They introduced a new head coach this winter. If you have been living under a rock for the last three plus months, his name is Lovie Smith.
Smith has the possibility of bringing a solid knowledge of the game and enthusiasm into the locker room.
Illinois also has a chance to be special this season because of the experience that is returning to the team in 2016.
I am going to do a mini breakdown of the non-conference schedule for this experienced program. This is what I think will happen in 2016.
Game 1: Murray State
This seems to be a no-brainer.