CBS pairs Illinois jersey throwbacks, Memorial Stadium rededication with 1920's style broadcast opening

With Michigan visiting Illinois this weekend, the Fighting Illini decided to trot out special throwback uniforms to honor the 100th anniversary of the first meeting between the two teams. It’s also the rededication of Memorial Stadium.

In that first matchup between the two squads in 1924, star back Red Grange ran wild on the Wolverines, scoring six touchdowns. And with Illinois wearing 1920s-styled uniforms, the CBS broadcast on the game obliged with the theme.

Right down to the press pass tucked in the band on play-by-play commentator Brad Nessler’s fedora.

With Illinois wearing jerseys in honor of their game against Michigan 100 years ago, CBS started coverage with a radio reenactment of some of Red Grange's six TDs on that day, and with Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson dressed in 1924 press box fashion: pic.twitter.com/JQFQdlgyWN

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 19, 2024

The attention to detail is worth noting, from the hats — Nessler’s fedora and the flat cap that color commentator Gary Danielson sports — to the CBS cardigans and the metal microphone housings. Though given the audio quality, they surely are gussied up modern microphones.

But given that television didn’t exist in 1924, their pieces to camera are, most certainly, not period-authentic.

Along with the uniforms Illinois is wearing — styled after the 1924 uniforms, including hand-painted helmets to look like leather helms common then — the ceremonies for the day included unveiling a statue to Grange on the Memorial Stadium grounds.

Prepped for the moment. #Illini // #HTTO // #famILLy pic.twitter.com/FmBV2owCIt

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) October 19, 2024

Illinois also recreated the artwork of the original 1924 game programs, which are available to fans on hand.

A star Michigan defender was banged up for the game

Star cornerback Will Johnson is questionable for the remainder of the game against Illinois on Saturday, according to CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell. Johnson apparently has a left toe injury.

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported that Johnson exited the halftime tunnel with his helmet on and appearing to be available to play, but with a noticeable limp.

Dell delivered the news on the broadcast as the second half began and Michigan got the ball, trailing, 13-7.

Michigan’s defense had already been playing mostly without Johnson against Illinois. The defensive back, after appearing in the game early, was seen on the sideline with his helmet on for most of the first half.

It was reported on the broadcast early on that Johnson had gone to the injury tent and replaced an orthotic in his cleats, with Dell saying his ankle was the area to monitor. From that point, Johnson did not appear to re-enter the game at any point.

Dell also reported out of halftime that Michigan tight end Marlin Klein would be out for the remainder of the game. He had one catch for five yards prior to getting injured.