I haven't done one of these for a while, but as you no doubt can see there has been a lot of news and speculation lately about lots of things, new coaches, players leaving, Big Ten expansion, too much for me to keep up with all the time. So here are some pertinent links for you to read over your lunch hour that will hopefully keep you appraised of all the exciting happenings etc etc.

• Big Ten Expansion? The Chadnudj Plan - The Rivalry, Esq.
  One of the readers over at the Rivalry ESQ has come up with a plan for Big Ten expansion, once again with Missouri as the 12th team, but unlike other plans suggests a North/South division split rather than East/West, and features a protected cross division rivalry game. In this case the protected game for the Illini would be Northwestern (hooray...) Its a good suggestion at the very least.

• Big Ten Expansion Warning System Returns to DEFCON 3 Black Heart Gold Pants
  BHGP says hold your damn horses, this conference turns like an effing aircraft carrier. When looking at the projected time line, sure after an assessment the new team would get here before 2013, but have you taken into account that the world will be ending in 2012 anyway? No, I didn't think so,

• We Hardly Knew Ye: Arrelious Benn's potential is taking the next step - Dr. Saturday
  The good Doctor has been one of the few consistent believers in the Illini these past few seasons, along with Phil Steele and myself he predicted a fine year for the young men here in Champaign. And like Phil Steele and myself he has become bitter and angry at this football team, for making us all look so wrong. Also he reflects on the criminally underused talent of Arrelious Benn, who should have been an All-American this year, but instead was an honorable mention for All Big Ten....GAH. Regardless, he is on his way to make some serious cash now, God Speed, you Roman philosopher-king.

• Leman on Vikings' active roster - IlliniHQ.com
  That's right,J Leman, the greatest player to have ever played football in Champaign (with a sweet mullet) has finally been rewarded for his hard work by making an NFL roster. Please help me congratulate J, for all of the greatness that it sure to come his way.