Lovie Smith

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FILE - In this Aug. 14, 2018, file photo, Illinois quarterback AJ Bush (1) throws during NCAA college football training camp in Urbana, Ill. After an intensive three-man competition, and less than a week before the season opener at home against Kent State, Illinois coach Lovie Smith has picked senior transfer AJ Bush as his starting quarterback. Bush beat out last year's starter and a promising three-star freshman recruit. (Stephen Haas/The News-Gazette via AP, File)

Illinois names senior AJ Bush starting quarterback

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press

In this Aug. 14, 2018, photo Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith watches his players during training camp at the Campus Rec Fields in Urbana, Ill. A year's worth of experience, intensive strength training and an emerging leader at quarterback could combine to give Illinois a realistic shot at playing some winning football. (Stephen Haas/The News-Gazette via AP)

Lovie Smith confident Illinois can play winning football

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2017, file photo, Illinois coach Lovie Smith watches from the sideline during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Nebraska, in Champaign, Ill. Illinois started off the season with a pair of home victories and then things went sour as the Illini lost their next 10 games and finished the year as the only team in the Big Ten without a conference victory. (AP Photo/Stephen Haas, File)

Illinois eager to see experience pay off for youngsters

By JAMES BOYD - Associated Press

FILe - In this Nov. 4, 2017, file photo, Illinois running back Kendrick Foster (22) is tackled by Purdue safety Jacob Thieneman (41) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind. Foster started his eighth career game in Illinois’ Week One win over Ball State. But after rushing for just 15 yards on eight carries, he lost his starting role to running back Mike Epstein. In the following weeks, freshman Ra’Von Bonner also moved ahead of Foster on the depth chart. But now that Epstein and Bonner are both sidelined with injuries, Foster has reemerged as Illinois’ No. 1 running back. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Kendrick Foster re-emerges as Illinois’ top running back

By JAMES BOYD - Associated Press

FILE - At left, in an Oct. 14, 2017, file photo, Illinois wide receiver Ricky Smalling (4) celebrates after his touchdown reception during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, in Champaign, Ill. At right, in an Oct. 7, 2017, file photo, Illinois tight end Louis Dorsey runs after making a reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa. Rutgers snapped a 16-game Big Ten losing streak against Illinois over the weekend. Wide receiver Ricky Smalling and tight end Louis Dorsey aren’t to blame. In the 35-24 home loss, both players – who are also roommates – scored their first career touchdowns and were rare bright spots for the Illini. (AP Photo/File)

Young Gophers, Illini look for first Big Ten win

By BRIAN HALL - Associated Press

Illinois’ Adams out for season after shoulder surgery

By JAMES BOYD - Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 2, 2017, file photo, Illinois running back Mike Epstein (26) runs the ball during an NCAA college football game against Ball State at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. The Illinois offense is ranked last in the Big Ten, but not because of the run game. Illinois piled up 200 rushing yards in a loss at Iowa last weekend, using primarily three running backs to do it. The Illini are hoping to ride the run to a win at home against Rutgers this Saturday.(AP Photo/Bradley Leeb, File)

Illini get chance to end 3-game skid with Rutgers in town

By JAMES BOYD - Associated Press

FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2017, file photo, Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor (23) carries the ball past Nebraska linebacker Marcus Newby (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb. Taylor is fourth in the country in rushing at 153.4 yards per game, exhibiting balance, speed and tackle-breaking talent. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

BIG TEN SPOTLIGHT: True freshmen getting on-job training

By GENARO C. ARMAS - Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2017, file photo, Illinois running back Mike Epstein, right, pulls in a 21-yard touchdown pass in front of South Florida safety Devin Abraham during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Tampa, Fla. When Lovie Smith became coach at Illinois, it was clear that he was taking over a struggling program. In his first year of his rebuilding project Smith relied heavily on upperclassmen, but this time around he's placed a lot of responsibility in the hands of his youths. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

Smith relying on youth to turn around Illinois

By JAMES BOYD - Associated Press

No. 22 USF faces Illinois coming off weather-imposed layoff

By FRED GOODALL - Associated Press

FILE - In this Oct. 29, 2016 file photo, Illinois head coach Lovie Smith looks at the scoreboard during t an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. As Smith begins his second season of rebuilding the Illinois football program, he is already sure about two things. Junior Chayce Crouch will be his starting quarterback and senior Kendrick Foster will be the team's primary running back. The season opener comes at home on Sept. 2 against Ball State.(AP Photo/Bradley Leeb File)

Illini turn to Crouch, Foster in turnaround bid

By JAMES BOYD - Associated Press

Lovie Smith optimistic entering 2nd season with Illini

Associated Press

FILE - In this Nov. 19, 2016, file photo, Illinois head coach Lovie Smith checks the scoreboard during an NCAA college football game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. It’s been nearly a year since Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman fired former coach Bill Cubit on his first day as athletic director and shocked Illini nation when he hired Smith on March 9. The new head coach was met with open arms from a fan base that’s known little success, especially in the past decade. What followed was a 3-9 season and a realization: This wasn’t going to be a quick culture change.(AP Photo/Bradley Leeb, File)

Lovie Smith’s culture change at Illinois a work in progress

By MICHAL DWOJAK - Associated Press

NFL veteran joins Illinois’ coaching staff

Associated Press

Change continues for Smith’s Illini in the spring

By MICHAL DWOJAK - Associated Press

FILE - In this Oct. 15, 2016, file photo, Michigan State quarterback Tyler O'Connor throws a pass against Northwestern during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, in East Lansing, Mich. Looking at the schedule back in August, Michigan State-Illinois was not a game many people would have guessed would pit a pair of 2-6 teams against each other. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)

Illinois, Michigan State face off with 2-6 records

By DAVID MERCER - Associated Press

In this Oct. 25, 2014, photo, Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner (7) throws the ball while under pressure from Illinois defensive lineman Austin Teitsma (44) during an NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. In a rebuilding season for Illinois, even the homecoming opponent is coming to town with a winning record and payback on its mind. In 2014 the Illini upset a Golden Gophers team that competing for a Big Ten West title, winning 28-24 on a late touchdown. Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner says it was one of the first things coach Tracy Claeys stressed this week. (AP Photo/Bradley Leeb)

Illinois receiver Thieman out for season with broken ankle

Associated Press

Illinois running back Kendrick Foster (22) scores a touchdown during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Rutgers Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Smith: Lunt improving, but no word on return for Michigan

Associated Press

Illinois quarterback Chayce Crouch (7) is upended by Purdue safety Navon Mosley (27) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Bradley Leeb)

Illinois unsure if QB Wes Lunt will face Rutgers

By DAVID MERCER - Associated Press

FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2016, file photo, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith watches his team take on the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. The Buccaneers fired Smith on Wednesday night, Jan. 6. Smith went 6-10 this year and 8-24 over two seasons in charge of the team. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)

Buccaneers fire coach Lovie Smith after 2 seasons

By Fred Goodall - Associated Press