Player Profile: Vontae Davis Illinois CB

Pros: Davis plays corner with the body of a power running back and the speed of a scat back. He shows unbelievable quickness filling on runs and has great recovery speed. He is a tough physical player that never shies away from a big hit opportunity. The DC Native plays the game with good leverage and turns smoothly with no loss of speed. Davis is very hard for receivers to block—he could be the most physically gifted player in the entire cornerback class. Durability is a plus, as he did not miss time due to injury throughout his three-year career.

Cons: Despite his exceptional talent, Davis is not a huge playmaker. If he were the playmaker Alphonso Smith, Macho Harris or DJ Moore was, he would be a top-five overall pick. In addition, he makes too many mental mistakes. Davis often jumps short routes and flies up on play action, giving up plays over the top. He does not play with a good knowledge of the game and is often overconfident in his ability. He looks stiff at times and needs to learn to accept advice from the coaching staff. We did not see the progress one would hope to see from his sophomore to junior seasons, particularly for a player who decided to forgo his final season of college football. Was called out because of his underachieving junior campaign.

Scouts Take: Vontae Davis is like his older brother (Vernon Davis) in both good and bad ways. Both are unbelievable athletes that make the game look extremely easy at times. With great strength and speed, both can overmatch most of their opponents. Unfortunately, both have relied on their natural ability too often—that works at the high school level and to some extent even college, but now they must learn to take direction and stick to their responsibilities or they will be nothing more than average players, with physical tools most players only dream of. The former Fighting Illini flashed his unbelievable speed in the 2007 Rose Bowl—he was a good 10 to 15 yards behind the speedy USC tailback Joe McKnight when McKnight broke free on a screen. It looked like an easy USC touchdown, but Davis flew into the picture and snatched McKnight down. The play still resulted in a huge gain but it showed that Davis has the ability to make plays no one else on the field can make. When focused and driven, the sky is the limit for the Illinois’ product. There is no question the physical tools are there, but he must work on the mental part of the game if he wants to be an NFL star. Despite his mental weaknesses at times, Davis will be a first round pick and possibly the first corner off the board. Davis is the definition of a “Boom or Bust” prospect.

Photo Credit: Illinois Sports Information

Big Ten - Best Clutch Performance

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

1c. Penn State versus Ohio State: Penn State needed a win in Columbus to keep their undefeated season alive, but they hadn’t won there since a year after I was born (long enough). Daryll Clark suffered a second half concussion and was not allowed to return to the field. After a huge defensive stop, Pat Devlin took the offense down the field and put the Buckeyes away with a quarterback keeper for a touchdown.

1b. Iowa versus Penn State: Penn State’s only loss came at the hands of their nemesis – Iowa…with assists from Kinnick Stadium and Mother Nature. With winds whipping up to 30 mph, Penn State could have sealed the victory with a late fourth quarter touchdown, but an interception breathed life back into the Hawkeyes. Cool and collected (and wind-burned), they were able to march down the field and leave a chip shot for Daniel Murray to steal the night, 24-23.

1a. Ohio State versus Wisconsin: Freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor gained his first starting experience in the Big Ten at Camp Randall Stadium, an intimidating place to most. Late in the fourth quarter with a touchdown needed to win, Pryor led the troops down the field, converting two third downs and surviving two fumbles. On the last play of the drive, Pryor took an option keeper to the corner of the end zone, reducing the “Jump Around” faithful to a heaping slump of red silence. Unbelievable.

Bonus - Best Atmosphere:

3. Penn State at Ohio State: The Horseshoe battle for conference supremacy; a night game between storied programs and a rabid fan base which clung to hope right until Pryor’s last pass.

2. Illinois at Penn State: Happy Valley’s Big Ten opener was against Illinois. The Lions’ fans never fail to give us a show--the white out is one of the best sites in college football, and Penn St. one of the top home field advantages in the nation.

1. Ohio State at Wisconsin: Camp Randall fortifies for the Buckeye invasion, crescendos after P. J. Hill’s fourth quarter touchdown, and is finally silenced by Pryor winning score.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Iowa)

Big Ten - Just For Kicks

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

Honorable Mention: Michigan vs. Utah (opening day) – It was indeed a woeful season for Michigan, but who would have known that 1) Utah would be BCS-bound and 2) the Wolverines’ season could have had a dramatically different outcome (OK, at least four wins) if Utah’s Louie Sakoda didn’t blast four field goals from 28, 43, 41 and 53 (the eventual game winner). As if that wasn’t enough, Sakoda moonlighted by placing punt after punt deep in Michigan territory averaging 40 yards a boot.

3. Illinois vs. Iowa: Iowa made the game interesting by clawing back with two touchdowns late in the fourth. Then Juice Williams led his offense down field, setting up a 46-yard game-winning field goal attempt for Matt Eller, which he nailed for the win.

2. Michigan State vs. Wisconsin: Michigan State’s Brett Swenson saved the day in a mid-season clash with the Badgers, hammering home a 44-yarder as time expired to finish the Spartans’ fourth-quarter comeback.

1. Iowa vs. Penn State: The shot heard ‘round the world, or more likely, mostly in Happy Valley and some BCS computer microprocessors. Freshman Daniel Murray took down the mighty Lions from 31 yards out in 31-mph winds -- Penn State’s only loss. Iowa, baby…Iowa.

Tomorrow: Best Turnarounds/Surprises

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Utah)

Big Ten - Best 1-2 Punch: Defense

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

5. Trey Simmons and Marcus Sherels (Minnesota): They combined as the top two defenders against the pass, tallying a conference-best 24 pass break-ups and 6 interceptions. And they’ll be back next year.

4. Pat Angerer and Amari Spievey (Iowa): Nine interceptions with one returned for a touchdown between the two. OK, not bad. But, they also combined for 166 tackles (101 from Angerer).
3. Aaron Maybin and Navarro Bowman (Penn State): The epitome of playmakers for the Penn State defense. Maybin took first place in sacks with 12, third in tackles-for-loss (19) and tied for third in the Big Ten with three forced fumbles. Navarro Bowman complemented him from the linebacker position by adding 98 tackles (seventh best in the Big Ten) with 11.5 of them tackles-for-loss.

