Rittenberg looks at Illinois' 2011 football schedule

After some odd scheduling the past few seasons, Illinois finally gets a slate that sets up well. The Illini play eight home games and make only one trip to a team that reached a bowl game in 2010 (Penn State). It's vital for Illinois to get through growing pains in the nonconference portion and build some confidence for the Big Ten slate. I could see Illinois starting 5-0 or dropping games to both Arizona State and Northwestern. The Illini host some of their more challenging opponents -- Arizona State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Michigan and Wisconsin -- so their ability to defend their home turf will be huge.

Rittenberg