Report Card: Illinois Vs. Fresno State

Offense: B+ It might sound crazy after going up and down the field, but the Illini had two major blunders. Juice Williams threw a pick six in the second quarter, and the Illini failed to kill the clock with one late possession. Here’s a hint: Put Leshoure in there at the end of the game. He might have run out the clock by himself.

Defense: F This side of the ball needs a massive overhaul. While offensive coordinator Mike Schultz took some heat earlier this year, the defense was the unit that never got it done for the Illini.

Special teams: B It seems like sophomore placekicker Derek Dimke is the right man for the job. He’s 5-for-5 on field goal attempts after replacing Matt Eller late in the season. Dimke made a 44yarder against Fresno State.

Overall: D Leave it to the Illini and coach Ron Zook to invent another way to lose a game. Has anyone ever seen that one? A deflected pass caught by an offensive lineman for the game-winning score. With roughly 30,000 no-shows, the Illini-heads either voted against Zook or December football. Or both. Compiled by JOHN SUPINIE