Reversed course on the "Outback Bowl", Illinois vs Miss State.
1) the loss of Illini DC Walters
2) Opt-outs could be increasing for Illinois, especially on the defense. The attitude that accompanies that will likely follow.
and the big one
3) The sudden passing of the great Mike Leach. He would want his team to play balls out and they will. From the AD:
"It's only fitting that we play this game and honor Coach Leach in a stadium that has a pirate ship," Brett said.
Illinois had a good season, ended in a dreamcrusher scenario of not getting to the Big 10 Title game and a big bowl.
BIG flip over to Mississippi state here, and RIP Coach Leach!