I know. You're laughing. I'll give you a second to stop.


Alright, even though...


OK.


Stop laughing now.


Alright, even though Illinois is probably still considered a laughingstock by the general population. If they are able to pull off the win at MSU, the rest of the schedule plays out pretty well for an Illini team that plays solid D and can run the ball on just about anybody.

If Illinois wins this game, they do not play another team that is currently ranked in the top 25, they avoid Wisconsin and Iowa this year, and the teams that provide what would appear to be the greatest challenge, NU and UM, have serious flaws.

Their remaining schedule -

Indiana
Purdue
at Michigan
Minnesota
Northwestern (@ Wrigley Field)
at Fresno State

So, with a win this weekend, you might be looking at a 10-2 (7-1) Illini squad. No laughing.

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My Maserati does 186.

Sorry Doc, I think MSU will win this weekend, but I would say that you can probably look forward to a Capital One bowl or something along those lines.

_________________

Doc, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

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"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

Well, in truth, with a first-year QB, odds are against a win this weekend and odds are good for a stumble on one of those games that they should win. Plus, things would have to break right with Wisky beating Iowa and maybe another upset or two.

But, it is still fun for me to think about. Much more fun than the past two years.

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My Maserati does 186.

One step up from just living in disappointment.

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My Maserati does 186.

Illinois will lose to NU.

_________________

Wager?

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My Maserati does 186.

Plus, with MSU coming off a series of emotional victories - ND, Wisconsin, Michigan - this is a textbook "let-down" game for the Spartans.

I'm sure they still don't think much of Illinois and could be looking ahead to road games at NU and Iowa.

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My Maserati does 186.

and Fresno

_________________
O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

What the hell has Fresno done to impress you this year? They give up 50 points a game.

Have either of you watched an Illinois game this year? Serious question.

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My Maserati does 186.

I'd do another signature bet.

This is a total trap game for MSU. I can see where you are coming from BUT the same can be said for the Illini who finally got the Happy Valley monkey off their back.

I think MSU wins but it's a tightly contested game.

I watched the last two weeks.

Fresno always makes bowl runs at the end of the year under Hill.

I am as big of a grandstander for Illinois college teams in the post season as there is. Illinois on New Year's Day would further detract from a day that has already lost its luster over the past decade.

_________________
O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Well, if it helps, I may extend an invitation to my exclusive Illinois New Year's Day Celebration with various smoked dead animals as well as alcohol and cheeses in order to restore some luster to your day as my day would be lusteriffic.

_________________
My Maserati does 186.

I'd accept. I show up at 9:30 am for the kickoff of the 10 am game, but I would bring Buffalo Joe's.

_________________
O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Buffalo Joe's is the only reason I miss working in Evanston.

_________________

I have forwarded this thread to college supercoach Danny Hope and he assured me that you have made the bulletin board.

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

Illini vs. Indiana - 10/23 - For the Alamo Bowl

_________________

I won't speculate about their final record, but the Illini are going to smoke NU.

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The Court will accord substantial deference to the government's immigration policies, particularly those that implicate matters of national security.

_________________
"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

coulda woulda shoulda...

Maybe Illinois can still go to the Sugar Bowl.

_________________
You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!