The Illinois Fighting Illini expect to have two key cogs for the season opener against Eastern Illinois.

Illini coach Bret Bielema announced center Josh Kreutz and linebacker James Kreutz are available Thursday. Josh was hampered with a knee injury while James dealt with a chest issue.

“James Kreutz got cleared [Thursday],” Bielema said. “I think he was ready to burn his green injury. To have two Kreutz brothers limited in practice is not healthy for anybody. Both James and Josh are back, cleared, 100 percent to go.”  

Josh Kreutz was limited last week in practice. Bielema also said the only players who will miss opener are Cole Ruskin and Mason Muragin. Both are out with knee injuries.

James Kreutz had 18 tackles and one sack last year while James is the returning starting center.

LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING

Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer is never mistaken for Lamar Jackson.

He is most valuable to the Illini as a passer first but it doesn’t mean he is unable to scramble or run the ball when needed.

“Luke is very talented,” Illini coach Bret Bielema said. “I always say this, he kind of looks like a guy that’s in a pick-up game at the rec league but he can really, really, athletically do some things with his feet that are pretty impressive.”

Last year Altmyer rushed for 282 yards on 94 carries with three touchdowns. He had a 72-yard scoring run against Kansas, so he’s proven he can run.

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Illinois Fighting Illini On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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Illinois football starts the 2024 season on Thursday night when we take on Eastern Illinois.

I can’t believe the season is already here. The Illini play a meaningful game this week, but while the Panthers are FCS, they do bring a lot of talent with them.

Illinois can’t sleep on this talented Eastern Illinois squad. There are numerous players to keep an eye on, but I have selected three of the scariest game-changers for the Panthers

The biggest threat that Eastern Illinois is going to throw at the Orange and Blue is their quarterback, Pierce Holley. He has a ton of experience, and the Panthers go as he goes.

Holley transferred into the Eastern Illinois program before the start of last season. In 2023, he started in 11 games and was All-Big South/Ohio Valley second-team.

The numbers Holley put up were solid. He threw for 2,723 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. They don’t blow me away, but those are numbers that you have to keep an eye on.

You can’t discount experience in the college game, especially at the quarterback position. The fact Eastern Illinois has a player who has been around the college game for a half-decade is invaluable.

Illinois isn’t going to have to worry too much about Holley out of the pocket. He is more of a pocket passer who will try to pick you apart with his arm.

I the lone season Holley has played with Eastern Illinois, he has 75 carries for -82 yards. Those are not good numbers. If Illinois can put any type of pressure on Holley, he is in for a long night.

YANA! (You Are Not Alone) will host Kathy Salvi, the newly elected Chairwoman of the Illinois Republican Party, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at Jamie’s Outpost, 602 S. Clark St., Utica.

“This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from a key leader shaping the future of the GOP in Illinois and to gain insights into the direction the state party is headed,” said Beth Findley Smith, YANA! chairwoman.

In addition to hearing from Salvi, the meeting will cover several critical topics essential for all conservatives to engage with, Findley Smith said.

The implications of the upcoming 2024 general election, petitions and open offices for the 2025 consolidated election, effective strategies for recruiting poll watchers and election judges will be included in the discussion.

Attendees also will have the chance to participate in a 50/50 raffle, which supports YANA!’s ongoing efforts. The meeting is an opportunity to connect with like-minded conservatives, to be part of the strategic planning for the future and to prepare for the important battles ahead, Findley Smith said.