far, our famILLy is central to our success, both on and off the field. To honor one of the most critical members of our famILLy, our fans, ahead of each football home game, we will share the stories of those who represent the values we uphold at Illinois. 

The second part of our FamILLy Focus series features decades of memories from Illini fans old and young as we enter another season of Big Ten play.

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Bill Humphrey: 1983 – Illinois 17, Ohio State 13

1983. Ohio State at Illinois. The Illini were off to a 4-1 start. Illinois hadn’t beaten Ohio State in 17 years….