Illini mid-season musing

First blog, Bear with me. We’re in new territory. . .

Illinois is 3-3 at the halfway mark. Not where they wanted to be. The Minnesota loss was a big setback to the plan, but they’re not panicking, and their fans shouldn’t, either. For one thing, Minnesota’s better than expected, as will be seen at the end of the year. For another, the Illini are still learning how to win under the burden of expectations. And for another, everything broke right for that surprise Rose Bowl trip last year, just as things are breaking right for Minnesota and Michigan State this year.

In other words, Illinois probably wasn’t as good as it looked last year, and it’s not as bad as it looks right at the moment.

The Latest
Mexican Independence Day celebrations offer a glimpse of the size and growth of the community in the Chicago area.
While Texans fans can dare to dream with Stroud showing early flashes — 280 passing yards and a 118.7 rating in an upset of the Jaguars — Bears fans are left with an age-old lament: Why is developing a quarterback at Halas Hall always like pulling teeth?
The All-Star center fielder lands on the injured list with a sprained left knee; White Sox recall OF Tyler Naquin from Charlotte.
The complaint is the result of a years-long investigation into Amazon’s businesses and one of the most significant legal challenges brought against the company in its nearly 30-year history.
The final phase begins in October with the replacement of northbound tracks between Belmont and Cornelia avenues. Construction goes through 2025.