Nearly four short weeks ago, fans of the Illinois football team were in absolute shambles following a loss to Purdue (their first big ten FBS win in nearly 3 years).
This week, the Fighting Illini have the opportunity to improve to 5-3 if they can get past Malik Washington and Maryland. FBS rules state that a team must have at least 6 wins and have a record of .500 or better to qualify for a bowl game. Illinois has these games remaining:
@ Maryland
Vs. Nebraska
@ #7 UCLA
Vs. Iowa
@ #20 Northwestern
The 2 previous victories over Michigan State and previously top 3 ranked Oregon have given fans something to cheer for and cautiously optimistic hopes for a 3rd straight bowl game berth.