Sports Editor Matt Daniels with a look at what’s going on around the area:
Illinois running back Josh McCray runs into the open field as South Carolina players give chase on Tuesday evening.
Three reasons we love sports today
➜ 1. It’s not every decade Illinois fans can soak in a 10-win football season by the Illini. The 2024 Illinois football team joins the likes of the 2001 team, the 1990 team, the 1983 team and the 1902 team as the only ones in 135 years of Illinois football to hit that elusive mark after Tuesday’s 21-17 win against South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl.
➜ 2. Add in the fact this Illinois football team ended the season on a four-game winning streak — something the program hasn’t done since the 1999 team won its final five games — and the future seems bright for Bret Bielema and Co.
➜ 3. Oh, and the vaunted SEC? Illinois football beat a team from the league where it just means more for the first time.
Former Illini Kerby Joseph leads the NFL with nine interceptions this season.
Numbers game: 9
interceptions former Illini and Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph has this season. He added to his NFL-leading total with two during the Lions’ 40-34 road win against the 49ers on Monday night. Now, the 24-year-old Joseph and his teammates turn their attention to trying to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC when the Lions (14-2) host the Vikings (14-2) at 7:20 p.m. on Sunday.
Kasparas Jakucionis and the No. 22 Illini will try to earn a Top 10 win on Thursday night at No. 9 Oregon.
Crowd control
Three events I’m paying attention to
➜ 1. Illinois at Oregon men’s basketball. A chance for a signature road win with Big Ten play resuming as the No. 22 Illini (9-3, 1-1 Big Ten) await No. 9 Oregon (12-1, 1-1) at 9 p.m. Thursday in Eugene, Ore. Illinois aims for its first Big Ten road win against a Top 10 team since it won at No. 7 Ohio State on March 6, 2021.
➜ 2. Maryland at Washington men’s basketball. Get a scouting report on Sunday’s opponent for the Illini, Washington, when the Huskies (9-4, 0-2 Big Ten) host the Terrapins (11-2, 1-1) at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in Seattle.
➜ 3. Clinton at LeRoy boys’ basketball. Looking for a quality high school game to attend on Friday night? Head to LeRoy.
Blue Ridge boys’ track and field coach Dave Kramer.
Coach’s corner
Three questions with Blue Ridge boys’ track and field coach Dave Kramer:
➜ 1. My favorite sports team is … the Chicago Bears. I have been a fan since the early 1980s (yes, I’m that old). Although not a great team at the moment, they have their bright spots, and I have never given up on them. Bear down.
➜ 2. Three coaches I’d like to have dinner with are … John Wooden to hopefully absorb some of his wisdom, Tony Holler because his philosophies on sprint training have always fascinated me and Dan Campbell. Obviously I’m not a Detroit Lions fan, but his coaching style is one that I aspire to.
➜ 3. My biggest pet peeve is … a lack of effort. In life, as in sports, there are so few things you can control, but effort is one of them. If you aren’t willing to give your max effort to an activity or cause, why did you sign up in the first place?