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Illinois Football: Fighting Illini looking to escape Big Ten cellar in 2018

By Connor Muldowney

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 21: Cam Thomas #10 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the game on October 21, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Fighting Illini 24-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 21: Cam Thomas #10 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the game on October 21, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Fighting Illini 24-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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It’s been a rough couple of seasons for Lovie Smith with Illinois football, but the Illini are looking to escape the Big Ten cellar in 2018.

Looking for your favorite team? Find their preview on the 2018 Countdown to Kickoff

Two wins. That total accounts for two categories concerning the Illinois Fighting Illini. One, two wins is all the Illini finished with during the 2018 season. And two, Lovie Smith has just two Big Ten victories in two seasons with the Illini.

The Illinois football program doesn’t seem to be headed in the right direction despite being surrounded with talent from the Chicago area. Smith has had a rough go of things in Champaign as college ball is a different beast than the NFL.

Smith could find himself on the hot seat in 2018 after going just 2-10 in 2017 and posting a 5-19 overall mark in his first two seasons with the Illini.

If Illinois can surprise some teams and finish with 5-6 wins in 2018, the former NFL coach could find himself on the sidelines in Champaign for yet another season. This is a make-or-break campaign for the veteran coach, and he’ll have to move forward with an ever-changing roster.

Illinois will have a tough schedule in 2018, but there are 8-9 winnable games on the roster, including all three non-conference contests.

Can this team finally burst through the low ceiling and out of the Big Ten’s cellar?

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