None of our next three opponents really scare me. But at the same time I'm not all that confident in our young team, especially on the road. Won't be surprised if we go 2-1 or 0-3. I think 3-0 can be done but I'm not expecting it.
I'm always the optimist (and I want so desperately for the Illini to be atop the Big Ten again that sometimes I "see what I want to see"), but...
1) Wake Forest looks horrible, yet it's the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. It just might be the perfect storm of a game that we should have no problem getting up for while at the same time vs. a very beatable opponent.
2) "At" Northwestern is the start of the Big Ten season vs. an instate team in front of what will be at least 50% Illini fans in Rosemont. If the guys can't get up for that one, we're in trouble! I am not saying a loss would be overly disappointing, but I think we will certainly be putting ourselves in a position to win that one.
3) Maryland just lost to to the Bonnies, right?? They are definitely beatable in Champaign with the students back.
I think 3-0 is absolutely possible and would get me PUMPED For the remainder of the season! After that, you have at UNLV (they just handily beat a good Utah team, that game will be tough in Vegas!) and the Braggin' Rights Game being the REAL roadblocks to an undefeated non-conference slate (plus two Big Ten wins!). We have a ways to go, but I am super optimistic about this team.