The computers love Illinois this season mostly because Keaton Wagler, Kylan Boswell and Co. have teamed up to produce a top three offense and top 20 defense after some serious improvement on the defensive end the last month. Illinois will put its five-game winning streak on the line this week with two games that could (should) keep those metrics high. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more, including Jake Davis' role and recruiting, in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Whoever set Illinois' Big Ten schedule put together a favorable first half of league play. A series of winnable games — both at home and on the road — that could help Illinois match preseason expectations (contending for a

conference title) with in-season results (actually contending for a conference title). Illinois will do so with one of the top offenses in the country and an improving defense anchored by legitimate rim protector Zvonimir Ivisic. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this

week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois played its most complete game of the season in its Braggin' Rights blowout against Missouri. Exactly the kind of performance that

needs to be repeated in Big Ten play. Will they all be 43-point blowouts? No, but if Illinois can generate enough rebounding and defense to match its high-powered offense, a conference title isn't out of the question. Beat writer Scott Richey, on location in Nashville, Tenn., for the Music

City Bowl, discusses that and more in this week's episode of "Inside Illini Basketball."

College basketball takes a bit of a hiatus during the holidays. Games are few and far between. Players get a little time with their families. Coaches schedule more practices because class isn't an issue. So it's a different kind of busy this week. Beat writer Scott Richey provides a

little comfort and joy with holiday gifts for the entire Illinois roster — and coach Brad Underwood — in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Losing at home to Nebraska was not the end of the world for Illinois. It wasn't great, of course, particularly after starting Big Ten play with a

road win at Ohio State, but there's plenty of season for Brad Underwood and Co. to accomplish what they intend to this season. Illinois will just need better defense and significantly more consistent production from

Tomislav Ivisic. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Big Ten play started last week across the conference. Illinois will play its two early league games this week, with a road trip to Ohio State and a home game against Nebraska. Illinois will do so with some positive momentum following its double-digit win against Tennessee — a game that doubled as good prep for the physical Big Ten. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Was the Black Friday game against Connecticut a snapshot of Illinois at its best? No, but it's also no reason to start hitting the panic button.

Opportunities await this month for a talented Illinois team to bolster its résumé — starting Saturday in Nashville, Tenn., against Tennessee. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more (including recruiting, of course) in this week's Inside Illini Basketball

How far can a high-powered offense take Illinois this season? It's a relevant question given how productive the offense has been and how

competitive Illinois has looked because of it. A high-powered offense that might be necessary this week with a Black Friday showdown with Connecticut at Madison Square Garden. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more

in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The first two weeks of the college basketball season have proven two things our Scott Richey thought heading into the year — Illinois has a

real depth of talent and is, in fact, one of the best teams in the country. Last week's win against Texas Tech reinforced both ideas and propelled Illinois up the AP Top 25 again ahead of another high-level showdown with Alabama in Chicago. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois cruised through the opening week of the college basketball season, dominating Jackson State and Florida Gulf Coast. The challenge

increases dramatically with Tuesday's game against Texas Tech and two other high-profile games this month against Alabama and Connecticut. It's one thing to crush a mid-major opponent. It's another to go toe-to-toe with another top 15 team. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.