CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois has had its best season yet under Lovie Smith, and with that, comes better opportunities for young players.
One of those young players is sophomore tight end Daniel Barker, who scored the game-winning touchdown against Michigan State this past Saturday.
“It meant a lot for me to just be as young as I am and come out and make history how I did,” said Barker, helping send Illinois to its first Bowl game under Lovie Smith and first since 2014.
This was Barker’s third touchdown this season, but the one against the Spartans is at the top of his list.