2. Lovie Smith: Illinois
After two wins to start the season over Kent State and Western Illinois, it felt like Lovie Smith and Illinois were beginning to turn a corner. They had wins under their belt, albeit against smaller schools.
Last week, Illinois had a good test of where they were at when they hosted South Florida and Blake Barnett. It was a tight game but the Fighting Illini ultimately fell at home to Barnett’s attack on the ground and through the air.
What made it a tough loss was the fact that it was a chance for the program to prove itself against better competition. Instead, it wasn’t their third win and a big step in the right direction. Now, they’re getting ready for the tough haul of conference play.
For Smith to keep his job and the program to not go in a different direction, a bowl appearance feels like a must. Having three wins would have been huge for their chances. Now, they’ll need to find four victories in conference.
It helps that they have Rutgers and Maryland on the schedule, but absolutely nothing is a given in college football. This week, they have the unfortunate task of trying to contain Trace McSorley and Penn State. Smith doesn’t need a win here, but a competitive effort would go a long way.