Matt Millen calls a lot of games across the Big Ten. One team he’s seen the most?

Illinois. Millen has actually called more than half of the Fighting Illini’s games this season and so he’s seen the journey that’s taken place in Champaign. There have certainly but downs, but recently, there have been plenty of ups.

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Illinois was riding a four-game winning streak going into the past weekend but fell short against Iowa, losing 19-10. Even with that loss, though, Illinois is still 6-5 overall and 4-4 in Big Ten play.

Lovie Smith has done a heck of a job turning Illinois around just in this season alone.

Millen talked about Smith and advocated for him to be the B1G’s Coach of the Year:

Again, Millen watched plenty of football and he’s followed Smith and Illinois’ journey. What he has done for the Fighting Illini has been impressive, and according to Millen, Smith should be rewarded for a job well done.