The nation’s eyes will rest on Chicago for next week’s Big Ten tournament, all to see if Illinois can be the first team to make it to the NCAA Tournament undefeated since UNLV in 1991.

(That is, of course, unless Illinois falls at Ohio State on Sunday. But that’s about as likely as the Buckeyes making this year’s tourney.)

So here’s how it’s all going to go down. Remember, the Illinois-Ohio State game and the rest of this weekend’s results are projected, so the bracket may look a little different come Thursday.

First Round

No. 8 Northwestern (14-15, 6-10) vs. No. 9 Michigan (13-17, 4-12)

Amid injuries and a suspended Daniel Horton, Michigan has only one win — against sorry Penn State — since its 3-0 Big Ten start. Coming off a loss at formidable Indiana, the Wildcats will respond with hunger for the postseason.

No. 7 Ohio State (18-12, 7-9) vs. No. 10 Purdue (3-13, 7-20)

Though ineligible for the National Invitation and NCAA tournaments, Ohio State still will participate in this event. When something like this happens, the team’s showing is either inspiring or flat. Here’s assuming the latter. You haven’t heard the last of coach Gene Keady, whose team has had some fight in it lately.

No. 6 Iowa (19-10, 7-9) vs. No. 11 Penn State (7-22, 1-15)

Pierce or no Pierce, the Hawkeyes still are leagues ahead of the Nittany Lions — especially with some “Fire Alford” grumbling coming out of Iowa City.

Quarterfinals

No. 1 Illinois (30-0, 16-0) vs. No. 8 Northwestern

There’s always the possibility of the Cats catching Illinois napping. But the Illini will unite in their hatred of Nick Collins and knock off NU, just like they did after a traumatic pizza — or was it a doughnut? — throwing incident. Besides, how can the Cats possibly win after being jinxed by a campus-wide NIT ticket policy e-mail that was sent out before the team was eligible? Maybe those tickets can get students into the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl parade.

No. 2 Michigan State (22-5, 13-3) vs. No. 10 Purdue

Good-bye, Coach Keady. It’s been fun, and you’ll be missed.

No. 3 Wisconsin (20-7, 11-5) vs. No. 6 Iowa

The defending-champion Badgers have been a little shaky of late, but not as shaky as the Hawkeyes. Those Alford grumblings are getting a little louder …

No. 4 Indiana (15-12, 10-6) vs. No. 5 Minnesota (20-9, 10-6)

An intriguing — and unfortunate, from the Big Ten’s perspective — matchup, as both of these teams probably need a win (Minnesota) or two (Indiana) to secure an NCAA bid. They split the season series, but Indiana has played well down the stretch, including a win against Michigan State.

Semifinals

No. 1 Illinois vs. No. 4 Indiana

If Illinois is looking ahead to the finals, the team could get caught here, too. But the Illini are just too well-coached for that to happen.

No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 3 Wisconsin

In February the Spartans finally beat coach Bo Ryan after six straight losses, erasing the memory of blowing a late eight-point lead earlier this season. The Badgers also enter the tournament 5-6 outside the Kohl Center. Ryan’s team always is tough, but as Clint Eastwood says in this year’s Best Picture winner, “Tough ain’t enough.”

Finals

No. 1 Illinois vs. No. 2 Michigan State

Even though the Ratings Percentage Index doesn’t give it enough respect, the DAILY recognizes just how good Illinois is. The Illini won’t lose with history on the line. Now, strike up the clips of Jerry Tarkanian’s ’91 Runnin’ Rebels and Bob Knight’s ’76 Hoosiers.

THE DAILY’s pick to win it all: Illinois