2024 Opponent Snapshot: Illinois

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY SportsOverview/Quick 2023 Recap:

Illinois had an up-and-down 2023 season, the third season under head coach Bret Bielema. Barry Lunney Jr. returned for his second season as offensive coordinator, while Aaron Henry made his debut following Ryan Walters’ departure to be the Purdue head coach.

After a thrilling 2022 season, wherein the Illini went 8-5, at one point being 7-1 and owning their destiny in the conference (and playoff), and even leading eventual Big Ten champ and playoff team Michigan late in the fourth quarter, the 2023 season was a bit of a step back. Illinois finished 5-7 on the year, fourth in the B1G West, and 3-6 in conference play, including a 30-13…