Illinois beats Wisconsin

We're in first place in the Big Ten!

If There's any Question as to Why Illini Fans

are tortured souls, I think this should pretty much erase any doubt. Coming off of a winning season, undefeated Illinois met undefeated Michigan before a home sellout. Illinois raced out to a huge lead and Michigan clawed its way back.

Then, the officials got in the way.

Just in case you were wondering, the first ball was ruled a fumble and the ball given to Michigan. The second play was ruled not a fumble and the ball given to Michigan.

Too Bad for the Illini....

Illinois lost to the best team in the country today, 4-0. Illinois did not win the NCAA Championship, but getting to the final probably tasted pretty sweet to these Illini.

They were left for dead after Ohio State pummeled them in the regular season. But they got up, dusted themselves off, reached the Big Ten final (where they once again lost to Ohio State) and then scrapped their way to the NCAA finals.

Georgia's team reminds me of the 2003 Illinois squad that swept every team and individual title that year. Illinois hung with them for much of the day, despite the score. Great work guys.

More on Illini Tennis

From ZooTennis: Illini's Dream Run Continues. And Illini beat reporter Mark Tupper. And Illini basketball writer Paul Klee.

Illini are in the NCAA Finals

Congratulations to the Fighting Illini men's tennis team, who are headed to the NCAA Finals for the first time since 2003, when Illinois capped off a dream season. Back then, Craig Tiley guided the Illini to an undefeated season in dual-match play, the team National Indoor Championship, the team NCAA Championship and NCAA Championships in both doubles and singles.

Brad Dancer's 2007 Illini are not as heralded as the 2003 team, but are a scrappy bunch. They've beaten No. 2 Ohio State (who had won four straight matches between the two teams) and No. 3 Baylor in the past two matches. Illinois will face the winner of the UGA/UVA tilt. UGA will be tough to beat on their home court, but nobody gave the Illini much of a chance against Ohio State or Baylor, either.

Go Illini!

Jordan to Illinois

Not exactly like Mike, but Jordan's son Jeffrey will be heading to the University of Illinois, the Chicago Tribune and Champaign News-Gazette are reporting. Jordan is considered a solid player, but not a superstar in the making. He will be a preferred walk-on, meaning that he will be guaranteed a roster spot and the school won't lose a scholarship. Of course, it doesn't hurt Illinois that he'll suit up for the team, for countless other reasons.

Since It's March Madness Time...