This is what I know about Illinois from their message boards and hearing their fans talk:
-They started strong, because they shot really really well, and John Groce was obviously a better coach than #oscar.
-Teams figured out their schtick, big 10 season came and defenses knew how to defend them, then all of a sudden it was #oscar's fault again, can't blame Groce.
-Ok, maybe Groce really sucks too, but he can recruit! (ed. note, same recruiting success as #oscar past 3 seasons).