Illinois of course controls its own destiny with a high profile matchup vs. Tennessee, but here are some games for teams above us that we could maybe jump in the rankings with a win on Saturday. As a reminder, we are #14 and I am going to skip #13 Tennessee for obvious reasons!
Tuesday, December 2
Iowa at #7 Michigan State ... MSU is likely going to pull this one out, but I am personally a believer in the Hawkeyes this year. I wouldn't look past this one as a potential big upset.
Friday, December 5
#11 Gonzaga vs. #18 Kentucky in Nashville, TN ... It's possible UK could jump us if we both win, but I think we would stay in front of them and both slide up past the 'Zags. Gonzaga is 7-1 and has looked great at times, but I think dropping a second straight game - with the last one being a loss by 40 (!!) points to Michigan - would be enough for us to jump them. With this being a de facto home game for Kentucky (in the same arena as our game the night before), I think a UK victory is decently likely.
Saturday, December 6
#10 Iowa State at #1 Purdue ... Decently likely the pollsters don't punish ISU too much for losing in Mackey, but if Purdue runs away with this one, we could jump the 'Clones with a win.