2. James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman (Ohio State): True ball-hawks. The two linebackers quite simply terrorized defenses (OK, after the USC game), accumulating 7.5 sacks and 197 tackles.


1. Brit Miller and Martez Wilson (Illinois): Tackling machines Miller and Wilson seemed to allow the orange fan base to forget about 2007 graduate and star middle linebacker, J Leman. Miller took home top honors in tackles with 132, while sophomore WILL tacked on another 73—that’s a whopping 205 combined. Oh, and they also sacked the opposition nine times between the two.

Tomorrow: Best Kicks

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Penn St.)

Big Ten - Best 1-2 Punch: Offense

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

5. Adam Weber to Eric Decker (Minnesota): Decker was on top of the conference in receptions (76) and second in touchdowns (6) and yards (925). The two combined to catalyze their offense’s early season success, which suffered once Decker went down with an ankle injury. In the last two years, this tandem has connected for 143 receptions 1,834 yards and 15 touchdowns and will have one more year together.

4. Greg Orton and Desmond Tardy [and Keith Smith] (Purdue): Orton (69 receptions, 720 yards, five touchdowns) and Tardy (67 receptions, 876 yards, five touchdowns) combined for 136 catches for 1,596 yards and 10 touchdowns. Throw in Keith Smith as a third option (49 receptions, 486 yards, two touchdowns) and you have a trio that was as good or arguably better statistically as Penn State’s Big Three.

3. Evan Royster and Derrick Williams (Penn State): These teammates finished in the top ten in all-purpose yards combining for 2,689 yards, 19 total touchdowns, and big contributions to the Spread HD. Land, air or sea, Royster and Williams helped catalyze the conference’s best scoring and total offenses.

2. Juice Williams and Daniel Dufrene (Illinois): Williams had a splendid year in total yards accumulated with 3,892 (3,173 passing). But he (719 yards, five touchdowns) and Dufrene (663 yards) hold the 8th and 9th spots as Big Ten rushing leaders. Altogether you have 4,555 yards between the two.

1. P.J. Hill and John Clay (Wisconsin): The quintessential 1-2 punch in the backfield. Hill finished sixth in yards (1,021) and fourth in touchdowns (12) while Clay, as a freshman, finished seventh in yards (845) and eighth in touchdowns (9). That’s 1,866 yards and 21 touchdowns combined. And both are likely to be back next year.

Tomorrow: Best 1-2 Punch: Defense

Photo Credit: University of Minnesota Athletic Communications

Big Ten - Best Single-Game Performances

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

6. Eric Decker (Minnesota) against Indiana: 13 receptions and 190 yards, both conference season highs. (For Michigan and Illinois: lucky we are excluding non-Big Ten opponents for best receiving performances).

5. K.C. Lopata (Michigan) against Minnesota: five field goals and two PATs gave the Michigan man 17 points single-handedly. Minnesota finished with one-third (6) of the total output by Lopata in a lopsided victory for Michigan (?!) for the Little Brown Jug. Did that really happen?

4. Juice Williams (Illinois) against Michigan: Williams single-handedly brought down the [Big] House with a stadium record of 431 total yards of total offense and four touchdowns, only to be out-done next week by…

3. Juice Williams (Illinois) against Minnesota: This time, Williams accounted for a whopping 503 yards of offense (conference high)--462 passing (also conference high) and 41 rushing. That’s 924 yards and six touchdowns in two weeks. Unfortunately, these great numbers came in a losing effort.

2. Shonn Greene (Iowa) against Wisconsin: 217 yards and four touchdowns in by far and away his best performance of an already celebrated, accomplished season. He accumulated at least 100 yards rushing in every game, and finished with a second-best 17 touchdowns.

1. Daryll Clark (Penn State) against Michigan State: When all the Big Ten marbles and a ticket to Pasadena were at stake, Clark achieved personal season bests for yards/attempt (13.1), rating (222.5), yards (341) and touchdowns (five).

Tomorrow: Best Video Game Performance (Performances that can only be believed if they were played out on a controller with too many buttons)

Photo Credit: Illinois Sports Information

On Location: Fitzgerald Made Proud By Seniors

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

EVANSTON, Illinois – The Sweet Sioux Tomahawk has been retired for good to the Northwestern trophy case in a 27-10 victory over Illinois. The symbol exchange started over 60 years ago, and Wildcats’ head coach Pat Fitzgerald reminded us of its first and final resting place, “In 1945, 13-7 Northwestern won, [it’s] very special to our football program to have it here now permanen-tly. We couldn’t be more proud to win one on our last oppor-tunity.”

And win they did. The Wildcats took the lead on their second possession, driving 77 yards with crisp passing by C.J. Bacher (22-of-33, 230 yards, two touchdowns, one interception), capped by a one-yard run by Stephen Simmons (22 carries, 69 yards, one touchdown). The defense ensured they would never look back and Illinois’ ensuing possession was a microcosm of their afternoon: sack, quarterback sneak by Juice Williams, sack, punt. The official tally of sacks was five by the Wildcats (lead by 2.5 from defensive end Kevin Mims) and zero for the Illini.

Ready to take control, North-western scored again, this time on a throw by Bacher, who rolled right and threw left to senior receiver Ross Lane (six receptions, 57 yards, one touchdown). The offense kept an athletic Illini defense off balance with great run-pass play-calling (34 rush, 33 pass for the game) and crisp execution by Bacher. “We usually take what the defense gives us. We took them head on. C.J. played an outstanding football game,” Coach Fitzgerald said.

