I don’t agree with gritty, but his points are a relevant voice around Illinois football and I want to make his point here (which I don’t agree with, but hear often).
He is saying that Lovie deserves this year. If he doesn’t qualify for a bowl, it’s because he didn’t meet his mark and it’s time to move on... and All Gritty has seen is a dumpster fire on the field, underperforming talent and a flailing coach, so he doesn’t have any belief that things will turn around. He would argue that Illinois fans are pretending the glass is half full and it is really only about 10% full. By most fans are scared to get a different glass.
Everyone and I mean everyone who follows Illinois football has seen the dumpster fire on the field for the last 3 years. There is some disagreement about what percentage Lovie shares, Beckman shares, Thomas share, Cubit shares etc. No one disagrees that they have been horrendous. At this point however it is moot. 2019 is all that matters.
Most of us on this board will acknowledge that it is time for Lovie to produce. He has had time to recruit, nurture this roster, and build it in a way he thinks will be successful. Some (myself included) think Illinois is in a really good spot to make a move in the Big 10, while others are dubious about Illinois' chances. I can't blame them. Illinois has burned us all before.
I think we will undoubtedly be taking the field next season with our best roster since 2011. That's is at least something for the rebuild