The Illinois Fighting Illini are not a football powerhouse, on this we can agree. The program has been mired in mediocrity for seemingly my entire life, with the exception of three or four standout seasons. Sadly, this trend has promptly carried over to the Bret Bielema administration, in which Illinois’ fearless leader (hahahahahaha!) has already experienced a blowout road loss to a Power Five opponent (Virginia) and another G5 program’s signature win (UT-San Antonio).
On the eve of the eve of the Illini’s matchup with the Charlotte 49ers, let’s look back on the last time Illinois actually defeated a Conference USA member.