The Linking Illini is ready to run through the gauntlet.

In just the third game of the season, the Illini are up against one of the best teams in the conference in one of the toughest environments in the nation. No reason to wait too long to really put this team to the test I suppose. Where Penn State has played among the worst teams in America as it rolled to a top 5 ranking, the Illini will blow through a 3 game stretch that could be as difficult as any in the game. So as we look ahead to yet another very talented team next week, just remember after this first third of the season is a nice creamy soft schedule for the Illini to feast upon, right before running face first into Cincinnati and Fresno. I meant to write this as a sort of uplifting statement, unfortunately it only makes me more worried. I think this team is just one game away from the bunker, where we collectively put our fingers in our ears and the truth cant hurt us anymore. Of course if we win, the conference will wide open once again, keep that in mind.

Anyway only a couple links of value today....

• For Illini stars, season starts now- Bloomington Pantagraph
  For all the 7 to 9 hype of the off season ( I still have several DVDs from the hype machine) the fabled connection has resulted in only one pass from Juice to Benn for a total of nine yards. Thanks to consecutive games of leg injuries, we have to wait for Columbus for the pair to really get into a groove. The fact that it is against an Ohio State defense is really just not optimal though.

• Illinois-Penn State time set - IlliniHQ.com
  Its 2:30 eastern and will be carried here locally on ABC. Thus far we have avoided the dreaded, tail gate killing 11am kickoff. With the following weekend's Homecoming game coming at that dreaded hour, we should all go out and enjoy the extra 3 hours sleep, grilling, bags and lets face it, binge drinking for the Penn State game. As I will be cloistered in the ivory tower that is the press box, I wish you well, peons in your pregame festivities. So far MSU is the only scheduled 11am home game, with Fresno St. being set at the nearly as early 11:30. I wont complain about that though, as no one wants to be out of doors after the sun sets in December in Illinois.

• Martez Wilson Will Have Surgery Monday - cbs2chicago.com
  I really do feel bad for Tez, because he will be undergoing a very major operation here, and it will be his second in under a year. Football aside I really do hope he makes a full recovery, and doesn't suffer long term from his injury. Football is a fantastic game to play and to watch, but it isnt important enough to sacrifice your health over.