Lovie time is here.
The Illini football team’s new “father figure” will turn strategist at 2:42 p.m. Saturday against Murray State. Lovie Smith, along with an expectant following, will look for answers from a thin squad left by departed coaches Tim Beckman and Bill Cubit.
Here are five questions that have been burning up the social media lines.
Can Illinois run the football?
The ultimate success of the 2016 team could revolve around this issue. We’ve been constantly reminded that the UI’s 129.3 yards rushing ranked last among Big Ten schools last year and 116th out of 128 overall.