Developing Situation
Illinois is currently tied with Ohio State, the number one ranked team in the nation, 14 to 14 in the second quarter. While it's way too early to know what the outcome of this game is going to be, I find myself facing the dilemma I didn't expect to face.
There is no overestimating how huge of a win this would be for Illinois. This would immediately promote them from, "Ehhh, maybe the AT&T/Pepsi/Verizon Wireless Bowl" to, "Hey, how about a real bowl?"
The thing is, it would be better for the Big Ten for Ohio State to win, because that'll give the Big Ten another realistic shot at the National Championship. And, even if Illinois somehow beats Ohio State, they would only win the Big Ten Conference Championship by winning out and somehow seeing another Ohio State loss (which is very unlikely). Then again, if Illinois can beat Ohio State, they can beat anyone.
I'm just incredibly happy Illinois is actually playing even with the best team in the country. If this game is decided by one score, it'll be a victory in and of itself. For the first time in a very long time, Illinois knows they can play with anyone.
There is no overestimating how huge of a win this would be for Illinois. This would immediately promote them from, "Ehhh, maybe the AT&T/Pepsi/Verizon Wireless Bowl" to, "Hey, how about a real bowl?"
The thing is, it would be better for the Big Ten for Ohio State to win, because that'll give the Big Ten another realistic shot at the National Championship. And, even if Illinois somehow beats Ohio State, they would only win the Big Ten Conference Championship by winning out and somehow seeing another Ohio State loss (which is very unlikely). Then again, if Illinois can beat Ohio State, they can beat anyone.
I'm just incredibly happy Illinois is actually playing even with the best team in the country. If this game is decided by one score, it'll be a victory in and of itself. For the first time in a very long time, Illinois knows they can play with anyone.