Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois reportedly paying $950K to play Middle Tennessee St.

Published Jul. 7, 2015 3:57 p.m. ET

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The Illinois Fighting Illini are doing something that quite a few Power 5 schools are doing these days. They are paying a hefty sum to bring an opponent to their home stadium.

On September 26th, the Illini will host Middle Tennessee State in their final warmup game before conference play starts the following week. The Illini will pay the Blue Raiders $950,000 to make the trip to Champaign.

Perhaps we shouldn't call this a warmup game for Tim Beckman and company since they needed a late comeback to beat Youngstown State last season. Perhaps this year's team will be able to work the kinks out against the lower tier opponents.

(h/t The Champaign Room)

Photo Credit: Bradley Leeb/USA TODAY Sports