This won't convince friends mired in doubt, but it is not inappropriate to project a positive side of Illini football, even in facing repugnant evidence to the contrary.
That damning evidence dates to 2003 when current UI rookies were still in diapers ... a 16-year period showing Illinois captured one 14-13 win in six tries against opening Big Ten foe Nebraska and, in the games that matter most, went 1-13 against Wisconsin, 3-11 against Purdue, 1-10 against Iowa, 4-9 against Minnesota, 4-12 against Northwestern. ... and in pertinent rivalries this year, 2-6 against Michigan State and, we might as well know the whole story, six wins and two ties in the last 50 clashes against one-time arch-rival Michigan (here Oct.