Badger of Honor
Fansided

10 Questions with Writing Ilini About Illinois Football

By Noah Seligman

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 12: Alex Hornibrook
MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 12: Alex Hornibrook /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – OCTOBER 15: Head coach Lovie Smith of Illinois on the sidelines against Rutgers during the first quarter of a game on October 15, 2016 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Illinois defeated Rutgers 24-7. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – OCTOBER 15: Head coach Lovie Smith of Illinois on the sidelines against Rutgers during the first quarter of a game on October 15, 2016 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Illinois defeated Rutgers 24-7. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Whats the sense of how Lovie‘s adjustment back to NCAA Football been?

I think roller coaster is a good way to describe the fans mindset right now. From March 2016 through August 2016, fans were buzzing about the Illini. Then the season happened and three wins had many fans taking a step back. Lovie then landed the No. 34 class in the nation for 2017 and the buzz was back. Right now, the fans seem to be oddly realistic about the future of this program. It can’t and won’t be built in a year or two. This is a long process and we are all committed for the ride. That is the fans views of Lovie right now.

From Lovie’s perspective, I think he came in with his nose to the grindstone and realizes this is a big task. He assembled a great coaching staff that can tout their coaching and playing pedigree as well. One the recruiting front, things seem to be going well for him. He has a solid class going for 2018 and there are a few big fish to still land. The x’s and o’s side of things have been rough but he was left with a skeleton of a team from the previous regime. He realizes the way to build a team is from the inside out and depth. That seems to be his focus right now.