Beckman feeling the heat after blowout losses

With his first hire staggering out of the gate, any shadow of doubt also falls on Thomas. The Illini are already battling confidence issues and some players have openly second-guessed the coaching staff.

"It's been sort of a snowball effect," Beckman said. "We're going through some growing pains. We have some depth issues and a situation where we haven't been healthy."

Supinie