CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — After a historic loss on Saturday, Illinois head coach Lovie Smith says the team is moving on and ready for the season finale against Northwestern.
“After a disappointing game against the last opponent, our guys realize who we’re playing and what’re we playing for,” Smith said. “The Land of Lincoln trophy. It’s been up there [in Evanston] for too many years.”
The Illini will look to bounce back this Thanksgiving week after getting spanked on their Senior Day, 63-0, by an Iowa team that hasn’t lived up to expectations this year. The loss ties for the largest margin of defeat in school history, dating all the way back to 1906.