Writing Illini
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Illinois football has played, but never beaten, these teams

By Rees Woodcock

ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 2: Head coach Nick Saban of the Louisiana State University Tigers takes the field against the Georgia Bulldogs during the game at Sanford Stadium on October 2, 2004 in Athens, Georgia. The Bulldogs won 45-16. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 2: Head coach Nick Saban of the Louisiana State University Tigers takes the field against the Georgia Bulldogs during the game at Sanford Stadium on October 2, 2004 in Athens, Georgia. The Bulldogs won 45-16. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Oct 1, 1988; Gainesville, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Florida Gators running back Emmitt Smith (22) in action against LSU at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 1988; Gainesville, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Florida Gators running back Emmitt Smith (22) in action against LSU at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports /

4. Florida – 0-2

  • First Loss: September 23, 1967
  • Last Loss: December 29, 1988

Illinois doesn’t have a long history of playing the Florida Gators, but there have been two matchups between the programs. The first one took place in 1967. Illinois couldn’t put points on the board, as we fell to the Gators 14-0.

The most recent matchup against Florida came in the 1988 All-American Bowl. Some running back people may have heard of, Emmitt Smith, ran for 159 yards and was the MVP of the game. Illinois would fall to the Gators in that game, 14-10.

5. Fresno State – 0-2

  • First Loss: December 5, 2009
  • Last Loss: December 3, 2010

There have only been two games between Illinois and Fresno State throughout history. These two games took place in 2009 and 2010. The Illini dropped the first game against the Bulldogs, 53-52. Future NFL running back Ryan Mathews ran for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Illinois’ running back, Mikel Leshoure, finished the game with 184 yards and two touchdowns.

In 2010, the Illini once again fell to Fresno State, 25-24. Illinois was able to run all over the Bulldogs, amassing 318 yards on the ground. But Fresno State’s passing game was too much, as Ryan Colburn would throw for 304 yards and three touchdowns.

6. Hawaii – 0-1

  • First Loss: December 30, 1992
  • Last Loss: December 30, 1992

Illinois managed to have a decent season in 1992. After starting the year 3-4, the Illini rattled off three wins and a tie in the next four contests. This got the Orange and Blue into the Holiday Bowl against Hawaii.

This would be the only time the two teams played, and Illinois ran into a buzzsaw that day. Hawaii was 11-1 that season and would dominate the Illini 27-17 in the bowl game. Hawaii’s quarterback and running back rushed for over 100 yards in the contest.

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