Can’t Wait For Saturday As predicted, Illini back in the bowl conversation

Oct. 28—***

A week ago, you couldn’t find Illinois on a bowl projection list. The team was just 3-3 with a trio of games left against Top 25 squads.

All it took to get back in for Illinois was a convincing home win against almost-Top 25 Oregon on Saturday, a victory few other than me saw coming.

ESPN’s weekly bowl projection update has Illinois playing in either the Frisco Bowl against Memphis or the Birmingham Bowl against Auburn. A game against former Illinois assistant Alex Golesh’s Tigers would be a lot of fun.

Pro Football Network has Illinois playing Cincinnati in the Cactus Bowl.

Important to point out: Illinois is not yet eligible, which requires six wins. If the 3-point favorites win at Maryland on Saturday for No. 5, the bowl lists will increase and destinations will become more appealing. Stay tuned.