Close does count

Consecutive three-point victories have not quieted the cynics and stay-at-homes who spread their doubts about Illini football.

To which I say: A season of success never comes without more bumps than a back-country road. As evidence, the Illini own five undisputed Big Ten football titles since World War II, and each one was accomplished by the skin of their teeth.

Allow me to change one play in each of those five seasons and Illinois would have no undisputed championships.

Tate