“The players are a lot more resilient than we are.”
— Illini interim football coach Bill Cubit
Almost forgotten in the numbing hangover from a 39-0 thrashing by Penn State is the fact that the 4-4 Illini, in prepping for Purdue on Saturday, are in better position this November than a year ago. Looking back, there have been many darker football moments.
For example, Illinois traveled to Purdue two years ago and ended a 20-game Big Ten losing streak with a 20-16 triumph. A home loss to Purdue last season was demoralizing but, backed into a corner, the Illini closed the season with bowl-earning wins against Penn State and Northwestern.