Three weeks are better than two It seems fitting to me that the first post on this blog shortly follows the announcement by the AP that the Illini will spend a third straight week atop their NCAA men's basketball poll (see Illinois still No. 1). The three weeks constitutes one more week than the Illini have spent at the top of the poll in the 100 year history of their program.

The ranking follows yet another dominating performance by the Illini in their 93-56 victory over the Crusaders of Valparaiso (see No. 1 Illinois dominates Valparaiso). I was travelling and unable to watch the game, but I kept track of the score through repeated calls to Tellme. According to Herald & Review's executive sports editor Mark Tupper, Illini coach Bruce Weber was even sorry for leaving in the starters for so long.

The Illini still have not had a let-down yet this season. Perhaps Arkansas could be considered a let-down, but if the Hogs continue winning that Illini victory could look better as the season progresses. The only surprise from the poll is how 15 people could have possibly voted for Kansas as the number one team. Kansas narrowly deafeated 17-point underdog South Carolina at home and have yet to leave Allen Fieldhouse or face an opponent anywhere near the top 25. One of the few openly endorsing Kansas in the top spot is Dick Vitale, thought he feels compelled to explain himself in his latest installment of Dick Vitale's Sensational 16. There will be much more on national polls (and their shortcomings) in later posts.
  posted by Illiniwonk at 10:10 PM