Owen Lewis

Owen Lewis

Joined: Sep 28, 2024

Owen is a former Defector intern and an editor at BoxingScene. He writes about sports and various other things.

Members of Illinois' offensive line huddle against Michigan State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The group helped the Illini hold the Spartans to zero sacks and run for 138 yards in a 38-16 win.

Nov 2, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema before a game with the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema during a time out in a game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema during the second quarter of a Big Ten football game against Penn State, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa.

Football

In the aftermath of a disheartening defeat to the top-ranked Ducks, the Illini coach took the heat

Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players wear the throwback helmets and uniforms in honor of legendary Red Grange and the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium before the game against the Michigan Wolverines. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Football

The Illini shouldn't give up on a win Saturday – stranger things have happened – but shouldn't be crushed by a loss either

NFL legend Tom Brady is all smiles before an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Football

Was the game's quarterbacking GOAT ever actually close to taking his talents to Champaign?

Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The Illinois Fighting Illini dance team performs in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Football

It's probably bad form to admit the Illini's win over the Boilermakers last Saturday is still giving you stress dreams—if you're a future team member or potential recruit, that is.

Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) scores a touchdown catch over Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Botros Alisandro (19) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Football

The beauty of a touchdown-laden football game. Despite the absence of starting running back Kaden Feagin, the Illini scored touchdowns in spades in a 50-49 thriller over the Boilermakers.

Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) passes in the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Football

Did the Boilermakers boldness on Saturday's pivotal play give the Illini a gift?

Robert Holcombe (35), who attended the University of Illinois from 1994-97 and ended his career with the Illini football team as its all-time leading rusher (4,105 yards), was inducted into the school's athletics Hall of Fame on Friday and will serve as the football team's honorary captain for Saturday's home game against Purdue.

Football

Illini all-time rusher returns to Champaign to be honored with a captaincy and a Hall of Fame induction