American college football season
The 1972 Illinois Fighting Illini football team was an American football team that represented the University of Illinois during the 1972 Big Ten Conference football season . In their second year under head coach Bob Blackman , the Illini compiled a 3–8 record and finished in a tie for sixth place in the Big Ten Conference .[ 1]
The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Mike Wells with 837 passing yards, running back George Uremovich with 611 rushing yards, and wide receiver Garvin Roberson with 569 receiving yards.[ 2] Center Larry McCarren and defensive end Larry Allen were selected as the team's most valuable players.[ 3]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 16 Michigan State L 0–2455,493
September 23 No. 1 USC * Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL L 20–5561,277
September 30 at No. 14 Washington * L 11–3160,200
October 7 No. 16 Penn State * Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL L 17–3560,349
October 14 at No. 4 Ohio State L 7–2686,298
October 21 No. 6 Michigan Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL (rivalry ) L 7–3164,290 [ 4]
October 28 at Purdue L 14–2061,754
November 4 at Northwestern W 43–1335,235
November 11 Indiana Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL (rivalry ) W 37–2055,077
November 18 Wisconsin Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL W 27–745,703
November 25 at Iowa L 14–1525,000
*Non-conference game Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
1972 Illinois Fighting Illini football team roster
Players
Coaches
Offense
Defense
Special teams
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
Legend
(C) Team captain
(S) Suspended
(I) Ineligible
Injured
Redshirt
Venues Bowls & rivalries Culture & lore People Seasons National championship seasons in bold