No way to sugarcoat it: The 1997 Illinois football team was the worst in school history. The only one to finish 0-11. Outscored 368-119. No games decided by fewer than 10 points.
“The part of my mind that I banished,” said Bobby Jackson, a freshman safety on the team.
The defense finished 92nd nationally in yards allowed, giving up 417.7 per game. The offense was even worse, finishing last among 112 FBS teams in scoring (10.8 ppg). The team was 106th nationally in total offense with a 286.4 yardage average.
“Not enough playmakers,” coach Ron Turner said.