Illinois struggles against the Pac-10 Conference continued in a loss to the Cougars. The Illini are now 1-10 against the Left Coasters in the '90s.

What was said

"They (the Illini) know we're going to win. They know we're going to be successful and that's where the focus came from."

– Illinois coach Ron Turner

Grades

Offense – Illinois: C; Washington State: B-

The Illini again failed to make big plays, the longest gain going for just 17 yards. Steve Birnbaum didn't make anyone forget Ryan Leaf, but he did enough to prevent an opening loss.

Defense – Illinois: B-; Washington State: B-plus

Give the Illini an A- after the sluggish first quarter. Three forced turnovers is a good start. Cougars bothered Mark Hoekstra all night, especially when they blitzed.

Special teams – Illinois: C-plus; Washington State: C-

Good news for the Illini, Steve Fitts can punt, far. After a couple short ones, Fitts finished with a 43.6-yard average. He'll be around for four years. Bad snap almost cost the Cougars a touchdown.

Coaching – Illinois: C; Washington State: B

Nothing too tricky on either side. Mike Price kept the offense simple for Birnbaum, a good move. Ron Turner wanted to open up the offense, but the plays weren't made.

Overall – Illinois: C; Washington State: B

Illini had a chance to collapse early and didn't. But they also had a chance to win and didn't do that either. Washington State isn't going to Pasadena, but it could find its way to a minor bowl.