Illinois looked to turn around a first half owned by the home team (213 yards to 86), deter-mined to get Williams more mobile, either with the option or rolling him out of the pocket to evade the pass rush by the Cat’s front four. They were successful taking the ball 80 yards on 11 plays into the end zone on a Jason Ford (six carries, 12 yards, one touchdown) dive over the goal line to put the game back in reach at 13-7. But Fitzgerald’s defense reinvented themselves in preparation for how Illinois would come out the second half. “Being up 13-0, we knew they were going to make some adjustments, Fitzgerald said. “They actually went to the option where we thought they were going to go. The key is to keep them out of the end zone. You have to rise up in the red zone and that’s what they [defense] did today.”

Williams (20-of-36, 212 yards, one interception) was contained, while still out-gaining Northwestern’s ground game (113 total yards) on his own with 135 yards.

After trading field goals to make it 16-10, the game swung quickly back in Northwestern’s favor as Brendan Smith took a punt 51 yards down to the Illinois 20. This set up the short field and within two plays, Bacher found senior Eric Peterman (eight receptions, 111 yards, one touchdown) in the end zone on an 18-yard strike. Along with a successful two-point conversion, the Wildcats were back in control at 24-10. “All three of our receivers played well. Looks like Ross, Eric, and Rasheed played their best game collectively. To see those 23 young men and those three receivers before the game, they have really stepped up. I couldn’t be more proud of those guys.” Fitzgerald remarked about his veteran receivers and senior squad.

As the game drew toward its conclusion, it was only fitting that Northwestern’s defense stepped up one last time, forcing a fumble. Senior tackle John Gill burst through the Illinois’ front line and sacked Williams. He forced the ball out, which was recovered by linebacker Quentin Davie. The home team tacked on a field goal to make it 27-10.

“They are mentally exhausted, physically exhausted, we’ve been that way nine times, that’s what it takes to win a Big Ten football game. You need to lay it all on the line and not be afraid to trust yourself. And what I’m most proud of was to see those seniors have stayed the course and when you do that you have the opportunity to get better and I think collectively as a team this was our best performance of the year,” Fitzgerald concluded.

On Location: Illinois’ Glow After Beating Rival Iowa

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

CHAMPAIGN, Illinois. Ron Zook coached with a fire in his belly, and 60,000+ fans in Memorial Stadium personified that fire on a perfect fall afternoon for a classic Big Ten showdown. The stadium brimmed with orange jerseys and was accented by rival Iowa’s legion in black, which resembled a bed of hot coals just waiting for something to ignite its kinetic potential. Illinois’ anticipation of this game stemmed from a handful of bitter tasting defeats handed to them five years running by the Hawkeyes.

“I hate Iowa…I don’t know, it’s just something about Iowa. Last year, how they rushed the field, I just have some big thing against Iowa…I just don’t like Iowa.” commented wide receiver Arrelious Benn after the game, a sentiment apparently shared by his teammates, “…Iowa’s going to be off our schedule for three years and the seniors never beat Iowa, but now they have. Iowa thinks they’re a team that’s better than us…it has a lot to do with last year, through the week they talked a lot of trash.”

Up until the second half, the game moved quietly, as Iowa’s defensive front seven was able to limit Illinois’ spread attack. Surprisingly, the Illini defense was in control of the game, holding the Hawkeyes to three made field goals (and one miss) in four red zone attempts while folding in an interception. Illinois led 10-9 midway through the third quarter in mostly a defensive struggle. Iowa used running back Shonn Greene (21, 103 yards, one touchdown) to push their offensive agenda and utilized the play-action pass to move the ball in the first half. However, great second half adjustments by the Illinois secondary essentially stymied their opposition – by playing mostly man-under two, Iowa quarterback Ricky Stenzi (11-29, 191 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions) could rarely find open receivers, in which led to sacks, forced scrambles, short dump-offs to the tight ends or incomplete passes.

With Illinois starting to click on offense, quarterback Juice Williams (22/37, 272 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions) took advantage of some broken coverage in the Iowa secondary to find a wide-open Fred Sykes for a 50-yard touchdown. On the ensuing Iowa possession, with the Hawkeyes down 17-9 early in the fourth quarter at their own 15, defensive back Dere Hicks sacked Stanzi, forced a fumble and dashed in to the end zone from seven yards out for a seemingly back-breaking score. It looked as if the fourth quarter would belong to the home team in a pull away win.

But Iowa responded immediately with an efficient 64-yard drive, taking only four plays and consuming only 2:14 of game clock. Wide receiver Andy Brodell caught a pass and scooted around the defense into the end zone on a 29-yard reception. The teams then traded punts as the clock wore down to the four-minute mark, when Iowa’s chance at a complete comeback fell upon them. On second and six from their own 33, Josh Ford took a handoff from Williams and fumbled. Fortunately for Ford, it was recovered by the Hawkeyes and three rushes later, Iowa hit pay dirt on a five-yard sweep off the strong side by Greene. Down 24-22, the Hawkeyes had to go for two and Stanzi found tight end Allen Reisner open in the end zone for the conversion to tie the game at 24.

With 2:46 left in the contest and starting at their own 20, Illinois took the field for the final time against the conference-leading scoring defense. On ten consecutive passes, followed by a five-yard run by Mikel LeShoure, Williams guided the Illini down to the Iowa 29, setting up kicker Matt Eller with a 46-yard field goal attempt with :28 on the clock. Cool and collected, Eller split the uprights, sending Memorial Stadium and the Illini bench in to a celebratory frenzy. When Zook was asked what he said to Eller before the kick, the coach remarked, “Matt, how long you been waiting for this moment…he kinda laughed…if Matt keeps his head down, I don’t have much of a concern.”

The game was finally sealed when Stanzi was intercepted by Vontae Davis.

Afterwards, Coach Zook commented about the tone of the game, which seemed to coincide with Benn’s belief they were battling through a bitter rivalry, “Both teams played until the end…that’s a Big Ten game right there, a 60-minute game, lining up and trying to knock the crap out of each other. This was the hardest hitting game to date.”

