There really is no shortage of individual players who have dominated Illinois in the Big Ten recently. My colleagues have pointed out a number of them, but players like Minnesota redshirt-senior RB Rodney Smith seem to have an even more gut-wrenching impact on Illini fans because they often tip the balance in winnable games. Sure, we’re all dreading facing Trace McSorley and Jonathan Taylor. Who isn’t? But Penn State and Wisconsin are almost assured to beat Illinois even without some of their best players.
Lovie Smith came within one score of beating Minnesota last season and securing a conference victory, but Rodney Smith combined with Kobe McCrary to put up 257 rushing yards and secure the Gophers’ victory.