<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1wvGZp_0wF6Xq4q00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1wvGZp_0wF6Xq4q00" width="1320" height="743" >Thanks to an aggressive defense and clean offensive play, Illinois knocked off Michigan for the first since 2009. But this game was more than a contemporary Big Ten battle. It was a throwback to one of the greatest games in Illinois history.And I got to meet the man who played a part in recreating it by designing those iconic, look-a-like leather helmets.A low scoring game where neither team could pass the ball, it felt like we really were in 1924.It was cemented by wearing those old school Illinois uniforms, just like the team in the roaring 20s"Yeah, actually, one of the officials came up. He goes, 'Damn, coach. I had to go up and touch one of those. I thought they were leather,'" said Illinois Head Coach Bret Bielema. "And then the gentleman that made those is actually from a small town in Nebraska. He's actually a Nebraska fan. I said, 'Hey, it's okay, you got to be a fan of some team."His name is Armando Villarreal. His company only makes one to two specialty helmets each year. And Illinois was selected."How do you think those bad boys turned out?" I asked."Getting to see them right now for the first time. It's awesome the way that looks. And it does look very iconic and old school, so I like it," Villarreal said.In 1924, the Illini upset the defending national champions Michigan, and Red Grange's performance made him a living legend.And after upsetting the Wolverines again on Saturday, those helmets symbolized Illinois' nod to history."Those helmets? I liked them. They’re cool and unique," said tight end Tanner Arkin.Those helmets were not made overnight. The artist handed painted each one."I think we worked on those for probably three months or so," Villarreal said. "Each helmet probably takes several hours to do and prepping it, but each one's hand done, and so they look a lot alike, but they're all just a little bit different, so that kind of gives it the uniqueness to it."Add in a field storm and clinch bowl eligibility, it was a story book ending for the Illini."So to have that moment for one day is pretty awesome. I just hope I get a helmet," said Bielema.And Bielema could probably afford to buy one if he wants. I was told by a University official they’re currently selling those helmets for $750 to $1,000 each.Illini's Comeback Season ContinuesAnd the Illini improve to 6-1 and they’ve already clinched a coveted bowl game. This winter will be just the ninth time Illinois has played in the postseason since 1994.“Coming into a program that I came into and see everything that is going on is nothing short of amazing," said linebacker Dylan Rosiek.But why stop at just making a bowl? The Illini have a real shot at winning 10 games this year and having an outside chance of making the 12-team College Football Playoff.Illinois moved up to No. 20 in the latest AP Poll. This week, the Illini will travel to take on No. 1 Oregon.Illinois opened as a 21 point underdog."So another very good football team," said Bielema. "We'll celebrate tonight, but for our preparation for Oregon starts tomorrow."</div></body>

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\"Iconic\": Meet the man who designed Illinois' look-a-like leather helmets vs. Michigan

Thanks to an aggressive defense and clean offensive play, Illinois knocked off Michigan for the first since 2009. But this game was more than a contemporary Big Ten battle. It was a throwback to one of the greatest games in Illinois history. And I got to meet the man who...