TAMPA, Florida. — Illinois football players enjoyed all the trappings of a bowling game in Tampa. The Illini fed giraffes and rode a roller coaster at Busch Gardens. The Illinis literally bowled at a bowling alley in Sparkman Wharf. The Illinis participated in a beach party at Clearwater Beach, which included jet skis and a pie contest.
This trip definitely had vacation vibes, including sandals, tropical shirts, and bucket hats. But the rest of bowling week — something this Illinois football program hasn’t often experienced — is that it’s also a business trip.
So while the Illini had fun escaping the Midwestern winter, Illinois is looking to lock down to ensure they have a happy flight home and end the season with a win over State. Mississippi during Monday’s kickoff at 11 a.m. CT at Raymond James Stadium.
Mississippi State is a good football team. Nobody’s just gonna let the other team win, so thank them,” the Illinois junior wide receiver said. Casey Washington said. But we do this to win. We don’t just come here to play. We come here to events to have fun, but more than anything, we can just lock in when it’s time to lock in and compete.
Illinois football had a breakthrough season in the second year under head coach Bret Bielema. For the first time since 2007, the Illini (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten) won eight games and had a Big Ten winning record. Led by the national number one. 1 scoring defense, a strong rushing offense and a much improved passing game, the Illini were in the mix for a Big Ten West title through all 12 regular season games, ultimately losing a conference championship appearance to Purdue by a November match after a three-game losing streak.
But Illinois ended the regular season on a high note, beating rival Northwestern 41-3 to win the Land of Lincoln Trophy for a second straight season. Now the Illini are looking to wrap up the 2022 season with a win on day two of 2023.
“I want to finish,” Illinois senior quarterback Tommy DeVito said. For me, 8-4 is a solid year. Obviously, we wanted it to be better. But being able to get nine team wins and just go out and put more stuff on film, and just play football. This is the game that I love. I just can’t wait for the opportunity to come.
Both teams will be a little different than they have been all season.
Mississippi State, of course, will play without a head coach mike leach, who tragically passed away last month from heart disease. In his place, defensive coordinator Zach Arnett was promoted to permanent head coach. The Bulldogs also lost a key running back Dillon Johnson and leading wide receiver Ra Ra Thomas at the transfer portal.
The Illini will also play without several people who have had a huge impact on the team. defensive coordinator Ryan WaltersBroyles Award runner-up, is now the head coach of rival Purdue, and Walters took two Illini assistants with him to West Lafayette: outside linebackers coach Kevin Kane and running backs coach Cory Patterson.
Three of the team’s biggest stars opted out of bowling to stay healthy and start preparing for the NFL Draft: All-American running back Chase BrownAll-American cornerback Devon Witherspoon and safety All-Big Ten Sidney Brown.
But the Illini will look to show off the program stronger than a few shining stars with its latest showcase this season.
It’s enormous. I feel like it’s just a testament to where we’re going,” the Illinois catcher said. Isaiah Williams said. We are constantly moving forward every time and overcoming obstacles. I came here to win championships and I feel like it’s a step in the right direction. But finally, [the bowl] is not the goal. Of course, it will be huge for us to finish this game strong and start 2023 on the right foot now.
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