American college football season
The 1971 Illinois Fighting Illini football team was an American football team that represented the University of Illinois during the 1971 Big Ten Conference football season . In their first year under head coach Bob Blackman , the Illini compiled a 5–6 record and finished in a three-way tie for third place in the Big Ten Conference .[ 1]
The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Mike Wells with 1,007 passing yards, running back John Wilson with 543 rushing yards, and wide receiver Garvin Roberson with 372 receiving yards.[ 2] Punter/halfback Terry Masar was selected as the team's most valuable player.[ 3]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 11 at Michigan State L 0–1042,083
September 18 North Carolina * L 0–2749,591 [ 4]
September 25 at No. 16 USC * L 0–2849,390
October 2 No. 15 Washington * Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL L 14–5248,127
October 9 No. 15 Ohio State L 10–2453,555
October 16 at No. 3 Michigan L 6–3573,406 [ 5]
October 23 No. 17 Purdue Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL (rivalry ) W 21–752,344
October 30 Northwestern Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL (rivalry ) W 24–740,144
November 6 at Indiana W 22–2123,018
November 13 at Wisconsin W 35–2765,459
November 20 Iowa Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL W 31–040,703
*Non-conference game Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
1971 Illinois Fighting Illini football team roster
Players
Coaches
Offense
Defense
Pos.
#
Name
Class
LB
52
Larry Allen
Jr
DE
75
Tab Bennett
Jr
DB
24
Jamie Dufelmeier
Sr
Special teams
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
Legend
(C) Team captain
(S) Suspended
(I) Ineligible
Injured
Redshirt
Roster
Venues Bowls & rivalries Culture & lore People Seasons National championship seasons in bold