Illinois’ season started out on a promising note.

The Illini started the year 2-1, with the only non-conference loss coming in a close game against a then-ranked USF team. A week later, Illinois had a third quarter lead on a highly-ranked Penn State team. Defensively, the Illini were one of the best at creating turnovers.

All signs pointed to the Illini turning a corner under Lovie Smith.

Things changed, though. And quickly.

Illinois’ defense frequently gave up more than 40 points and the offense struggled to keep up. The injuries started hamper an already-depleted roster. Since that 2-1 start, the Illini have gone 2-6.

Smith says he’s disappointed with how things have gone this fall.

“This is part of the process,” Smith said. “It has been disappointing for me. We had hope for this season to do more.”

Illinois is coming off a 63-0 loss to Iowa on Saturday, the worst defeat in program history. And, unfortunately for the seniors, it came on the final home game of the year.

Despite the suffering the Illini have endured this fall, Smith is optimistic that things are going to change in the future. He believes that Illinois will put a much better product on the field, one that fans can be proud of every week.

“There will be a day where we have a football product that will make fans want to stay for the entirety of the game,” Smith said. “Disappointment right now, but times will change.”

Illinois takes on B1G West champion Northwestern on Saturday.

The 2018 season will mark the seventh-straight losing season for Illinois. Under Smith, the Illini are 9-26 with a 4-22 record in B1G play.