Illinois is coming off back-to-back home wins in a thriller over Purdue in OT (50-49) and a dominant 21-7 victory over Michigan. The Fighting Illini’s only loss came on the road at Penn State (21-7). Illinois went on the road at Nebraska and won 31-24 in OT, so this is only the third road game of the year for Illinois, not exactly road warriors.

But it would zap any notion of a College Football Playoff appearance or even a legit belonging among the top couple of tiers of teams in the country. But, hey, if they’re competitive out there? If it’s a winnable game into the fourth quarter?