The USC game (particularly because I think they have one of the best coaches in the league and will probably be a better team at year's end than year's beginning) probably won't end up more than an unfortunate loss (I highly doubt it will be "bad" when it shakes out, probably Quad 2 or something). Two weeks ago it was different, but we wake up today, and there's not much difference between PSU, USC, and IU. You'd like to sweep them, but 2-1 isn't a disaster.

Where it hurts most is winning the B1G. Illinois seems to have the most juice in the league. I kind of expect us to win 2 of 3 against MSU and UM (all 3 would be glorious). But with 18 teams, it's not easy to overcome a loss to a team you should beat and still win the regular season title.

KJ didn't play on Saturday IMHO because those involved thought they could sneak past another game without him. Turns out USC was better than we thought and Illinois was probably flatter in an early start than we expected. I include the coaches in "we" there.

There are some real problems at IU. Can't see how Woodson survives to next season without a major turnaround. Buyout is about $8M, nothing to sneeze at but rather doable for them. I think he probably survives if his team figures it out and sneaks into the NCAAs, but that's a stretch right now.

Illinois just obliterating IU was really impressive. Yeah, they are beleaguered. But still, Illinois buried them. I'm pretty optimistic about the at MSU game; MSU has played a very soft schedule since the early non-con.

There was a front page article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch today that the Missouri athletics program finished around $15M in debt this year. IIRC, Illinois' DIA has a large debt to pay off. I'm not sure exactly how much but I found one report that had about $458M being paid on bond issued through 2050.

I'm just curious how this might affect payments to players that are supposed to provide some kind of equity between say, Ohio State and Illinois. I am a strong believer that a dollar is a dollar and money is always fungible, especially with a good accountant. How much debt is the university willing to allow DIA to incur to fund these "payments" to players? What happens when Ohio State argues to increase the amounts knowing that it is not possible for any but the top echelon schools to be able to match it?

The NIL may have been an error in the title, unless the school payments are also considered NIL.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The prestigious Butkus Award ceremony will be held at Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Illinois on February 1, 2025, bringing together football's finest linebackers and celebrating the legacy of one of the greatest to ever play the game, Fighting Illini alumnus Dick Butkus. The iconic awards will be presented in partnership with Big Ten Network, which will provide coverage of the event.

The Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation's best linebacker at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels, was established in honor of Butkus, an Illinois native and two-time All-American linebacker at the University of Illinois. After leaving Illinois, Butkus enjoyed a Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Bears, and he remains one of the most iconic players in NFL history. This year's ceremony will be an extraordinary occasion, held at the very stadium where Butkus played his college career and began leaving his mark on the game of football.

"We are incredibly excited to bring the 2025 Butkus Award ceremony back to where it all began – Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois," said Matt Butkus, son of the late Dick Butkus, who passed away in 2023. "This event is more than just an award ceremony; it's a celebration of the game, of my father's legacy, and of the players who continue to honor the spirit of hard work and dedication that my dad embodied. We are looking forward to a memorable night with the athletes, coaches, and fans who make this sport so special."

Josh Whitman, Director of Athletics at the University of Illinois, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the event for the university and the community.

"It is an honor for the University of Illinois to host the Butkus Award Show in Memorial Stadium, where Dick Butkus not only played but set an enduring standard for the linebacker position by becoming one of the most feared and respected players in football history," said Whitman. "The Butkus name is synonymous with toughness, teamwork, and excellence, and we are proud to celebrate Dick's enduring legacy right here, where it all started. I was honored to call Dick a friend, and we are so proud to host this special event, with players from all levels of the great game of football, here on our campus. We look forward to welcoming the Butkus family, fans, and the football community to this historic venue."

The 2025 Butkus Award Show will feature the presentation of awards in several categories, including the high school, college, and professional linebacker awards. The event promises to be a star-studded evening, honoring the best in the game while paying tribute to Dick Butkus' unparalleled contributions to the sport.

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Great to see this posted on the front page of Rivals this morning. Good pub!

