Bruce Weber can’t even buy cough syrup without being congratulated.

Rich McBride signs a Final Four T-shirt for an Illini Union employee before scurrying off to a class.

The plush times of Illinois basketball.

In the middle of this Illinois love fest, the Illini still have to face a team with some talent, coached by the college basketball version of John Kennedy.

It’s a good thing Louisville had a monumental come-from-behind win to get to the Final Four, too.

Both teams are dealing with the same issue – forgetting about an instant classic win.

The team who gets over its own glory will win Saturday.

The game has very little to do with the players, injuries, coaches or destiny.

Newfound celebrity status will define the game.

Teams reliving history will be history, and probably down double-digits at halftime. And be relegated to D-list celebrity status – right next to Andy Dick.

The Final Four matchup is a classic letdown game – for both teams – at the wrong time of the year.

How often do teams come out flat after winning a big game?

About as often as you see impressive comebacks.

Watching the replay of Deron sinking Arizona with his threes instead of tape of Francisco Garcia, and the Smilin’ Illini will become the Flyin’ Illini.

A team watching the national championship game. Instead of playing in it.

So, Illinois, what will it be?

“So, I told the kids,” Weber said. “Let’s go for it. We have an opportunity to go to the Final Four. Let’s make the most of it. Let’s win the thing.”

Weber is saying the right things. So is the team. More importantly, they have been doing the right thing all year. The whole season the team has ended every practice saying “National Champs.”

The Final Four hasn’t been the destination for this bunch, it is the starting point.

“It is more than just going to St. Louis,” said Illinois junior forward James Augustine. “Being in the Final Four is fine, but our goal is to win a national championship.”

If that isn’t enough to convince anyone, tests should.

That’s right. Tests. Classes don’t stop for the tournament. Especially engineering classes – they only stop for Bill Gates’ birthday.

Illinois senior forward Jack Ingram has a test the day of the national championship in ECE 442, Electric Circuits.

“I think I’m going to take it Monday afternoon (or) Monday morning before the game to try to get it done,” Ingram said.

Talk about a tough day, taking on electricity and then possibly moving on to guard Sean May.

It would be easier if Ingram could use some electric currents on May, but shock treatment defense may be frowned upon.

Call it a hunch, but a test in a 400-level engineering class might be enough to keep Ingram from dreaming about the inbound pass he stole against Arizona to get Illinois to the Final Four.

When will he find the time to study in the Madness of March-turning-into April?

Ingram is going to have to spend this week studying transistors, resistors and capacitors and it will be the best thing for him.

Practicing and facing Louisville will be a welcomed study break.

What would you rather spend, an extra half an hour doing circuits or taking extra jumpers?

Jumpers win.

And jumpers help win games.

Who knew engineering could help Illinois basketball?