1. This is why I wasn’t ready to call for Lovie’s job
There were so many people willing to move on from Lovie Smith and this Illini coaching staff after the drubbing this team took against Maryland. Losing 66-33 is never a good look for any team. I totally understand why you would feel that way too. I am not typing this to say I told you so.
But, my mindset last week after the bad loss was, Illinois has bad losses. Those type of blowout games happen sometimes for this program because we don’t have the depth, talent and experience like the other teams have. When that is the case, the Illini have to play a nearly flawless game to be able to compete and win.
Illinois winning on Saturday against Minnesota validated my thoughts. We will have some terrible weeks, but this team goes week by week. The coaching staff is able to get them prepared for the following week despite the bad play the week before.
I wasn’t ready to give up on Lovie last week, and I am definitely not ready to give up on him now. This is a learning process for him and the team. They are working together to get better. It was a great program win and keeps this Illini team in potential bowl contention.