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Turpin Time

Illini Beat Mizzou - Weber's Christmas Carol

Posted by: Jim Turpin

Monday, December 22, 2008 4:44 PM

Ebenezer Scrooge had to deal with three ghosts.

Bruce Weber? At least two so far.

In 2003 Weber was fighting off the ghost of Bill Self. Self had led Illinois to three big seasons and the Illini were national news. Then, he left. Weber came on board. The ghost haunted him.

Self had left Weber with some talent: Dee, Deron, Luther, James, and Roger would wind up in the national championship game a year later. But, no one knew that in 2003.

Fans were restless after Illinois got whacked by Providence. Self good. Weber bad.

Then, the Braggin' Rights game in St. Louis. After losing a big first half lead, Illinois held on to win 71-70 over a very good Missouri team. Good coaching. Weber good. Self gone.

One ghost busted.

Now, Weber's second ghost - A 19-Loss Season - haunts him. In 2008 students said 'no way' to buying tickets. The excitement hasn't returned to the Assembly Hall. There is no national ranking. The Illini nation seems to be waiting for help to arrive - help in the form of high school seniors, juniors, and one sophomore.

Ten wins in 11 tries hasn't done it. The only big-name, tough, ranked team that the Illini have played is undefeated Clemson. " Couldn't even get off a last shot," the ghost shouts with each passing day.

The ghost buster is again in St. Louis. The opponent is again Missouri. The prize is a 9th straight Braggin' Rights win - but it is more than that. Much more. If the Illini win:

Another ghost busted.

Tiny Tim said: "God bless us, every one!"

A win over Missouri and Craig from Monticello might say:

"God bless them, every one, including Bruce Weber!"

Then, again, maybe not.