This time of year most Fighting Illini sports fans are rejoicing at the end of football season and the beginning of basketball season.

If Illinois had lost to Ohio State on Saturday — as the Illini were supposed to — the men’s basketball team’s 63-55 win over Northeastern would have been the highlight of the weekend for U of I fans. But Illinois didn’t do what it was supposed to do: The Illini won.

From the squirrel that dashed across the field before the game to Kevin Mitchell's game-clinching interception, Illinois fans had reasons to cheer during the Illini's 27-20 victory over Penn State.

I was lucky enough to attend this game, which sold out, and like most other fans, I noticed many things were different this year.

In three games, the Illinois Fighting Illini football team won more games than they did in their previous 22.

Now, instead of dreading playing No. 21 Penn State on Saturday, the Illini and their fans have something to look forward to.