No surprise that Xavier Scott is Scott Richey's player of the game after intercepting two passes — and returning one for a touchdown — in a 23-17 #Illini triumph over No. 19 Kansas. Our beat writer's full grades are in: news-gazette.com/newsletter/con…

"To see the response from the players after putting the ticker back to zero, it was unbelievable," Rantoul Athletics coach Brett Trefren said after the Eagles dispatched Pontiac 21-15 to mark their first win in nearly six years on Friday night. news-gazette.com/sports/rantoul…

That's a wrap: PBL Panthers Football's win over Class 2A No. 2 Bloomington Central Catholic headlined a busy Friday that also included big victories from Watseka Football, BHRA and Salt Fork H.S.. news-gazette.com/sports/thats-a…

The Ryan Dallas Real Estate Pregame Show continues on NewsTalk 1400 & 93.9-FM WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS and the The News-Gazette app as the #Illini prepare for a homecoming game against Central Michigan. Where are you listening from today?

Pregame warmups officially underway. #Illini

Now on NewsTalk 1400 & 93.9-FM WDWS and Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS: Brian Barnhart and former #Illini defensive back Kevin Mitchell have the call of today’s game. No Peacock subscription? Listen for free online or inside the The News-Gazette app.

The #Illini strike first as Luke Altmyer finds a wide-open Pat Bryant for an 11-yard touchdown. Here's how Brian Barnhart's call sounded via Fighting Illini SP. Catch the action on NewsTalk 1400 & 93.9-FM WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS and inside the The News-Gazette app.

Pat Bryant's second touchdown catch of the day gives the #Illini a 20-6 lead over Central Michigan early in the third quarter. Here's how Brian Barnhart and Kevin Mitchell called the highlight via Fighting Illini SP. Listen now on NewsTalk 1400 & 93.9-FM WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS and inside the The News-Gazette app.

A happy homecoming for the #Illini, who downed Central Michigan 30-9 at Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Here are 10 quick thoughts from Joey Wright: news-gazette.com/sports/10-take…

Fast thoughts from beat writer Scott Richey following Illinois' 30-9 win over Central Michigan to mark the first #Illini 3-0 start since 2011: news-gazette.com/newsletter/con…

Now updated with a few highlights, plus comments from Bret Bielema as told to Brian Barnhart, Michael Martin and Kevin Mitchell after the game. #Illini

Monday's N-G sports pages feature Scott Richey and Bob Asmussen on 3-0 start for the now-ranked #Illini football team after homecoming win against Central Michigan, plus Matt Daniels, Joey Wright and Zach Piatt on entertaining Week 3 of prep football. APSE

Among local risers in the latest AP statewide football rankings are Farmington FB and Peoria, with Tony Bauman making its first appearance of the season in the Class 6A poll. Full rankings for all eight #IHSA classes: clutchsportsil.com/post/farmingto…

Illinois is on the board in the Class of 2025 with a commitment from four-star guard Keaton Wagler (Keaton Wagler). #Illini news-gazette.com/newsletter/con…

A three-yard touchdown pass from Luke Altmyer to Tanner Arkin has the #Illini tied at 17 with No. 22 Nebraska late in the third quarter. Here's how Brian Barnhart and Carey Davis called the play via Fighting Illini SP. Listen on NewsTalk 1400 & 93.9-FM WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS and inside the The News-Gazette app.

Our Joey Wright offers 10 quick thoughts on a thrilling #Illini victory over No. 22 Nebraska: news-gazette.com/sports/10-take…

Here's how Pat Bryant's game-winning catch and Dylan Rosiek's game-sealing sack sounded from Brian Barnhart and Carey Davis via Fighting Illini SP. Listen to the Altorfer CAT Postgame Show on NewsTalk 1400 & 93.9-FM WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS and inside the The News-Gazette app. Call or text 217-356-9397. #Illini

Saturday's News-Gazette features extensive coverage of Illinois Football's 31-24 overtime win at Nebraska in the Big Ten opener.