Smile Politely had its most intrepid reporter out in Manhattan and Chicago this past weekend for nationally televised Illini men’s basketball and football. We took pictures. Lots of them.
Posts by Rob McColley:
No big deal
The Illini lost its first game last night to a young, but very tough, Texas Longhorns team. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. More on the future, and an interview with Evan Turner, inside.
Zook dismisses Polar Bear Hunter
… or whatever you call it. Evan Frierson punched an undergrad in the heart of Campustown late Saturday night. Fallout from the Minnesota loss, no doubt. Maybe the kid was wearing Maroon & Gold. From …
Little Egypt suffers Illini tremblor
Rob promises to find it in himself to have a little pity for the SIU Salukis … as soon as he stops laughing.
Zook not distracted by BOWL GAME
After Illinois’s inexplicable loss to Minnesota — yes, the nine game losing streak/fired the coach midway through season Minnesota– Illini Coach Ron Zook made it clear: No Illini is thinking about a bowl game bowl …
REO Speedwagon to play REO Speedwagon tribute
Guys who wear baseball caps rejoiced today at the announcement that oft-mocked but really under-appreciated stadium-rock band REO Speedwagon has agreed to play a set of all-REO covers at Chicago’s tribute band headquarters, Joe’s Bar …
Colonel Blake drubs Max Klinger
In its second game of the year, the Illini put the hurt on a Toledo Rockets team that is currently only playing five scholarships. That plus solid games from the seniors spell victory.
That’s more like it
After a rocky start in exhibition, the Illini took to the hardwood for the start of the regular season against Cal-Irvine. Last night, they looked more like the pre-season #16 ranked team in the nation.
Few ‘til a T
If what you were expecting was a Big Ten title caliber team right away, it’s not what you are going to get. Have no fear, states Rob — it’s just getting started.
Chaos and Lewis
The Illini began its season with a sloppy game against Lewis University, and the second time in three years, it was a battle.