This season was encapsulated perfectly by the Northwestern game. We were able to do enough offensively to keep it interesting. The defense could not get enough stops, or if they got a stop, we'd cost ourselves yardage with penalties or the defense would be instantly rewarded by the offense (or special teams) turning it over.
A win would have done wonders for the program, but now we have eight plus months to gnash our teeth about 5 games that came down to 6 or 7 plays combined. Newton targeting against Wisconsin. Paddock magic in back to back weeks. Altmyer to Washington against Toledo. The picked up pass interference/defensive holding flags against Iowa and Northwestern. The muffed punts (THE MUFFED PUNTS?!). The kickoff return that was recovered by Nebraska (was it Nebraska?), just the whole Nebraska game was embarrassing.
I brought someone to their first Illini weekend, and they felt very welcomed. However, they gave the fan experience a "C, C-," ouch (they're a Sooner). With that said, the adding "I-L-L, I-N-I's" after first downs was a nice touch. We don't have many football traditions, so hopefully an Illini chant for first downs can become a new norm.
All in all, another beautiful afternoon of football left the beloved frustrated and wondering, "what if?"