Illinois Football’s Past 10 Years in Songs and GIFs

Mike Atkenson
Sep 4, 2018 · 2 min read

Well…Illinois hasn’t been the greatest football program in the last 10 years, but have had our moments.

Some could say it’s like a:

As country artist Morgan Wallen says, describes it:

In 2008, we felt like we were on top of the world, going to the Rose Bowl.

Well, when we got there…it wasn’t as great. The Illini lost to USC 49–17. Rough go for the Orange and Blue that day.

Me on my couch watching the game, praying for it to end

This is what I would have been singing had the song been out in 2008:

After a few boring years somewhere in the middle, the Illini parted ways with their coach Ron Zook.

People were NOT pleased with the new hire, Tim Beckman.

My face the day they hired him

The program went to one bowl game under Tim, but things went south in 2015, and they fired him one week before the season.

Me walking into one of my first college classes knowing we don’t have a football coach

My initial reaction:

After one year under an interim coach, the new Athletic Director, Josh Whitman brought in current coach Lovie Smith.

How happy I was knowing we brought in a coaching legend

Although the past few seasons haven’t gone our way, things are looking up.

The Illini will soon be back on top, and singing:

    Mike Atkenson

    Written by

    My name is Mike Atkenson and I am a Senior in Advertising at the University of Illinois. Some of my hobbies include graphic design and photography.

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