WHAT HAPPENED
Disaster probably isn't a strong enough word to describe Illinois' 63-33 loss on Saturday at Maryland. The Illini gave up more than 500 yards of total offense for the fifth time this season and allowed 60-plus points for the second time in just more than a month.
WHAT IT MEANS
The Illini defense has broken. A bend-but-don't-break mentality only works without giving up big plays and with takeaways proving a difference maker. Illinois gave up 24 big plays (not counting a kick return touchdown) and saw its own 21-game streak with a takeaway snapped.