Speaking as an orange- and blue-blooded Fighting Illini fan, I want to wish the Spartans good luck against Arizona this weekend in the Final Four.
After our obvious differences this season, this may sound a bit paradoxical, but trust me - there is nothing we here in Urbana-Champaign would like to see more than the Wildcats collective clocks cleaned, Big Ten style.
Your team, your coach and your program are all one class act, deserving of a great season. Our great conference did not really live up to its own hopes this year, so the torch is passed to those who survive.
As much as I wish the Illini were still in the tournament, nothing would be sweeter than a Big Ten team winning it all, and repeating, no less.
Go Big Ten!
Looking forward to a fantastic long-term basketball rivalry between Illinois and MSU.
Matt Mio
University of Illinois organic chemistry graduate student