Now is the time to rewrite this season. Most people would be happy with 6-6 and a bowl game birth. Expectations change.
Northwestern, a team that has righted itself under Pat Fitzgerald's stewardship, has struggled to a 2-9, 0-for conference record. Meanwhile, the Illini have altered their course to a bowl eligible season at 6-5, with wins over No. 6 Wisconsin and Michigan State in the greatest comeback in school history.
This should be a game to take advantage of that disparity. It's senior day, it's the last home game before the bowl. 7-5 is the goal now.