:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/13198833/gyi0062350838.0.jpg)
Are you ready for some hot non-conference action? Well, while the Illini have a rather difficult non-conference schedule this season with games against Southern Illinois, Cincinnati, Washington and Miami (Ohio), the 2014 season doesn't look like it will be nearly as difficult.
Illinois sent out a release Wednesday night announcing the completion of the 2014 non-conference slate, and oh man I just can't contain myself it's so exciting, let's get to it!
8/30 vs. Youngstown State
9/6 vs. Western Kentucky
9/13 at Washington
9/20 vs Texas State
That Western Kentucky game could be pretty interesting as the Hilltoppers are now coached by the man some folks -- including myself -- would have liked to see replace Tim Beckman after last season: Bobby Petrino.
As for the schedule on the whole, the road trip to Washington is the only game that should be truly concerning, but I'm hoping that the 2013 season gives us reason to believe those three home games will all be wins.
When it comes to the Big Ten portion of the 2014 schedule the conference is expected to announce it sometime before the end of May. It will be our first season in the West Division, so we know we'll be seeing Iowa, Northwestern, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Purdue. The only questions are when, where and who will the Illini see from the East.
Follow The Champaign Room on Twitter at @Champaign_Room and Like us on Facebook. You can follow Tom Fornelli on Twitter at @TomFornelli.