Tate: Heels defense, Illini offense at forefront

Sports Talk 09-09-2016 » morePODCAST:Sports Talk 09-08-16

And now, The Game!

Forget the fumbled “hiring” of Tim Beckman. North Carolina coach Larry Fedora simply wanted to help his friend with a volunteer assignment, and it backfired.

Disregard the interminable NCAA investigation of UNC’s academic fraud. We still could be wondering about Tar Heels sanctions when March Madness rolls around.

The only thing that matters Saturday is the 6:42 p.m. game. And the “Lovie Smith effect” has turned it into the hottest Illini football ticket in five years.

Will the atmosphere affect the outcome? Absolutely. Cal transfer Hardy Nickerson, who produced 11 tackles in his UI debut, put it best: “You sign up for…