Illinois Football 2008: The Big Orange Waste

For the second time in my life, Illinois, fresh off a BCS Bowl, has pushed itself right back into the mediocrity pit. In 2002, the Illini posted a 5-7 record after going to the Sugar Bowl the prior year.  This season, Illinois finished with a similar 5-7 whimper after their performances against Ohio State and Northwestern.  One can't help but wonder about the connection. Step forward, fall back. Oh, but this season was supposed to be different.  Linebacker Brit Miller told us so: "We don't want to be that class that's remembered for a 6-6 year."(1)  Well, congrats, Brit, you won't be. This year was supposed to be it , the year Illinois as a program would finally sustain long-term Big Ten success, to nose their big orange nose back in with the top of the conference. Junior quarterback Juice Williams was finally coming into his own and started - gasp - Heisman buzz after overshadowing Chase Daniel in the opener.  Martez Wilson, 5-star recruit, was supposed to light ... (link)