Patrick Norton

When Ayo Dosunmu slipped and suffered a potentially devastating knee injury a week ago, nobody genuinely cared about the unfortunate outcome of the game. While the Illini dropped their home rematch with Michigan State, Ayo was the only thing that mattered. The season’s alive if Ayo returns, but focus was solely on his longterm health.

As we held our breath until news broke of no structural damage to Dosunmu’s knee, the remaining season remained in doubt with no timetable given for a return. Nobody guessed that day would come one week later. When Rutgers crunched Illinois in Piscataway, all hope seemed lost, especially with Dosunmu’s future uncertain.

Then news broke on Tuesday morning: game-time decision. Ayo was back. Maybe not available against Penn State, but at least close to a return. Then as the night progressed, we learned Dosunmu participated in shoot-around. Finally, the Illini posted the starting lineup making Ayo’s return official.

Ayo Returns with a Vengeance

Giving one week to heal a major knee sprain is a leap. Asking for the performance of a lifetime, too? Nice try. Well, that’s just what Dosunmu did. The Illini clicked right off the bat with Ayo leading the charge. Alan Griffen contributed nine points off the bench and the Illini led at the half, 30-26.

Then Ayo stole the show. Finishing with 24 points, shooting 60% from the field, looking for contact and staying foul-free, it was as unstoppable a performance you could find. Cockburn loomed large in the paint and hit necessary free throws down the stretch, and while fans were on the brink of a massive heart attack, Ayo sealed the deal with under a minute to go.

This game highlights what we already knew: Ayo Dosunmu is the difference maker in Champaign. In order for the Illini to make a run in March, the health of Dosunmu is #1 on the priority list. Illinois can run with anybody. At their best, they’re one of the best teams in the country. When unhealthy, they’re a bubble team.

FS1, what is you doin’?

Last night’s broadcast included ZERO commercial breaks during the action, mic’d-up coaches, play-by-play, and “coach cam.” Calling it “Live All Access”, it really took away from the actual action. The insight was OK a few times throughout the night, but the main takeaway was coaches don’t like calls against them and want every call for them. Who knew?

If ESPN did their College Football Playoff MegaCast, but all on one channel, you’d have the FS1 Live All Access.