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Brad Underwood thankful for AD’s support in pursuit of B1G regular season title
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Despite pleas and frustrations from Illinois AD Josh Whitman, the Big Ten award its regular season championship to Michigan last week.
The Wolverines were given the title over the Illini by virtue of winning percentage, despite playing three fewer games due to COVID-19.
Although Whitman’s efforts were rebuffed by the Big Ten office, coach Brad Underwood said Wednesday that he appreciated the support.
“We all long for relationships with people that will fight for you and will go to battle for you when you truly believe you are right. Josh was right there,” Underwood said.
Underwood said he would find a way to make sure this team was recognized in some fashion after the season.
#illini Underwood: To have an athletic director that goes to battle for you is pretty darn good. It's a pretty good feeling. To him, I say thanks. At some point, we'll make sure this team gets recognized the right way. This team will always be remembered.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 10, 2021
He also made a point to clarify that he wasn’t trying to take anything away from Michigan’s year.
#illini Underwood: This doesn't have anything to do with Michigan. Juwan and his crew had an unbelievable year. They're deserving [of a conference championship]. This is not taking anything away from them.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 10, 2021
Illinois will face the winner of Indiana-Rutgers in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament on Friday.
Illinois and Michigan could end up meeting in the championship game of the conference tournament on Sunday. The Illini won their only meeting this season — 76-53 back on March 2.
Selection Sunday is on March 14.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.