That's the question staff writer SCOTT RICHEY tries to answer before the Illini hit the road for a three-game series starting Thursday at Michigan State:
STAYING ON TASK
That Illinois — with its 34-16 record, No. 21 RPI and 11-5 mark against top 50 teams — is at least in the picture when it comes to hosting an NCAA regional isn't exactly a secret. "They're aware," Illini coach Dan Hartleb said Tuesday about his team. "They know. With social media, everything is public. My job is to keep them focused on the moment and not the future.