Illinois interim coach Bill Cubit paused to collect himself. The Illini were preparing to play Ohio State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The athletic program was in flux after the firing earlier that day of athletic director Mike Thomas. But what got Cubit choked up Monday was talking about senior defensive end Jihad Ward’s invitation to the Senior Bowl. “How can you not love that stuff?” Cubit asked. “He was speechless. I’m speechless. We were hugging. Ain’t nobody going to stop this (team). No way.” Illinois (5-4, 2-3 Big Ten) won’t be short on motivation or emotion when it faces the No. 3 Buckeyes (9-0, 5-0). …
Continue Reading: Illini say they won’t be intimidated as No. 3 Ohio State comes to Champaign
