The Fighting Illini Football team by all accounts have surprised the fan base this season. Scratch that, the Big Ten. Actually, probably both.
Still, the 5-1 team that battled past Indiana in a surprising shoot-out and is led by a running back who is in the top 5 of the Heisman race and a Freshman Quarterback that may join him soon, is not ranked. Just think, weeks ago any one would have been happy with bowl eligibility.
While a few weeks ago, after defeating Iowa, the locker room seem to have a chip on their shoulder about the lack of national attention. Now, they are taking it a step further.
"We are pissed. Hell. I am pissed," Milnamow said. "We fight hard every week, and have had some big wins on the road and at home. One loss, that we have put in our rearview mirror, seems to be all people think about."
The loss Milnamow is referring to is the one back in September against Cal- who at the time was in the top 25. Milnamow threw 4 picks and the Illini still had a chance in the 2nd half to make some noise. However, the fact Marshawn Lynch had some big runs in the red zone, hurt the Illini that night. And Milnamow thinks it still hurts them to this minute.
While Milnamow claims he wears that loss more than others, Coach Ron Zook thinks he should be careful with his frustration.
"I know he is still upset, and that is fine," Zook said. "He shouldn't be yelling at the media though. He needs to continue to show it on the field."
Milnamow certainly isn't the only one upset about the lack of ranking. He is the first one to speak.
"This isn't me having a big head, but me letting the world know we are here," Milnamow said. "No one should take us lightly."
HB-30, number two in the Heisman race leading up to the home game agianst Penn State, stands behind his quarterback on the field. Right now, he is on the sidelines for this conversation.
"I get where (Kyle) is coming from, but at this time I would like to just talk about the game against Penn State," HB-30 said. "Now is the time to focus on taking down Penn State and historic coach Joe Paterno."
The conversation will not stop this week or next week or the week after. Milnamow isn't happy until the school her grew up loving starts getting the "love" he feels they deserve.
"These are my brothers and I will fight for this team until I have nothing left to give," Milnamow said. "Penn State and their fine program better be ready. We are ready to fight."
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