If there was an opponent that encapsulated the failure of the Scott Frost era, I think it was Illinois. Nebraska might have had the better skilled talent, but Illinois was simply more physical ... and frankly, didn’t make nearly as many mistakes. Lovie Smith may not have been a success, but he did leave a nice foundation for Bret Bielema to build on.
Last season, Illinois went 8-5, breaking into the Top 25 for four weeks and making a bowl game. They even put a scare into Michigan, who kicked the game winning field goal with nine seconds left for a 19-17.