Illinois finished last season 3-9 overall and 2-7 in the Big Ten. It wasn’t what some fans expected out of first-year head coach Lovie Smith. But, honestly, it was a realistic number no matter how many times I wrote about the potential for an 8-4 record.
I still think there was more opportunity last year to end the season with a better record, though. The overtime loss to Purdue could have been different, and the last game of the season against Northwestern was close for a while.
Overall, though, last season was what it was. Illinois struggled with questionable quarterback play and inexperience they just couldn’t overcome.