Are they the Big Ten's Mr. Nobody? Or will they be somebody?
Perhaps Illinois' problem is its reputation. Or more specifically, its complete lack of a reputation at all.
The team has been very successful; in fact, Illinois claims five national titles, more than Texas, Florida State, or Penn State - and as many as Auburn, Georgia, Miami or Nebraska. They have also had five Rose Bowl MVPs, seven Big Ten Players of the Year, and four Heisman Trophy finalists.
Illinois has also been in the doghouse. In 1997, Illinois lost every one of its games by double digits and got outscored by 250 points.