Wow. What else can you say?
Just when you think the Big Ten can be reduced to the Big Two, a third wheel crashes the party, unplugs the stereo and starts singing the Illinois fight song.
We’re loyal to you, Illinois,
We’re “Orange and Blue,” Illinois,
We’ll back you to stand
‘Gainst the best in the land …
The best in the land, huh? That was Ohio State — until the Buckeyes met that giant-killer from Champaign.
Illinois’ shocking 28-21 victory waters down next week’s Ohio State-Michigan game.
It also clears the way for a spectacular BCS title game — LSU vs. Oregon. Of course, Big 12 fans have different ideas, hoping that Kansas, Oklahoma or Missouri can book reservations for New Orleans.
But this is not the moment to stress over BCS scenarios.
The Chicago area is home to a football power with a bright future. And it’s not the team in South Bend. It’s Ron Zook’s team.
Paint the town orange and blue.
