Illinois has shot to earn bowl bid for 1st time under Smith

FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2019, file photo, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Fleck believes keeping an open line of communication is the key to allowing him to redshirt a player without resistance, and avoid having an athlete make the decision himself. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Illinois head coach Lovie Smith watches during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Purdue, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins celebrates his touchdown against Wisconsin during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Wisconsin 38-7. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, file photo, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh watches during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa in Ann Arbor, Mich. Harbaugh sent an email to parents of players on his team, refuting a report saying representatives are working on his departure from the school. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

In this Sept. 28, 2019, photo, Nebraska head coach Scott Frost runs to the locker room following a 48-7 loss to Ohio State in an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb. The Cornhuskers have underachieved in a season in which they were a popular pick to win the Big Ten West. They are 4-4 and well behind Minnesota in the West race. Tension is palpable inside and outside the program. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Penn State's KJ Hamler, right, runs past Michigan State's Jude Pedrozo on a punt return during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)