Fighting Illini in Training Camp, Football Schedule

URBANA, Ill. – The Fighting Illini were back at it Wednesday night on the U of I Campus Recreation Practice Fields for the 14th practice of training camp. It was the third straight day of six scheduled practices this week.

On a humid, overcast evening, the Illini started with the usual position drills before moving into an intense and spirited 11-on-11 team portion of practice. For the second straight day, the defense got the better of the offense, forcing several turnovers. The practice ended with a long special teams session and then two-minute drill drives.

"You go through training camp to try and set the team up for any situation that might happen during the season," head coach Lovie Smith said after Wednesday's practice. "On offense we finished with a good two-minute drive and a score. When we talk about the day as a whole, great job by the defense taking the ball away. Our ball security on the offensive side needs to be a lot better than it was today."

The Fighting Illini are scheduled to practice the next three days before an off day on Sunday – afternoon practices on Thursday and Friday followed by a Saturday morning practice at the Campus Rec. Fields. All practices through Aug. 19 are open to the public and free to attend.

University of Illinois Schedule

September 2 -- Ball State, 11 a.m.

September 9 -- Western Kentucky, 7 p.m.

September 15 -- at South Florida, Tampa, 6 p.m.

September 29 -- Nebraska, 7 p.m.

October 7 -- at Iowa, 11 a.m.

October 14 -- Rutgers, TBA

October 21 -- at Minnesota, 2:30/3 p.m.

October 28 -- Wisconsin, 11 a.m.

November 4 -- at Purdue, West Lafayette, TBA

November 11 -- Indiana, TBA

November 18 -- at Ohio State, Columbus, TBA

November 25 -- Northwestern, TBA

December 2 -- Big Ten Championship Game at Indianapolis, Ind., TBA