It seems impossible to know which Illinois team will show up on game day at this stage of the season, and Wednesday's matchup against Rutgers (a hobbled, mediocre Big Ten opponent) at the RAC (a sneaky-dangerous venue for visitors) offers little help in that projection.

Rutgers star freshman point guard Dylan Harper has been battling an ankle injury he suffered against Penn State.

Illinois is back in the Top 25 following their 87-79 win in Columbus over the Ohio State Buckeyes this past Sunday. It was a big win considering they had lost in overtime a few days earlier to Nebraska, 80-74. The Scarlet Knights have lost three of their last four. Last Thursday they fell to Michigan 66-63 at home.