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Illini football team prepares for season opener amid nostalgic memories

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 2:48 PM

Last updated Aug 11, 2026

College Sports

Summary

As the Illinois football team gears up for its season opener, memories from their past resonate with fans. A replay of a beloved radio moment featured Roger Prillaman, a local attorney and musician, discussing the hit song his band, Captain Rat and The Blind Rivets, produced in 1983. This song celebrated the Illini's Rose Bowl clinching game, intensifying the excitement fans felt when the team beat Michigan. Prillaman reflected on the joy it brought to his father during that chaotic game atmosphere. The Illini have a strong tradition, with many fans sharing similar fond memories leading up to the start of the new season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Illini football team opens season soon
•Roger Prillaman recalls 1983 Rose Bowl memories
•Captain Rat and The Blind Rivets created a hit song
•Fans shared nostalgic moments leading to season opener
•Song debuted during memorable Indiana game

Latest Updates

2:48 PMYahoo Sports — Top of the Morning, Aug. 11, 2026

What they're saying

"
Aug. 11—Your browser does not support the audio element. Leading up to the Illini football team's season opener, we're replaying memorable radio moments — and not just play-by-play calls. Last week, producer Ed Bond queued up a song that brought back wonderful memories for local attorney/musician Roger Prillaman and the band he was part of: Captain Rat and The Blind Rivets. Their catchy take ...
— Yahoo Sports

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