As a result of the hard-fought win, Illinois (5-4) took a step closer to bowl eligibility and climbed up one more rung in the Big Ten standings. Coach Zook refused to call this a “must-win” game, but now sees the remainder of the season set up, “We’re coming into our own…this is going to be a heck of a stretch for us…whatever we need to do for 21 days.” After this win, there’s no need to wonder where the team is emotionally - you can tell by the glow emanating from Arrelious Benn’s face (sporting athletic contact lenses in a spooky shade of orange) or by the newly-stoked fire in their eyes.

Photo Credit: Illinois Sports Information

This Date in College Football History

November 2, 1974: Legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes (future College Football Hall of Famer) earns his 200th career win against Illinois in Columbus. Buckeye tailback Archie Griffin (two-time Heisman Trophy winner and 1986 College Football Hall of Fame inductee) rushes for 144 yards, setting an NCAA record for most consecutive games gaining 100 yards or more (18).

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Big Ten Preview - Week Eight: Time for the Dust to Settle

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

1. Ohio State (3-0) at Michigan State (3-0): This weekend,the Spartans and Buckeyes will tangle in a Big Ten showdown full of title implications. Both come in with a single, non-conference loss, tied with Penn State on top of the conference. Luckily for both teams, the loser still survives as Penn State remains on both of their schedules.

Key Match-ups: Ohio State rushing vs. Michigan State rushing – Both teams bring great ball-carriers to the table (Michigan State’s Javon Ringer and Ohio State’s Beanie Wells) and are even in yardage on the ground (177 yards/game). But the Spartans yield more on defense (140 yards/game). Both teams use the run to set up the pass, but Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor will rely on the ground game a bit more to set up the pass. Otherwise, the Buckeye offense may struggle like they did against Purdue (222 total yards, 97 yards passing). Or, understanding that Michigan State is near the bottom of the Big Ten in pass defense (227 yards/game), Ohio State may consider using a passing scheme that can help set up the run. As for the Spartans, they will certainly need their run to set up the passing attack for Brian Hoyer who, despite showing steady improvement, has not faced the Buckeyes’ top ranked passing defense (165 yards/game). If Ohio State can keep the Spartans (eighth with a 37% 3rd down conversion rate) in third and long situations and out of the red zone (Spartans hold the top two scoring slots in the Big Ten – Ringer [84] and kicker Brett Swenson [68]), they have a better shot at leaving East Lansing with their heads held high in victory. Ohio State’s defense will pull through and keep the Spartans out of the end zone…barely.

PREDICTION: Ohio State 27, Michigan State 23

2. Michigan (1-1) at Penn State (3-0): First things first--the only number in Michigan’s favor is their nine game winning streak against the Nittany Lions. Other than history, there is nothing statistically that can prove this game will be close. One thing that is certain is that there will be a great deal of emotion emanating from both sidelines. Penn State’s Daryll Clark, Deon Butler and Penn State coaches talked the talk last week after their big win over Wisconsin claiming that Michigan is a tough, competitive group. Further, no current Penn State player has beaten the Wolverines which will allow the Lions to stay focused on the task at hand. From Michigan’s perspective, as much as they bottomed out against non-conference Toledo, they still believe they have enough fight left in them to get through the rest of the conference schedule successfully. This sort of speak seems to be coming mostly from the defensive side of the ball, which begs the question--how resilient can Rich Rodriguez’s offense be at this point of the season? Character, confidence, emotion, and pride are the catalysts for victory for both teams, albeit for different reasons. All the white that will blanket Happy Valley Saturday will not only lend support to the home team, but also inadvertently symbolize the Michigan surrender.

PREDICTION: Penn State by, uh, I can’t make a prediction now- my wife just told me she bought a $500 purse. PSU 500, Michigan broke

3. Wisconsin (0-3) at Iowa (1-2): After losing their first three games in the conference, the Badgers now get to head out to Iowa City to face the 4-3 Hawkeyes. Wisconsin needs: character, confidence, emotion, pride (yes, I am being redundant)…and a dash of some consistent passing. Tight ends Travis Beckum and Garrett Graham have been very quiet during their losing streak and their play must improve if Wisconsin is to cure their offensive ills. The Hawkeyes (98 yards/game) are solid at stuffing the run and that, coupled with Wisconsin’s decimated offensive line, will keep the Badgers sputtering in Kinnick Stadium.

PREDICTION: Iowa 24, Wisconsin 10

4. Purdue (0-2) at Northwestern (1-1): The future of quarterback Curtis Painter could very well be in the hands of the Wildcats. Purdue Coach Joe Tiller is hinting that his patience will soon run out on the senior, forcing a quarterback change for the future in junior Joey Elliott. This will finally light the fire under the senior signal caller, but he will remain in the hot seat.

PREDICTION: Purdue 29, Northwestern 17

5. Indiana (0-3) at Illinois (1-2): This game will look very similar to Illinois’ victory against Michigan two weeks ago. Lots of scoring and yardage and not much competition from the competition. Illinois stumbled last week, yielding costly sacks and committing untimely turnovers against Minnesota, but the Hoosiers do not hold the same big-play defensive capability as Minnesota. Thus, same result as the Michigan game, and the Illini will continue to confuse us concerning their true potential.

PREDICTION: Illinois 38, Indiana 23

Big Ten Week Six Previews

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

Underdogs in need of some help from baseball legends.

Last week, the visiting squads needed to get off to early starts to stay alive. This week, the home teams will need to step up their games if they are to defend their turf. In light of the Major League Baseball playoffs, I have added some baseball legends whom, had they traded batting helmets for facemasks, could help out the underdogs.

Northwestern stays undefeated. OK, they are off this week. Who else comes out unscathed from Week 6?

