A bye week check-in for Illinois

So, how are we feeling?

Has the stench of Homecoming abated?

Have the memories of a seemingly overmatched Wisconsin squad storming back in the fourth quarter dissipated?

Much like players, fans have to develop short memories. Otherwise, the memories color the future unfairly.

So let’s take a calm, rational look at where we are now as a fan base and what we may have to look forward to.

I HATE EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME.

Well, I suppose the reasoned perspective is out the window.

This season has been the painful brand of reminder that Illinois fans are all too accustomed to.

The win in College Park put a bowl game squarely in the Illini’s sites. After tough losses against Penn State, Purdue and Nebraska, there were signs of life.

And immediately, said hope was snuffed out by Luke Fickell and Co. It was a receipt for the gut punch Illinois gave the Badgers at Camp Randall last year.

Common sense would stipulate that the season’s outcome hinges on a victory…