Stevens: Permanently Full of Hope - Illinois Constant Big Ten Foes Are In Depressing States of Awful

If the Big Ten Conference keeps its current scheduling format, Illinois will likely draw two of the most hapless rebuilding projects in the 18-team league.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

October 5, 2025

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — As Illinois embarks on a historically remarkable program build, the Big Ten Conference may have handed Bret Bielema the best possible poker hand for its annual league schedule.

For all the whining, complaining, belly-aching and conspiracy theory generating that comes for this Illini fanbase about how the league office is out to make sure they suffer for the benefit of . . .

 

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