1. Ohio State at Wisconsin: Badgers need Willie Mays to run everything down in center field.Against Michigan, Wisconsin could have been exploited over the deep middle several times. Slot receiver Martavious Odoms ran wild on several pass attempts last week, but the Wolverines lacked the necessary timing and experience to connect. In order for the Badgers to cash in at night at Camp Randall, they will need safeties Jay Valai and Shane Carter to not only track down balls launched over their heads, but also to close down alleyways around the box to stuff the run. Wisconsin has shown enough discipline on defense to do this (if you forget the second half last week). If they choose to merely maintain that run discipline and defend against Beanie Wells, it will leave time for Terrelle Pryor to make good decisions passing the ball and wideouts Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie will exploit the deep middle. The Badgers will lose a great game in a great atmosphere, perhaps on Ohio State’s last possession.
PREDICTION: Ohio State 30, Wisconsin 27

2. Illinois at Michigan: Michigan needs Ichiro Suzuki to put the ball in play. The difference between last week and this week for Michigan is that after one half of play, Wisconsin thought Michigan’s offense was inept and eased off the gas. This week, Illinois knows that the Wolverines can move the ball at times, despite being ranked in the pits for total offense (110th, 285 yards/game). Michigan needs to be able to hit for power, hit for average and play faster; but the Illini are much more athletic on defense than Wisconsin, which may counter Rich Rodriguez’s spread even more. Contrary to last week where Illinois could not keep up with their opponent (Penn State), it will be Michigan that will not be able to keep up with the Illini in a game that promises to be close…but not close enough.
PREDICTION Illinois 27, Michigan 20

3. Penn State at Purdue: The Boilermakers need Derek Jeter if they want to be playing for something worthwhile in November. Purdue’s season-killing skid usually starts a little later in the season, but they will need immediate leadership on both sides of the ball from the coaches and/or quarterback Curtis Painter to avoid an early collapse. The tools are there for Purdue to contend, but they need to piece this season back together fast. However, it’s a bad time to face a third straight loss as red-hot Penn State comes to West Lafayette looking to maintain their national championship hopes (averaging 515 yards/game and FBS-leading 33 touchdowns). Just as this year has panned out for Jeter and the New York Yankees, it may be a lonely October for the Boilermakers--Penn State rolls in a four-quarter sweep.
PREDICTION Penn State 42, Purdue 17

4. Iowa at Michigan State: Hawkeyes need Thurman Munson blocking home plate.
The NCAA officially lists Iowa’s offensive focal point (running back) Shonn Greene as “probable”, which is the good news. The bad news is the description of his injury listed as “head”. Oh boy. With a completely healthy Greene, this would have been an intriguing match-up of smash-mouth football between Greene (6th in the FBS with 133 yards/game) and Spartans’ tailback Javon Ringer (2nd in the FBS with 180 yards/game). Now I’m not so sure Iowa will have the offensive firepower to keep this one close on the road. Iowa must keep this one a low scoring affair by keeping Ringer out of the end zone. The Hawkeyes’ predecessors were not able to do it, and neither will Iowa.
PREDICTION: Ringer 21, Iowa 10

5. Indiana at Minnesota: The Hoosiers need Ozzie Smith to make some “short stops”. Last week, Michigan State went to Bloomington and piled up nearly 500 yards of offense on a porous Indiana defense. Combined with the prior week’s loss to Ball State, they had given up 966 yards and 84 points, which showed promise. This week, the Hoosiers go on the road to face a spread offense led by Minnesota’s sophomore quarterback Adam Weber. Weber will have to correct some of those mistakes that he and the Gophers made Columbus if they are to control the ball better this week. The Indiana defense needs an all-star performance, one that provides the offense with enough time to put up points on their own (which they have shown they certainly can). Who will step up on defense for the Hoosiers? No one.
PREDICTION: Minnesota 37, Indiana 30

Featured Match-Up: Derrick Williams vs. Vontae Davis

BIG TEN PLAY opens this week, as the Fighting Illini of Illinois make their way to Happy Valley to take on the undefeated Penn St. Nittany Lions. Penn State’s offense is averaging 53 points per game and if Illinois is to tame the Cats for a second straight season, their key players on the defensive side of the ball will have to step up and play their best football this season.

Wide receiver Derrick Williams, the Maryland native, came to Happy Valley as one of the Nittany Lions’ biggest recruits in school history. The physical skills are there, particularly in the speed department—Williams is a legitimate burner capable of running by defenders. His biggest strength is the ability to make people miss, particularly in the open field, so it’s no surprise that Williams is an electrifying return man as well.

The Nittany Lions use him primarily as a punt returner but he is also a weapon in the running game, on reverses or end-arounds. On the season, Williams has compiled 415 all-purpose yards, averaging 31.8 yards per kick return with one touchdown as the Nittany Lions have roared to a 4-0 start. While he may trail fellow seniors Jordan Norwood and Deon Butler in receiving production so far, Williams (eight receptions, 113 yards) is capable of breaking loose at any point and turning in a big game—he had five receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown when these teams met last season.

One player who will be charged with keeping Williams in check is Illinois cornerback Vontae Davis. The Washington, DC native plays a physical brand of football and racks up tackles at an unusual rate for a cornerback. Through three games, Davis has recorded 23 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, guiding the Illini to a 2-1 start. During his first two seasons, the junior corner registered 128 tackles, five interceptions, 14 passes broken up and 6.5 tackles for loss.

He capped off his sophomore season with a 13-tackle performance against USC in the Rose Bowl. Davis was so good last year, that he was the only sophomore who was a Jim Thorpe semifinalist. He is considered by some as the top cornerback in all of college football this season. Vontae’s brother, Vernon, played tight end at Maryland and was the sixth overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, selected by the San Francisco 49ers.

When the duo from the Atlantic coast square off against one another in Beaver Stadium Saturday night, not only will bragging rights be on the line, but possibly the outcome of the Big Ten’s premier opening week contest.

