It is impossible to carry this discussion on further with you when you are clearly misinterpreting and not reading my posts beyond a mere skimming level.IF you were right, maybe not playing well has something to do with who they've played and who is around them. I think it's funny you admit that we've faced some talent, but then go on to say that our "cupcakes" are basically indistinguishable. Your sole claim to fame is that Arkansas State made a game against a Big 10 team look somewhat close with a late score. This is the same team that lost at home to Troy mind you. The same Troy that BG beat on the road. Oh yeah, powerhouses.
So I ask you again. Which of your cupcakes is a mid level BCS conference team? Which of them has a player capable of leading a BCS conference in total yards, or has a first round draft pick, or the equivalent of the top unit in a BCS conference at any position? Which of your cupcakes is capable of putting up 773 yards on anyone? The fact is that Nevada and Illinois are way better than anyone you've beaten, and BG is about as good.
The "pedestal" I'm putting them on is simply defending them from the "cupcake" charge you seem to want to throw around. They are obviously not cupcakes, and both were good enough to teach us about ourselves.
Not only is the first line in your post something we agree upon, something that I even posted ("That said, you are only as good as your team will let you be, and considering Illinois is bad at a lot of positions, this makes these guys look bad."), you are contradicting my method of proving our cupcakes steel by using the exact same reasoning for yours. Which is why I said I'm not going to get into a pissing contest over who's is better when the argument is too circular.