When asked about Illinois’ current situation compared to his own in the 1960s, legendary linebacker Dick Butkus offered a bit of advice for the Illini players, “You can get your ass beat, but you can let them know, ‘That’s a hell of a team.’”
Well, they definitely got their asses beat. But they never gave up.
When down 28-0, the Illini did not quit. Instead they battled back to being down 28-25 before allowing 14 straight points to ice the game.
The Illini lost a tight one to No. 16 Michigan 42-25 in a game where the Illini showed a lot of heart.