Game Day Central | Illinois 14, Purdue 14; Halftime

Observe together with beat author Scott Richey all day from Memorial Stadium:

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Here is the listing of Illinois gamers who went via Senior Day actions:

• Kody Case
• Ryan Johnson
• Preston Engel
• Deon Pate
• Peyton Vining
• Verdis Brown
• Chase Hayden
• Ryan Meed
• Calvin Avery
• Artwork Sitkowski
• Isaac Darkangelo
• Jamal Woods
• Tailon Leitzsey
• Kendall Smith
• Michael Marchese
• Luke Ford
• Alex Pihlstrom
• Julian Pearl
• Tommy DeVito
• Devon Witherspoon
• Quan Martin
• Alex Palczewski
• Sydney Brown
• Chase Brown

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Primarily based on how a lot the Marching Illini members carrying all of the Large Ten flags struggled as they marched onto the sphere … the wind seems to be like it will likely be an element once more right now at Memorial Stadium. The gusts may not be as violent, nevertheless it’s a gentle breeze out of the North (which simply makes it colder, clearly).

Illinois didn’t deal with the wind effectively final week within the loss to Michigan State. Punter Hugh Robertson REALLY struggled. So it is both lesson realized or a harbinger of one thing equally as dangerous.

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Alec Bryant WILL be in a key function right now in opposition to Purdue. Seth Coleman has apparently not cleared concussion protocol, because the sophomore outdoors linebacker is in road garments.

Additionally OUT for right now’s sport? Sophomore operating again Josh McCray, who’s in a boot, in line with 247Sports’ Jeremy Werner. (I have not gotten eyes on McCray personally). Gibson Metropolis-Melvin-Sibley freshman operating again Aidan Laughery is not dressed both.

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Chase and Sydney Brown have not simply captured the Large Ten’s consideration this season. They’ve gone nationwide (and worldwide). TV crews from throughout the state, nation and their native Canada have made the journey to Champaign this season to speak to the nation’s main rusher and certainly one of Illinois’ defensive leaders.

That they are twins with a compelling backstory definitely does not damage. The Browns have been featured this morning on “Good Morning, America” the place a 30-minute interview and quarter-hour of B-roll became what amounted to a 90-second characteristic. TV, man.

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There’s loads conspiring in opposition to a big, boisterous crowd right now at Memorial Stadium for the ultimate dwelling sport of the 2022 Illinois soccer season. 

First, the climate. It is at the moment 32 levels. That is a 40-degree drop from two days in the past. Mainly … fall in central Illinois. A bit of wind (not a lot as final week, however nonetheless noticeable) does not assistance on that entrance.

Then there’s the stakes for this sport. It is nonetheless a “should win” sort of sport for Illinois in its pursuit of a Large Ten West championship, which might be the primary division title in program historical past. However the Illini cannot clinch right now in opposition to Purdue. That went out the window as quickly because the clock hit 00:00 final week within the loss to Michigan State.

Plus, it is basketball season. A ranked Illinois staff simply gained twice this week with Dain Dainja turning into the early-season star. This is not Kentucky-level “Basketball faculty” vs. “Soccer faculty” however issues development extra towards the previous in Champaign.

Possibly I am fallacious and the gang will probably be poppin’. It may occur. The crowds have been higher this season the longer it is gone. We’ll see.

Scott Richey is a reporter masking faculty basketball at The Information-Gazette. His e mail is srichey@news-gazette.com, and you may comply with him on Twitter (@srrichey).