College Football: 10 coaches who could be on hot seat in 2020

Bonus: Lovie Smith, Illinois

Last October, we were on Lovie Smith gets fired watch. They fought hard but were outclassed by the Michigan Wolverines. It was the fourth game of a four-game losing streak and the Fighting Illini did not have much fight in them at all.

Then the shot heard around the world happened. They upset the Wisconsin Badgers in Champaign in what would be the first of a four-game win streak. Their four-game winning streak was, however, bookended by two losing streaks. After their four-game win streak, they lost three in a row including their bowl game against Cal.

What was the cause of the turnaround? Turnovers. The Illini created 12 turnovers during their four-game win streak. Though they lost their last three, they only surrendered 13 points per game in their last three.

Their defense covered what was an abysmal offense. That will be the tell-tale sign for Illinois next season. The one-two punch of Reggie Corbin and Dre Brown has graduated. Is Isaiah Williams ready for prime time? Most importantly, who is their dynamic playmaker? Illinois needs a game breaker offensively.

Everyone in the Big Ten West got better. Purdue is healthy coming into this season, Nebraska should take steps forward, and we see what Minnesota is trying to be. If Illinois did not get better at the rate of their conference rivals, Lovie will be on watch once again.