Poll Results: First Look '09 Illinois

Illinois has gone from the laughing stock of the Big Ten to one of the most competitive programs in the conference. Not long ago, 2-9 or 2-10 records were the norm in Champaign. But after their miraculous Rose Bowl season two years ago, and last year's down but not terrible 5-7 season, things are again looking up for the Illini.

More than half the voters in this week's First Look poll said Illinois should match its record from 2007, with eight or nine wins. That could translate into a nice New Year's Day bowl game. However, only 16 percent said the Illini will win more than nine games, and 26 percent said fewer than eight wins is likely. No respondents said the Illini will win 12 or more games, not even the Illini homers.

Results below the fold.