/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61272179/usa_today_11212870.0.jpg)
This past weekend, our Fighting Illini marched on to 2-0, keeping those National Championship aspirations alive and kicking. However, more importantly, the rest of the Big Ten continued to show Illini Nation that Illinois may not be in the Big Ten cellar for much longer.
In Week Two, future 2018 opponent Purdue lost to Eastern Michigan — that powerhouse bottom-feeder program out of the MAC — and Minnesota barely defeated Fresno State, needing a late touchdown and pick to seal the deal. Two opponents that showed they have what it takes to live in the Big Ten basement, a quaint little home the Illini have been unfortunate enough to occupy for quite some time.
So the question was simple, and as always, Illini Nation was happy to assist.
With Purdue & Minnesota scuffling and the #Illini sitting at 2-0, what are the chances Illinois escapes the cellar and gets a Big Ten win (or two) in 2018? #IlliniPulse
— The Champaign Room (@Champaign_Room) September 10, 2018
Your responses ranged from mockery (34-14 with two interceptions and a blocked punt return for a touchdown isn’t how I would measure ‘struggle’, but you do you, Michael.)...
Dude we have played Western Illinois and Kent State and struggled to beat both. Pump the breaks. Smh
— Michael Gordon (@MichaelGordon33) September 10, 2018
...to the Vegas expected 1-2 Big Ten wins
We'll know more after this Saturday, I think. By the ESPN power index, the expected number of wins from the combined Minnesota, Purdue and Rutgers games is 1.2. So a Big Ten win is possible.
— onanyesfbb (@onanyesfbb) September 10, 2018
With a couple very promising QBs, our chances look good!
— Karlene (@karleneknisley) September 10, 2018
I like Karlene. I agree with Karlene.
I think a BigTen win is within the realm of possibility. Oh-for-the-BigTen -- like last year -- is also within the realm of possibility.
— Tomas J. Nally (@Steelweaver52) September 10, 2018
Some people are working on nicknames for the squad, while also admitting this team is far from full strength.
We need the reefer boys back from the secondary and Smalling back at WR. Milan would really help too. Too many starters are out already.
— Blown ACL (@NotaSquawk) September 10, 2018
Someone get me a ‘Reefer Boys’ shirt made up. Who at Fourth and Kirby do I need to get in contact with?
Some of you, however, have higher hopes than 1-2 wins...
We are going to win 4 Big Ten games
— Tracey Wilson (@traceywilson67) September 10, 2018
Oh don’t worry. Tracey explained herself. She is a good human.
I just think we will Minnesota Purdue Nebraska Rutgers
— Tracey Wilson (@traceywilson67) September 10, 2018
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/12888483/shamwow_guy_but_wait_there_is_more_vince_offer.png)
And we could Maryland
— Tracey Wilson (@traceywilson67) September 10, 2018
For those keeping track, Tracey is now at five Big Ten wins. I like the optimism.
Some people....well some people know how the regular season is going to go already...
12-0 is still in play
— Brad Sturdy (@Sturdy32) September 10, 2018
And some people can see in to the future all the way to January 2019
As is 15-0......
— Brad Stahl (@bmstahl) September 10, 2018
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/12888529/40485010_274613410042367_7252890300429893632_n.jpg)
For vintage inspired, high quality, and well-designed University of Illinois apparel, check out Fourth and Kirby, and look for the TCR Collection while you’re at it!