There's an empty spot on refrigerators -- or trash cans -- in football offices around the Big Ten. Coaches can't wait to display, or dispose of, their season report cards. So let's get in on with it.
This week, we're grading each Big Ten team in the following areas: offense, defense, special teams, coaching and overall. Our red pens are ready, and the Illinois Fighting Illini are up first.
Offense: B
Spurred by a pass attack ranked second in the Big Ten, the offense again carried Illinois for much of the season. Quarterback Wes Lunt shined early and Reilly O'Toole came up big late. Despite a spotty run game, Josh Ferguson had another productive season and wideout Mikey Dudek emerged as a budding star during Big Ten play.
Defense: D-plus
Yes, D-plus is a real grade, and it applies to an Illini defense that struggled for most of the season but came up big in a home upset of Minnesota, forcing three turnovers, including V'Angelo Bentley's scoop and score in the fourth quarter. Still, the run defense suffered as Illinois allowed nearly 240 rushing yards per game for the second straight season. Significant improvement is needed here.
Special teams: C-minus
It was a year of extremes for the Illini in the kicking game. Punter Justin DuVernois averaged 44 yards per punt, with 20 punts of 50 yards or longer. Bentley averaged 10.2 yards on punt returns. But kickers Taylor Zalewski and David Reisner struggled and the coverage teams had some issues. The overall performance cost special-teams coach Tim Salem his job.
Coaching: C
As an opposing Big Ten assistant recently told me, offensive coordinator Bill Cubit is keeping Illinois' afloat. The veteran play-caller did a good job managing the offense this season. Coach Tim Beckman also deserves some credit for Illinois' late surge. Illinois won three of its final five games to make a bowl game.
Overall: C-
Illinois' victory total increased for the second consecutive season, and reaching a bowl game likely saved Beckman's job. It was a struggle to reach six wins, though, and the Illini struggled to compete against the better teams they faced. A good finish to the regular season and some returning offensive firepower provides hope for the future, but defense and special teams remain concerns.