Back then, football players wore helmets made out of leather without facemasks. Now, Illinois isn't able to ... These are donned with brown stripes that connect with the all-brown pants.

Personally, I like them. The truth is that there's not a whole lot Illinois can do with its helmet considering their logo is a block I, but this is certainly better than the word Illini on the ...

On New Year’s Eve, when Illinois takes the field in sunny Orlando, Florida, to face South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl (2 p.m. CT, on ESPN), it will be a day of firsts for Illini football.

It's safe to assume that Illinois, having already celebrated its Rededication Game in October against Michigan, the helmet choice ... turnaround of Illinois football over the past four seasons.