How did Illinois players react when they found out Lovie Smith was their new head coach?
With a standing ovation.
Athletics director Josh Whitman — a former Illinois football player himself — introduced Smith to the team on Monday, and the players were unsurprisingly excited.
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Many of these guys grew up in the state or nearby watching Smith coach the Bears, so it's got to be a thrill to play for him.
Exciting times in Champaign.