ESPN.com: Illini will be 33-0 on Selection Sunday

[Tweed]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=1986971

"In religion and sports, the slow converts tend to wind up the most zealous. So now that I've seen the light, I'm ready to proclaim from the pulpit and exclaim from the mountaintop:

If it avoids injury to its key players, Illinois will be undefeated when the NCAA Tournament brackets are unveiled on Selection Sunday. Thirty-three and oh, yo. Write it down.

That might not be a good thing, but it is a sure thing. Mike Davis has a better chance of receiving a supportive phone call from Bob Knight than the Big Ten has of beating its runaway leader.

Those with memories stretching all the way back to (cough) early last week might recall that I said Illinois was still less than a 50-50 proposition to run the table. But that was before the Illini shockingly shot Michigan State out of its own gym, before Iowa sent Pierre Pierce packing, and before Wisconsin swooned at Minnesota."

The best part of the Illini post-season is that even if they don't go undefeated, a trip to the Final Four will be like playing home games. The first round and second round in the Midwest bracket (which Illini are sure to be No. 1 in) are played at Indianapolis and the Midwest semi-final and final are played in Chicago. The only thing I would worry about is playing all of those games in basically home crowd environments and then getting to the final four and not remembering how to play with neutral crowds. Even the Big Ten tournment is being held in Chicago.

[progressiveBadger]

1. As long as some big ten team wins it all

I'll be happy. But I would rather it be WI. :)

[LostInAnomie]

2. Now watch them get beat by Penn State, or North Western.

ESPN is a jinx.

[Cary]

3. Oskee Wow Wow

[WildEyedLiberal]

4. Tonight was close

But underscored why we are the best team in the nation. Hail to the Orange.

[grace0418]

5. I-L-L!

I-N-I!!!

[benny05]

6. How 'bout those Fighin' Illini!

Win over the Badgers...25-0!:thumbsup:

[dog_lovin_dem]

7. Outstanding!!!!

A little scary in the beginning, but Luther pulled them through!:D

[Tweed]

8. Welcome to the DU Illinois Forum!

I saw in the other thread that you are from Champaign. I had my formative high school year in Springfield, so while I live in Chicago, central Illinois shares a special place in my heart. Thanks for stopping by and please continue to visit and post here. We need more downstate voices here.

[benny05]

9. Thanks

I like Central Illinois, but enjoy an occasional visit to that Toddlin' Town. :party: