Why Illinois will win the Big Ten West

Happy Sunday, Illinois Land!

Everyone can breathe a collective sigh of relief.

In through your nose, out through your mouth (repeat five times).

The time is nigh. Illinois football is about to play a game, and Brett Bielema is still the Head Ball Coach.

Life as we know it, prefer it and love it is about to regain the spotlight, enriching our lives to a degree we dare not dream.

We don’t dream it not because we don’t think about it, want it or crave it. As Illinois fans, the brass ring seems within reach, only to be lifted just beyond our grasp as we reach the top rung of the ladder.

The experience following the Illini is simultaneously thrilling and expected.

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

The sort of…