HEROSPORTS
  • Home
  • FCS
    • FCS Home
    • Big South-OVC
    • Big Sky
    • CAA
    • Ivy
    • MEAC
    • MVFC
    • NEC
    • Patriot
    • Pioneer
    • SoCon
    • Southland
    • SWAC
    • UAC
  • FBS
    • FBS Home
    • AAC Football
    • CUSA Football
    • MAC Football
    • Mountain West Football
    • Pac-12 Football
    • Sun Belt Football
  • College Basketball
  • Register at BetMGM
  • BetMGM Promotions
  • More
    • About HERO Sports
    • Contact
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • FCS
    • FCS Home
    • Big South-OVC
    • Big Sky
    • CAA
    • Ivy
    • MEAC
    • MVFC
    • NEC
    • Patriot
    • Pioneer
    • SoCon
    • Southland
    • SWAC
    • UAC
  • FBS
    • FBS Home
    • AAC Football
    • CUSA Football
    • MAC Football
    • Mountain West Football
    • Pac-12 Football
    • Sun Belt Football
  • College Basketball
  • Register at BetMGM
  • BetMGM Promotions
  • More
    • About HERO Sports
    • Contact
No Result
View All Result
HEROSPORTS
No Result
View All Result

Big Ten Assistant Coach: Illinois ‘Could Be Left Behind’ in the Conference

HERO Sports by HERO Sports
August 22, 2017
Big Ten Assistant Coach: Illinois ‘Could Be Left Behind’ in the Conference

Illinois has seen their win total decline each of the last three years and has just one season with more than seven wins since 2001. An opposing Big Ten coach doesn't see their luck changing anytime soon.

After going 3-9 (2-7 in the Big Ten) in his first season as head coach, Lovie Smith returns only six upperclassmen starters and will rely heavily on youngsters in 2017. While they do have some top-end talent at a few positions, including Malik Turner at running back and Kendrick Foster at running back, the two-deep is laced with question marks.

"It's Year 2 for (fans) also," Smith said about the slow process and tempering expectations. "They knew it's not just about, 'Hey, we're going to the Rose Bowl right away.' It's going to take a little bit. Those same fans are excited about Year 2 and this rebuild."

Smith admitted three wins "isn't good enough" and they're committed to a plan of returning to competitiveness in the conference filled with not only playoff contenders in Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin, but also more talented second-level teams. An opposing Big Ten coach told Athlon Sports he doesn't see the Illini ever turning the corner.

"The bottom of the league is going to get better, especially after this offseason," he said, anonymously. "This the program that could be left behind."

MORE: FSU Flag Football Phenom Michelle Roque Talks Fame, Football and Music Career

Maybe the coach was just blowing smoke and trying to kick the Illini while they're down. Or maybe he just doesn't think they can play with the big boys. Whatever the message is, it will certainly be bulletin board material for Smith.

split-fbo-6-23-25
Previous Post

North Texas Gets Leaner, Meaner and Greener with New Nike Uniforms

Next Post

WATCH: ACC Top 30 — Mitch Hyatt, OT | Clemson

Next Post

WATCH: ACC Top 30 -- Mitch Hyatt, OT | Clemson

No Result
View All Result

Recent Posts

  • 2025 Memphis Football Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & Schedule
  • 2025 Tulane College Football Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & Schedule
  • 2025 FCS Jersey Countdown: The Best Returning Player For Each Number

HERO Sports is the go-to website for FBS and FCS football news, analysis, and predictions.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US)
877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY)
1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR)

For new customer offers, Bonus Bets expire in seven days. One New Customer Offer only. Add'l terms. For existing customers, Bonus Bets expire in seven days. Add'l terms.

21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Welcome Offer Bet $10, $150 in Bonus Bets

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AVAILABLE IN THE US). 21+ ONLY. CO, MI, NJ, PA, WV ONLY. PLEASE GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY. SEE BETMGM.COM FOR TERMS. THIS PROMOTIONAL OFFER IS FOR NEW PLAYERS ONLY. SUBJECT TO ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. BONUS BETS ARE NON-WITHDRAWABLE. US PROMOTIONAL OFFERS NOT AVAILABLE IN MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW YORK, ONTARIO AND PUERTO RICO.

  • About HERO Sports
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

© 2022 HERO SPORTS.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • FCS
    • FCS Home
    • Big South-OVC
    • Big Sky
    • CAA
    • Ivy
    • MEAC
    • MVFC
    • NEC
    • Patriot
    • Pioneer
    • SoCon
    • Southland
    • SWAC
    • UAC
  • FBS
    • FBS Home
    • AAC Football
    • CUSA Football
    • MAC Football
    • Mountain West Football
    • Pac-12 Football
    • Sun Belt Football
  • College Basketball
  • Register at BetMGM
  • BetMGM Promotions
  • More
    • About HERO Sports
    • Contact

© 2022 HERO SPORTS.