Illinois football preview: The enthusiasm gap

In the overall hunt for program enthusiasm, Beckman should keep the postseason train rolling. But considering the current makeup of the Big Ten's Leaders Division -- Ohio State ineligible for the Big Ten title game, Wisconsin replacing Russell Wilson, Penn State facing change and scandal, Purdue not quite ready for prime time, it is pretty easy to paint a picture of a shockingly successful Illinois season. Let's say Beckman finds success in a Scheelhaase-O'Toole platoon, Darius Millines becomes an Eric Page-like "possession receiver plus" type of receiver, Josh Ferguson and Donovonn Young erupt, and the defense remains a Top 20 unit. With four easy conference home games, a win over Northwestern, and perhaps a road upset, Illinois could steal a spot in the conference title game, no?

Excited yet, Illinois fans? No? Well, I tried.

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