Hello from Mokena, IL. The weather is awesome today so my buddy Bryan and I decided to take a disc golf trip to hit up a course around the Joliet area. We hit up Highland Park in Joliet. I didn't play so well, but I didn't lose any discs, and the weather was good. So no complaints.

Moving on...

I have been telling myself for a while that I would attend an Illinois volleyball game. I enjoy playing volleyball (if that's what you want to call it), but I've never really sat down and watched a game before. Let me tell you, if you haven't checked it out yet, go!

There are a couple of reasons why you should go watch the Illinois volleyball team. Firstly, their really good. Not only did they beat Iowa in straight sets last night 25-9, 25-18, 25-18, but they are ranked number five in the country. Illinois was clearly the dominant team. They did everything better. They served better, they set better, they definitely killed better. Good lord, how does someone get in front of that ball when it's coming at you fast like that. I would like to see a radar gun on one of those kill attempts. Amazing.

Secondly, it's hard not to appreciate the skill it takes to play this game. When I play on the U of I sand courts, I'm probably breaking every rule in the book. On top of that, I just try to hit it back over the net without trying to set anything up. These ladies set things up beautifully on almost every opportunity. They get so high above the net in order to hit the ball downward, and more times than not the Illinois players were able to find the hardwood with their kills. So not only do they hit the snot out of the ball, they know where to put it too.

It's definitely something that I will check out again. Apparently I'm not the only one who seemed to enjoy it. 1550 people filled up Huff Hall rather nicely and left with smiles on their faces as the Illinois won their 13th match in their last 14. Plus, it's always good to see Dave Loane. He does a fine job with the play-by-play of Illini volleyball on News Talk 1400 WDWS. If you can't make the game, turn on the radio. You won't miss a thing.

Coming up next is the “Monday Night Sim” between Illinois and Cincinnati. I'm almost afraid to do this, but it needs to be done. I'll be accepting predictions starting Tuesday after the sim results are in. Can the Illinois dig up their 2007 magic and beat an undefeated team on the road? Don't make me answer that right now.

I-L-L...