High-level opponents on 2024-25 schedule

Jun. 27—CHAMPAIGN — The highlight of Illinois’ nonconference schedule in the 2017-18 season was either hosting DePaul in the Gavitt Tipoff Games or playing at Wake Forest in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

Slim pickings in the first season of the Brad Underwood era. There was a single neutral-site game beyond the annual Braggin’ Rights matchup. Playing New Mexico State in Chicago was strong on narrative (Lou Henson coached both programs) and short on interest (5,695 people saw the Aggies win).

Opportunities for higher-profile games have increased in direct relation to Illinois’ level of success with Underwood at the helm. The schedule for year eight of the Underwood era will look far different than the first season.

Illinois has neutral-site games set with Alabama, Arkansas and Duke — plus Missouri — and will host Tennessee in the return game from last year’s trip to Knoxville, Tenn.

All in addition to a 20-game Big Ten schedule that now takes the Illini coast-to-coast from Seattle to Rutgers.

Underwood simply doesn’t believe in the idea of too many high-profile games on the Illinois schedule.

“I think players want to play in big games,” Underwood said. “I think it speaks to the level (of the program). Believe me, I don’t forget the first two years when we couldn’t find a national television game and we couldn’t find an opportunity to play some of these games.”

Illinois will find itself in the college basketball spotlight with its nonconference schedule. The game against Alabama — likely a top-five team heading into 2024-25 — will be played in Birmingham, Ala., with the return next year in Chicago. The Illini will play Arkansas on Thanksgiving Day in Kansas City, Mo., with an NFL game as a lead in on CBS.

Then there’s another trip back to New York City and a third game in three seasons at Madison Square Garden. Duke’s the opponent this time after wins against Texas and Florida Atlantic the past two seasons, and a Feb. 22 date adds some late-season intrigue.

“I’m grateful…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/high-level-opponents-2024-25-035900785.html

Author : The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.

Publish date : 2024-06-28 03:59:00

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