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Illini football: Smith pulling for Loyola

CHAMPAIGN — Of course, Lovie Smith is going to watch this weekend's Final Four.

Smith is a longtime basketball fan, after all.

Who is he rooting for?

"At this stage, I'm OK with the winner, whoever that is," Smith said. "I have to say that."

But his real answer?

"We're biased," Smith said. "Loyola, I have a son (who went there). I paid money to that university. You always look for a Cinderella team. Look at what they've accomplished."

Smith admires all of the remaining teams.

"When you get to the Final Four, everybody deserves it," Smith said.