Illinois does boast two victories over ranked opponents though

20 ButlerThe Buckeyes could easily be seen as the most likely candidate to jump into the top two of the Big Ten. With Evan Turner and David Lighty on the team, they can beat anybody.Defensively they have struggled defending the perimeter in their two losses. If that's the case the better shooting teams in the Big Ten with the ability tor rebound will present problems Even so, Evan Turner is game-changer. If he is crashing the boards and getting to the free-throw line than your squad is in trouble.

Ohio State will be in the top five in the conference as long as Lighty and Turner are healthy all season. Illinois Fighting IlliniCurrent Record: 8-3Notable Wins: No 19 Clemson (Trailed by 23), No. 24 VanderbiltKey Losses: Utah, Bradley, GeorgiaThe Illini have become a trendy choice to take that next step in the Big Ten in 2010 Their three losses came against bottom-level competition. The teams that beat them will be lucky to finish in the top halves of their own conferences when all is said and done.Illinois does boast two victories over ranked opponents though. The question is, which team are they The team that was losing by 20 at halftime Or, the team that outscored the Tigers by 22 in the second halfI tend to think the former, because I do not trust junior guard, Demetri McCamey or upstart freshmen guard, Brandon Paul. The two Mike's in the middle can battle any two big men in the country.

The ability to rebound when the guards are not shooting well will be the key to success for this team.Mike Tisdale is a great baseline jump shooter, he can block shots, and most importantly out-rebound anyone. Mike Davis has fine-tuned his inside post game and his footwork has developed over the past couple seasons. Even so, it will be tough for Illinois because of the talentedbackcourts on many of the better conference teams this year. If somehow the Illinoisbackcourt starts shooting the ball very well, this team could have a chance to do some special things this season. All four of these sleepers in this year's Big Ten Conference are legitimate NCAA tournament teams if they stay healthy. It almost looks like hockey line changes when you're watching Tubby Smith make his substitutions. He will sub out all five players on the court if they are not playing well. In certain situations, he will sub all five out when they are playing well. Of the sleepers, I feel he is the best coach in the bunch and that will give them the advantage in most of their games.