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The Big Ten is the MAC's *****. Akron may continue the streak.

Absolutely GLORIOUS!!!!!!

Welcome to the Big Leagues. This feels right.

That is my understanding.

The funny thing is, hardly any of the media outlets were talking about Illinois and their defense before the season began last year and now most are acting like they won’t be able to recover from their losses. I am a big Bielema fan (didn’t used to be) because I appreciate when a coach recognizes his previous mistakes, is open about them, and makes corrections to better himself. His stance is “we’ll play anyone, anywhere” and I think viewers can see that mindset by how physically Illinois plays. They were one of my picks to surprise last year and I think they will take the next step and challenge for Big10 top tier status this year. They had Michigan on the ropes last season, so they aren’t far off. Similar to us, they still needed to learn how to win consistently as evidenced by dropping games to Indiana and Michigan State.

For almost two decades I’ve been surprised Illinois can’t get something going. They haven’t done much since the Juice Williams days. Maybe they can start getting some traction in a weak-ish B1G West. (Though I heard the B1G may do away with divisions next year? Just Illinois’ luck.

It may have been fixed by now but the schedule page also listed the CSU game as a home game but as the release states, it is a road game.

Good read. Out of all those matchups I’d actually say Akron is the best bet. I think there’s a snowballs chance of Toledo beating Illinois. The writer focuses on what Illinois lost and not what they return (and have added the past two offseasons). One of the best front sevens in the Big10 and potentially all of college football. Good luck to Toledo running the ball against that crew. Fat chance Toledo does much defensively against an OL that is likely to have 3 players drafted, a stout RB room, and some extremely talented WRs. I feel like this is another instance where the writer is more focused on the name on the jersey vs what’s actually happening. Props to him for recognizing Akron as an up-and-comer though.

I was not familiar with where the Big East semis and finals will be played. Sounds like a nice field....Capacity of 5,000 fans https://mdsoccerplex.org/maryland-soccerplex/championship-stadium/

Love it! This is the conference we have always wanted. Just think if our other programs could be in position to compete at this level. We can only dream, but what a dream!