12 Up, 12 Down: Illinois Fighting Illini

There’s a lot of trap potential going into this game, fresh off a CLUTCH victory over Georgia Tech in a game that nobody felt comfortable going into.

However, Illinois has faced a lot of adversity recently, and the program is on the long road to recovery. What does the Illini have to offer this Saturday in Soldier Field?

2017 Record: 2–10, 0–9 Big Ten, West Division

Head Coach: Lovie Smith (3rd Season)

Date/Time/Location: Saturday, Sept. 15 at 3:30 ET, Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Series History: USF won the first ever meeting last year 47-23.

Depth Chart

Background

File Illinois under the list of “storied programs that are not back.” Names like Dick Butkus and Red Grange have graced the field…