Illini Sports Blog

Poll Attacks: You have Illinois ranked behind who and who and who?

There are good teams (even ranked teams) that still have zero wins over currently ranked opponents, which is why Illinois' victories over No. 9 Gonzaga, No. 14 Butler and No. 15 Ohio State are notable. John Groce has been incredible in his first season with the Illini. He's got a pretty strong 14-2 record.

But don't try telling that to Randy Rosetta.

Because Randy isn't buying it!

The writer from the New Orleans Times-Picayune -- a paper that was featured on Sunday's "60 Minutes," by the way -- has Illinois ranked 20th on his ballot. He's actually got the Illini ranked eight spots behind the Ohio State team they beat by 19 points, seven spots behind the Butler team they beat by 17 points and two spots behind the Gonzaga team they beat by 11 points at Gonzaga. Seriously, how could anybody conclude a team that's 14-2 with convincing wins over Gonzaga, Butler and Ohio State should be ranked behind Gonzaga, Butler and Ohio State? Or how a team that's 14-2 with convincing wins over Gonzaga, Butler and Ohio State should be ranked six spots behind Cincinnati?

Gary Parrish

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