Vic Heyliger, a Michigan alum, began making his mark on the team and an exhibition game in December gave a preview of how things were going to shake out for the Illini.

The question was answered rather quickly when Illinois welcomed Minnesota for their season-opening series and were promptly shelled by the powerhouse Gophers.

Despite missing coach Heyliger to illness two players (Stewart and Mettler) to ineligibility, the team won their first game of the season 11–0.

[3] The good feelings didn't last long, however, as Illinois travelled to meet undefeated Minnesota in Minneapolis the following weekend and were shelled again in both games.

The Illini were finally able to finish their scoring chances and fired three goals into the net while John Gillan shut the door on the Wolverines.