illinidarrin - I don't see a specific comment that Illinois has gone as far as they will go. In fact IMHO in all likelihood they can look forward to vying for the top 3 spots in the Big 10 as long as the recruiting keeps up it's momentum.
Where others raise questions, legitimately I feel, is how far the Illini can rise. In posing that question the issue isn't just next year. The issue is what happens when Michigan finally gets their ship onto Dick Wadriguez's track. You might reasonably respond, if that happen, but let's say, hypothetically, that happens in year 2 of RR's tenure as TSUN's coach. Further, you have the continued presence of Wisconsin as a routinely good team. You must also consider the possibility that Penn State finally gets their act together for a real run - maybe not next year - but again, perhaps in 2009-10. Finally, there is Ohio State - true there was the corrupt official / Defensively weak performance in Columbus that yielded the signature victory for the Illini in 2007. But next year in Champaign the Buckeye squad is Senior laden, while Illinois will have lost their signature back (though Cumberland and Williams do return), more importantly the heart of that Defense is gone in Lehman. (You also lose significant contributors at DT, Safety and other linebacker positions).
So, realistically - bearing in mind that Fresh or Frosh often don't work out - will the Illini be able to get to the very top - whilst Ohio State remains in the way, while Wisconsin keeps up their consistency, if Penn State gets a full head of steam - and if TSUN gets back on track with a new offense?
Your 2008 schedule as I recall has openers at Penn State and at Michigan in Big 10 play - you also face Mizzou once again in the OOC. The other key road game for the Illini, later in the season, is against that consistent Wisconsin squad.
