Congratulations to the Fighting Illini football team!

I realized this morning that I bitched about the Fighting Illini when they were thoroughly whupped by Rutgers a few weeks ago, but neglected to say anything when they managed to pull out a hard-fought victory over the Michigan State Spartans, who came into the game as 26 point favorites.

Illinois led 20-10 entering the fourth quarter, but a questionable video replay reversal allowed the Spartans back into the game and a 20-20 tie. Illinois kicked a 39-yard field goal with six seconds remaining to win 23-20.

It remains to be seen whether this game is an indication that the Illini are improving, or possibly that the Spartans have taken a turn for the worse. I'm hoping for both.