Photo Credit: Illinois Sports Information

This Date in College Football History

Sept. 23, 1967: Frank Dickinson, an economics professor at the University of Illinois, passes away at age 67. Dickinson developed a mathematical point system (Dickinson system) to divide football teams into two categories, those who had higher than .500 winning percentage and those below. The system was originally intended to award the top team in the Big Ten, but Notre Dame head coach Knute Rockne convinced Dickinson to use the ranking nationally and to predate the ranking. The system was used from 1924-1940 to award the Rissman National Trophy and the Knute K. Rockne Intercollegiate Memorial Trophy.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

CFI RANKINGS: #10 ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI

2007 RECORD: 9-4; BIG TEN: 6-2
Lost Rose Bowl vs. USC 49-17
LOCATION: Champaign, Illinois
STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (65,000)
HEAD COACH: Ron Zook
OVERALL: 36-37 (6 seasons)
AT ILLINOIS: 13-23 (3 seasons)

We knew Ron Zook could recruit—see the 2006 BCS Champion Florida Gators—but last season Zook showed us that he can in fact coach a little too. When he arrived in Champaign, the Illini were coming off back-to-back losing seasons in which they combined to win four games (19 losses). It wasn’t a quick turnaround for the Zooker—he won four games in his first two seasons (19 losses)—but quietly he was building the foundation. Last year Illinois broke through, not only qualifying for a bowl, but the Rose Bowl. They won nine games which, if you do your math right, is one more than the previous four seasons combined.

WHEN THE ILLINI HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Mike Locksley (4th Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
KEY LOSSES: Rashad Mendenhall, Martin O’Donnell, Akim Millington, Jacob Willis

Rashad Mendenhall is a big loss, but don’t shed too many tears for the Illini’s rushing attack. They return three-fifths of their offensive line and in Juice Williams they have one of the nation’s top running quarterbacks. Williams has a thick lower body which allows him to use his power as well as his athleticism to break tackles. Williams also does not run simply to pad his numbers, but when the team needs him the most—his yards count. Replacing Mendenhall will likely fall to more than one man. Senior RB Daniel Dufrens showed glimpses of his breakaway ability in backup duty. Freshmen Mikel LeShoure, Troy Pollard and Jason Ford will get their chances, with LeShoure packing a big punch at 240 pounds. Williams is still a work in progress as a passer, but the arm strength and potential are there. Sophomore WR Arrelious Benn was as good as advertised and should even better in year number two as a starter now that he is completely healthy. Jeff Cumberland has potential and was underutilized last season.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) WR Arrelious Benn (SO), 2) TE/WR Jeff Cumberland (JR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

CO-DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Dan Disch (2nd Season/4th at Illinois)
CO-DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Curt Mallory (2nd Season/4th at Illinois)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
KEY LOSSES: J Leman, Antonio Steele, Justin Harrison, Kevin Mitchell, Justin Sanders

Up front, none of their players would be described as spectacular, but they have an excellent rotation at defensive end, led by seniors Will Davis and Derek Walker sharing time with junior Doug Pilcher. Davis is their top pass rusher, with Pilcher providing some big plays off the bench. In the interior, senior DT David Lindquist is their top run stuffer. The back seven features two of the most physically gifted and talented defenders in the nation in junior CB Vontae Davis and sophomore LB Martez Wilson. Davis is further ahead of the curve with two years of experience as a starter, while Wilson is more of a raw talent still learning the ropes. Both are explosive and potential difference makers. Leading the group in the huddle will be senior Brit Miller, who slides over from OLB to MIKE, taking the place of J Leman. They have talent at safety, but they are unproven. Whether it be at safety or sprinkled in the front seven, expect an influx of young talent on the defensive side of the ball.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) CB Vontae Davis (JR), 2) LB Martez Wilson (SO)

THE SCHEDULE

The Illini have a chance to show the college football world that last season was not a fluke when they take on “Arch” rival Missouri to kick off the season. Last season neither team was ranked to start the year…this time around, both are. One thing is for sure—if they are to reach nine wins again, the Illini will have to earn it. They must visit Penn St., Michigan and Wisconsin, with their trips to Happy Valley and Ann Arbor kicking off their conference schedule. That’s four foes in the preseason Coaches Poll before the calendar turns to November. In the season’s final month, they finally play a ranked opponent in the friendly confines as the Ohio St. Buckeyes make a visit.

PIVOTAL POINT

A more well-rounded Juice: Williams has been receiving high praise for his play in camp and is coming off a scrimmage in which he completed 16-of-25 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns (no interceptions). He can do it, he’s done it before, he just needs to do it on a more consistent bases. Against the No. 1 ranked Ohio St. Buckeyes, Williams threw four touchdown passes and no interceptions, handing the Buckeyes their lone regular season loss. However, in the Illini’s other 12 games, his TD-INT ratio was 9-12, which is simply unacceptable. His completion percentage of 57.3 also will not cut it if Illinois is to take the next step.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

The Illini may have arrived a bit ahead of schedule last season. Some might even say they were exposed by the Men of Troy in the Rose Bowl…but not so fast my friends. Although the Illini may not improve upon their 9 wins from last season, there's no reason to think they can't at least match it. With three tough tests in their first five games, the learning curve is steep, but no one can deny the playmakers are in place. Illinois is a sleeper in the Big Ten.

Photo Credit: University of Illinois

Newcomer Spotlight: Big Ten: Donsay Hardeman

By Brian Vornberg

Coming into 2007, Illinois did not have high expectations. This season, all of that has changed after the Fighting Illini were one of the surprise teams of the year and earned a Rose Bowl berth. Couple that with the talented recruiting class that head coach Ron Zook has just reeled in and there are high hopes going into 2008.

A huge part of this season’s success will depend on the newcomers, including safety Donsay Hardeman. Of all of Zook’s 2008 recruits, Hardeman seems to be the most college-ready after playing at Georgia Military College the last couple of seasons. He already has linebacker size and is capable of hitting like one too. I once asked Donsay about his favorite football moment and he mentioned a game in which he hit a guy so hard, he broke his jaw his three different places. He did feel really bad for the guy, by the way. However, it’s still a great football story.

