The University of Illinois football team plays host to top-ranked Ohio State on Saturday, assuring a sellout crowd and a frenzied campus atmosphere. The weather in Champagne is expected to be perfect -- mostly sunny and in the 70s.

"Chamber of Commerce stuff," said Brad Underwood, the school's basketball coach.

In past years, Underwood would have set up a massive recruiting weekend, trying to convince every possible high school prospect to see U of I at its best. The early signing period, after all, is just five weeks away.

This year? No official visits, just a couple of local players who will drive over on their own.

"I'm just choosing not to do it," Underwood said. "I'm not wasting the time or the dollars."

Welcome to the fall, where college basketball recruiting season is in semi-h

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