I would be too, but I don't see that happening. Illinois football seems to be mostly shunned by the media, only mentioned as the team that was beat by a team they love. Without the media on your side, no one will give your guys a first or second look.

I hate to sound all negative and stuff, but right now Illinois has just graduated from terrible to mediocre. Need to be in contention for a conference championship, a bowl appearance and bowl wins before they're taken seriously.

I am an Illinois fan and season ticket holder, but taking a good hard look at Illinois, that is what they are. They are poised for being a premier program and are getting better all the time. I'm hoping this year we see the beginnings of that next step into that level of greatness (or at least respect outside the Big 10).

9 wins is ambitious. So is 8. I would guess 6 or 7 IS more realistic with the schedule we have. Granted, Penn State and Michigan State are home games, but that's not always worked out in the Illini's favor. Playing NW in Champaign should be a win (since 1/2 the team won't be able to think about what they'll be doing in Chicago after the game--seriously what were they thinking last year????).

They'll need lots of help this year.