Illini's chances of BCS at-large bid just got better

The Bowl Championship Series announced Tuesday that if fewer than 10 of the top 14 teams in the standings are eligible for an at-large bid, the qualifying standard will extend to the top 18.

The team that could come up smelling like a rose is Illinois. Ranked No. 17 in the BCS on Sunday, the Illini would become eligible for a BCS bowl if guidelines changed but still must edge at-large teams from conferences such as Big East and ACC to earn a BCS at-large spot.