I know this is off topic but since Sampson is gone and EJ will likely be gone after this season, does this mean that the fierce rivarly with Illinois is gone?

With the increase of quality coaches in the Big-10, I think all teams are going to be special rivalries, particularly when you have to play them on their floor. I see Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, and yes, even Ilinois having comebacks that will make for conference parity to an even larger extent than exists now. Plus, IU will always be a target!

The rivalry with Illinois will never be gone. I never thought I would say this but beating them is even more satisfying than beating Purdue. I live in Chicago and find Illinois fans to be the most delusional, insufferable fan base I have ever encountered.

I've hated Illinois since late 80s...Nick Anderson can kiss my ass...so I agree 100%. The more I've learned about the Illinois fan base, the more I grow to LOATHE them.

Who is working the game tonight for ESPN....Erin Andrews hopefully.

Lavin, Musburger and yes....one Erin Andrews.

Lavin gave a talk at the IU Journalism school and at the very end gave everyone his cell phone number and email adress...It was pretty weird...he was a good guy though.

He said Tennessee, Kansas, Georgetown, Louisville, Indiana, UCLA and Xavier were the 7 teams he thought had the best chance to win the tournament.

He must really hate the Carolinas....no Duke or UNC love...now that's a stark contrast to his colleagues at ESPN.

Not sure if we can pull it off, but we certaintly have the talent...hope we can play well tonight.

Obviously, every game is now a "must win," but even more importantly, we have to play WELL in winning tonight in order to regain some confidence after everything that has happened. Thankfully we played Northwestern in Dakich's first game, but now we have to be ready for an Ohio State team that knows it's on the verge of being eliminated from NCAA consideration.

I live smack in the middle of Duke/UNC land.

Without Lawson, or Lawson at less than 100%, UNC won't do it.

Duke has no inside game. A team with a good interior man and tough perimeter defense will beat them.

Plus, there's no ACC refs doing all of the tournament games.

Of course, Lavin probably has a list he says to almost any school he talks at.