News Local/State

Harvey Hits Home To Lovie Smith

 
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith watches during a 2016 win over Murray State at Memorial Stadium

Illinois head coach Lovie Smith watches during the first quarter of an Saturday's 52-3 win over Murray State Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Bradley Leeb / Associated Press

As he prepares for Saturday’s game against Ball State, U of I football head coach Lovie Smith has his mind on his home town in Texas.

Smith grew up in Big Sandy, Texas, about four hours north of Houston. Big Sandy is feeling the brunt of Hurricane Harvey.

The coach still has family in that area, and he says people in Texas need spiritual and material help.

“If it’s just prayer, fine. If you donate money that would be good too," Smith said. "Anything we can do to help."

Coach Smith has been in contact with some of his relatives in Texas. He said his family is safe, but he added the situation is changing all the time.