I like this kid's film. He's a little raw, but is exceptionally strong and dominates at the high school level.

Maybe some good news coming? Any thoughts?

Indiana was never really in the game.

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The latest in the Recruiting Rumor Mill:

With all the turnover year-to-year, it takes time to appreciate each individual Illini basketball team. There are the on-paper accomplishments and the KenPom stats, but there are also the moments that replay in your head for years to come.

Trent Frazier unstoppable scoring outbursts.
Ayo clutch moments.
Kofi physical domination.
TSJ explosiveness in transition
KJ artistry in the halfcourt

KJ had a brief interview line with the phrase "basketball is beautiful" and I think that defines this team. When this team is "on" it just makes basketball look so easy. We'll have a 12-2 run out of nowhere and you don't even really notice the score because the game is just flowing. KJ slices through the lane and throws something in off the glass. Boswell gets a steal. Ivisic dishes to White for an open layup. Morez grabs a rebound and puts it right up and in. Ivisic blocks a shot. Boswell hits a transition bucket. KJ finds Humrichous for a couple 3's. Morez forces a tough 2 and snatches the rebound off the front iron. Then it goes back-and-forth for a few minutes and we hit another run like that. Suddenly we're up 20 points and it's still the first half.

I was just watching the highlights from last night and this team is starting to figure out cutting and interior passing and the flow of the game. I'm also seeing more guys anticipating passes on defense and getting steals. I'm loving the defense around the rim with verticality and not fouling. There's just an artistry there that is so smooth and enjoyable to watch.

I know we don't sustain it for 40 minutes (frankly we'd be beating teams by 50 if we did and that feels almost mean) but this team is just fun to watch when they get it going. That first half last night was just clinical. Cruised to an easy 60 points and it felt like we could do it again.

Normally at this time I'd be worrying about standings or seeding or projecting the future. I'm sure I'll get back to that at some point. For now, though, I just want to watch the games and enjoy the ride. We might lose a couple, but we also might just drop 100 points on a ranked team and win by 20+ at their house. I really love this brand of basketball, the talent, and the feeling that we've got the best 5 guys on the floor every night and anything is possible. I remember this feeling in the early 2000's and it's just so much fun. I hope there are others here feeling the same way.

Mizzu(13-3) up 16 at the half at #5 Florida 👀 The Tigers could end up being a good win for us for seeding.

#8 Kentucky 81 #11 Tex A&M 69

#1 Auburn 88 #15 Miss St 69

#24 Badgers 39 tOSU 27

I hope that Will Riley doesn’t think he is still a first round NBA pick this year, because he is not. I think that is part of the problem as opposed to years ago. Hell, Michael Jordan played college ball for three years. Nowadays kids are figuring on playing one year and then going to the NBA, instead of taking your time and developing your game over a few years. It’s not really the players fault with all the hype from fans, media, etc.

I’m hoping that Riley can adjust his mindset and figure on playing in college at least two years. I think it might take a little pressure off and free his mind up, and Underwoods too. I’m just not sure if that will happen when you start with such high expectations.

As expected, Kasparas Jakucionis is listed as questionable on the availability report.

IU forward Malik Reneau is listed as out.

About 6-7 years ago some guys started You Tube skits about SEC football and occasionally other conferences. They do it each week in football season and have built up a large following, mainly in the SEC footprint.

Anyway they did an end of season (for them) skit and it has an Illinois mention at the 2:20 mark! Guess we are getting noticed after beating S Carolina.

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ps. this season wasn't that funny but the 2 seasons before were really good if you want a few chuckles. Here is the 1st one I saw from 4 years ago during covid when they were thinking of canceling that season. Love the Big 12 having to say they need to check with Texas first on things.

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Per Underwood today. FYI

Good group coming in this weekend. Then a big junior day coming up the weekend of January 26

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No interest? No NIL? No room?

I'll take Illinois by 6 points. The Illini were bad against USC, but Indiana was terrible against Iowa.