Illinois had the good fortune of having Donsay fall into their lap in a way. He was originally a top-flight recruit in the 2006 class who was sought after by the likes of Miami, South Carolina, and others. However, he did not qualify academically, hence the last two years at Military School. Now Hardeman seems to have turned all of his academic troubles around and is looking to find a new home in Champaign.

Hardeman enters a great situation coming to the Illini, whose defense is already in great shape with young studs like linebacker Martez Wilson and cornerback Vontae Davis. It must be said that the young men challenging Donsay, namely Bo Flowers and Nate Bussey, are also very talented players. However, I believe Donsay Hardeman will be co-defensive coordinators’ Dan Disch and Curt Mallory’s man at the safety spot by the beginning of the season. He’s just too talented, intimidating, and vocal to keep off the field.

Zook, Mendenhall honored in Big Ten

PARK RIDGE, Ill. (AP) - Illinois coach Ron Zook, his star running back Rashard Mendenhall and Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis were honored Monday night as the Big Ten announced its 2007 all-conference team.

Zook was named the Dave McClain coach of the year by members of the media for leading the Illini to a 9-3 record that included an upset of then top-ranked Ohio State.

Mendenhall was named offensive player of the year and Laurinaitis was chosen defensive player of the year in balloting for both the media and coaches.

Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long was named offensive lineman of the year for a second straight season, while Vernon Gholston of conference champion Ohio State was tabbed defensive lineman of the year by the coaches.

Ohio State has won back-to-back outright titles for the first time since 1954 and 1955 and Laurinaitis was a big reason. He led the Buckeyes with 103 tackles and had five sacks. His teammate Gholston had 10 sacks during conference play.

Mendenhall broke school single-season records for rushing yards, leading the Big Ten with 1,526 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns.

In addition to Mendenhall and Zook, the Illini garnered another honor: Arrelious Benn was named freshman of the year after catching 49 passes and being a threat on kick returns.

Zook guided the Illini, which won only two games last season, to a seven-win improvement in his third season on the job and has the program headed to a bowl game. Besides beating the Buckeyes in Columbus, they also defeated Penn State and Wisconsin this season.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: University of Illinois

Face of Illinois' resurgent program starting to take shape

By DAVID MERCER
Associated Press Writer

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - On a Saturday night in mid-September, the 19-year-old face of Ron Zook's plan to rebuild Illinois football was pouting.

The Illini had just beaten Western Illinois 20-0. The shutout was nice against an overmatched opponent, but the offense was sluggish and quarterback Juice Williams was a ho-hum 12-for-24 for 123 yards and no TDs.

``I was pretty down on myself, walking around by myself, alone, being quiet,'' Williams said this week. ``It was kind of selfish on my part.''

Two months later, Williams' star has never shone brighter.

Williams turned in the game of his life last Saturday in the Illini's 28-21 stunner over No. 1 Ohio State. He was 12-for-22 for 140 yards and four touchdowns passes and ran for 70 yards on 16 carries. When Illinois was trying to seal its first victory over a top-ranked team since 1956, Williams ran for three key first downs and the Illini kept the ball for the final 8:09.

``I always wanted to get this team turned around,'' Williams said, ``but I didn't expect (it to be so fast).''

He's not alone.

Williams, whose given name is Isiah, came to Illinois in 2006 from Chicago Vocational, the same South Side high school that produced Illini Hall of Famer Dick Butkus.

Williams was Zook's first big-name recruit with Illinois, the first sign the master recruiter might be able to convince talented kids to spend four years at a school that hadn't had a winning season since 2001.

Williams was a rarity: a top-notch Chicago prospect who chose Illinois over Notre Dame or any of several dozen other top football programs around the country.

At 6-2 and 220 pounds, he was compared to Michael Vick - a big, fast, athletic quarterback who could beat teams with his feet or his arm

No pressure, kid.

Williams played in every game as a freshman, starting most of them.

But he struggled, completing less than 40 percent of his passes and throwing as many interceptions - nine - as touchdowns.

The Illini finished 2-10.

Zook has consistently defended his young quarterback. Before this season started, he pointed out to anyone who would listen that Williams' passing stats were weighed down by a lot of dropped balls.

The high-energy coach also regularly reminded reporters and boosters that Williams was still just a kid.

``People might have forgotten, gosh, he's only a sophomore,'' Zook said.

Williams is a run-first quarterback. He's Illinois' second-leading rusher, behind tailback Rashard Mendenhall, with 638 yards on 127 carries. Most of the quarterback's yards are the product of the option Illinois frequently runs out of its no-huddle, spread offense.

Williams and Zook say the quarterback has matured and is more likely to wait for a receiver to come open, but Williams is still only 10th rated passer in the Big Ten. He has completed 56 percent of his passes for a modest 1,278 yards - 116 a game - 12 TDs and nine interceptions.

Zook has pulled Williams several times this season, benching him when he struggled in favor of redshirt freshman Eddie McGee.

The strategy worked against Penn State and Wisconsin, with McGee running the ball on key plays that either sealed or led to wins.

The two quarterbacks have said they're good friends and insisted there's no quarterback controversy. Williams has called McGee his relief pitcher.

Williams, however, hasn't been benched the past three weeks, and in each game he's gotten a little better, looked a more comfortable in the pocket, and thrown better passes.

``That's the Juice that we see at practice every day,'' senior offensive lineman Martin O'Donnell said. ``We know that he has the ability to make those plays.''

Williams says he's seeing the game in a way he's never seen it before, focusing on his receivers more than the seven or eight defenders coming at him.

``The game is really starting to slow down for me,'' he said. ``I'm extremely confident right now throwing the football around.''

Two weeks ago, in a 44-17 win over last-place Minnesota, Williams had what was to that point the best game of his career. He was 14-of-21 passing for 207 yards and two touchdowns, and ran the ball for another 133 yards and another TD.

Then came Saturday in Columbus.

