For change, Illini will be expected to start on positive note

A long, quiet bus ride through the dark from St. Louis to Champaign was the disappointing route for the end of the start of Illinois' football season the last four years.

An entire class of players went through Illinois without ever starting a season 1-0.

While coaches are quick to remind that one game does not a season make, one loss can set a tone for a disappointing season. The Illini found Missouri had a way of mucking up their outlook early.

Shannon Ryan