CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — With a chance to tie the game late, Artur Sitkowski and the Illini couldn’t march down the field to punch in the tying score. A Hail Mary heave as time expired was hauled in but out of bounds.
A disappointing end to a disappointing game for Illinois.
Despite trading points for most of the second half, Illinois (1-1, 1-0 BIG) never led against UTSA (1-0), losing 37-30 at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.
The Illinois defense was tasked with shutting down the Roadrunners’ dual-threat quarterback Frank Harris and the reigning Conference-USA Offensive Player of the Year, running back Sincere McCormick — who many expect to be playing in the NFL someday.