This week is ALL about Illinois getting back to the basics

Sometimes, we dramatically overestimate things.

Our preternatural obsession with football has led us to make the sport seem like a diabolical maze of twists and turns that can only be navigated by a few select gladiators.

And while the highly-skilled players and coaches who train their whole lives to excel do largely populate the game, at times football can be simple.

Xs and Os matter a great deal. Philosophy can be an advantage. Styles can make fights.

But sometimes, it comes down to the Jimmys and Joes.

It’s physically winning your matchups and scheming your players into positions where they can succeed.

Getting back to .500 is well within Illinois’ grasp this week. And I think it comes down to one simple principle of talent acquisition.

1. You gotta get yourself a quarterback.
2. You gotta protect that quarterback.
3. You gotta get after the other team’s quarterback.
4. You gotta be disciplined.

Now I know that Bret Bielema and his staff have been preparing the Illini to win…