Training Camp Central
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – As University of Illinois students flooded back to campus for "move in day" Thursday morning ahead of classes starting on Monday, the Fighting Illini football team held its 13th training camp practice on the grass practice fields east of Memorial Stadium.
With training camp winding down and school about to start up, head coach Lovie Smith said the Fighting Illini are getting closer to game-ready.
"Competition is good," Smith said after practice No. 13. "When you know what you're doing, you can play fast. The competition is getting better and better. We are getting a little bit closer."
"Of course, school starts next week," Smith continued. "The guys can't wait to see someone besides just us."
The Illini return to practice Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are just two more Training Camp practices open to the public – Friday and Saturday (2:30-4:30 p.m.). Once school starts, practices will be closed to the public.
Fighting Illini Preview Show
The 2016 Fighting Illini Football Preview Show debuts Aug. 22 and will air on Fox Sports Midwest, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Big Ten Network and WCIX several times leading up to the season opener vs. Murray State on Sept. 3.
The one-hour show, produced by Fighting Illini Productions and hosted by Illinois alumnus and Chicago sportscaster Ryan Baker, features an in-depth breakdown of the 2016 Fighting Illini with head coach Lovie Smith, offensive coordinator Garrick McGee and defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson, as well as behind-the-scenes access and mic'd up features from Training Camp.
» Fighting Illini Preview Show Broadcast Times
