5 sad observations from the Illinois football loss to Minnesota

5. While losses are painful, this is still a good year

This loss isn’t going to wear off for a while. Illinois was ranked for the seventh straight week, and we had a chance to with our seventh game of the season. All of that is ruined now.

While there is still a lot of fury built up for the way the Illini lost that game, I have to take a step back and realize this is still a good season. 2024 is not lost by any means.

Illinois is a building program, and just because we are going to miss the College Football Playoff, that doesn’t mean we can’t build off the success thus far. The fact we got a little taste of being in contention for the postseason is exciting.

The Illini are already bowl eligible too. That is the second time we have gone to a bowl game in three seasons. 2010 & 2011 is the last time that has happened.

With three games left in the season, it wouldn’t shock me to see Illinois win them all and finish with nine wins on the year. That would give the Illini two eight-win campaigns in a three-season span. The last time that happened was 1989 and 1990.

Be sad. I’m sad. Illinois losing is never fun, and we shouldn’t be okay with losing. But, at the same time, we should keep some positive vibes because the season is not over, and we have a good year going. This program is viable and competitive. Let’s win the final three and finish the season strong.