In 1977, the Illini compiled a 3–8 record and finished in ninth place in the Big Ten Conference. The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Mike McCray with 418 passing yards, running back James Coleman with 715 rushing yards, and wide receiver Tom Schooley with 231 receiving yards. Coleman and linebacker John Sullivan were selected as the team's most valuable players. In 1978, the Illini compiled a 1–8–2 record and again finished in ninth place in the Big Ten Conference. The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Rich Weiss with 665 passing yards, running back Wayne Strader with 389 rushing yards, and wide receiver Jeff Barnes with 270 receiving yards. Linebacker John Sullivan and center Randy Taylor were selected as the team's most valuable players.