The four touchdown passes - to four different receivers and none to favorite target Arrelious Benn, who left the game with a concussion - were impressive.

But it was only a warm up for the last drive.

With just under 7 minutes to play, the Illini were up 28-21 and faced a fourth-and-inches at their own 33.

With Illinois lined up to punt, Buckeye coach Jim Tressel called a timeout, giving Williams a chance to lobby Zook for a change of plans. Some teammates say that, under the circumstances, Williams is the only player who could have talked Zook into what was a huge gamble.

``I said, 'Coach, you don't think we can get a half an inch?''' Williams said after the game. ``He said, 'If you don't get it, I'll hurt you.''

He didn't have to.

Williams got the first down on a sneak. Ohio State never touched the ball again.

``He's a tough guy,'' Zook said. ``In my opinion, if he has a fault, he tries too hard sometimes. He was gonna' get that first down, no matter what.''

Williams has been low-key this week about the play, the win and what it all meant to a program that for decades has known more bad than good.

``It kind of feels like my high school days again,'' he said. ``A lot of times I'd just walk through the hallways and get congratulations from fellow classmates and teachers, and even the principal sometimes.''
Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: University of Illinois

Ohio State focusing on Big Ten, not BCS

By RUSTY MILLER
AP Sports Writer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Things were right on target for another great Ohio State-Michigan showdown that would send the Buckeyes back to the BCS national championship game.

Then, along came Illinois.

The Illini's 28-21 upset of No. 1-ranked Ohio State (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) has taken a lot of the steam out of this week's annual regular season-ending grudge match with Michigan (8-3, 6-1). For their part, the Wolverines also tuned up for the showdown with a loss, at Wisconsin.

Sure, an outright Big Ten title's still on the line. And the Rose Bowl is still a nice consolation prize. But the Buckeyes' first defeat in 21 conference games and first setback in 29 regular-season games sure has draped a wet blanket over all the excitement.

``Definitely we know the national championship is out of the picture,'' starting quarterback Todd Boeckman said glumly.

Now, the Buckeyes have to lower their sights somewhat, from playing for No. 1 in the nation to playing for No. 1 in the conference.

Coach Jim Tressel said he wouldn't try to prevent his players from looking back at the Illinois game.

``We do need to look back and improve upon what we didn't do,'' he said. ``So I would hope we don't forget where we need to do better and what the lessons learned from that game are. Now, if we sit there and that's all we're thinking about is that, then we're not going to be ready to go and obviously that will hurt us. But I think our guys will be able to focus on the task at hand because this is Ohio State-Michigan.''

The Buckeyes have dominated the 104-game series with Michigan recently, with Tressel going 5-1 against the Wolverines and his coaching counterpart, Lloyd Carr, since taking over in Columbus. Ohio State has also won the last three matchups. A win Saturday would give Ohio State only its third four-game winning streak in the series, the others coming in 1934-37 and 1960-63.

The toughest selling job for the seniors and the coaching staff is convincing the Buckeyes that they still have a lot to play for.

``I think (offensive tackle) Kirk Barton wrote it on the white board yesterday,'' linebacker James Laurinaitis said. ``He said, 'It doesn't matter what our record is, don't think about what bowl game you have a possibility of going to, don't think about anything like that, the only thing that matters is this Saturday.' And we've heard that stressed over and over and over until you really do buy into it and you have to, because if you don't, you know that team up north is.''

In fact, Carr was asked what he would be telling his team this week.

``I'll save that for my team,'' he said with a laugh. ``I mean I think it's about opportunity. I think it's about appreciating the opportunity to represent Michigan. For many of them to play in their last game in this stadium against our great rivals. What we're trying to focus on are the things we need to do to improve to play better than we have, to play our best game. And the things that we need to do to be able to execute on Saturday afternoon when that ball is teed up.''

Barton said Monday that there would always be some heat between the two teams.

``At Michigan, you sense the hate, which is kind of a good thing,'' he said.

He added, ``It's kind of exciting because you want to see how guys react when they've been punched. That's kind of where we're at right now. I think we're ready to go because we realize what's at stake. For our season to be worthwhile we have to get this one, and that's basically all there is to it.''

Boeckman is in his first year as Ohio State's starting quarterback. He said he was at a loss as to how to handle what happened against Illinois.

``This is the first game I've lost, so I don't know,'' he said. ``You really can't dwell on the past. I'm the leader of this football team and I can't be looking down if something goes wrong. I've got to stay positive.''

And that goes for both teams, clawing back from losses heading into their biggest game of the season.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

Illinois is Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week

DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 28-21 win at Ohio State, the Illinois Fighting Illini (8-3) are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Nov. 10.
Juice Williams threw four touchdown passes as Illinois ended Ohio State's 28-game regular-season winning streak and a streak of 20 straight Big Ten wins.

Illinois, which is now 8-3 after finishing the 2006 season at 2-10, defeated a top-ranked team for the first time since 1956 and the first time ever on the road.

"I know 'shock the world' is overused," Illini linebacker J Leman said. "It is pretty shocking to most people, but not to the guys in the locker room."

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Nov. 10 included:

• Nebraska (5-6): The Huskers rebounded from a 76-39 loss to Kansas by crushing Kansas State, 73-31.

• Virginia (9-2): The Cavaliers handed Miami its worst-ever home shutout loss, 48-0, in its final game at the Orange Bowl. It was also the first time Miami had been held scoreless at home since 1974.

The FWAA has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the third season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

The Buckeye stops here: Illinois topples No. 1 Ohio St.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- In this season of upsets, top-ranked Ohio State was the latest to fall.

Juice Williams provided the big plays on the ground and through the air, spurring Illinois to a stunning 28-21 victory on Saturday night and throwing open the national title race.

It was the first time Illinois (8-3, 5-2 Big Ten) had ever beaten a No. 1, losing all 17 previous games. The defeat also ended a record streak of 20 Big Ten wins in a row by Ohio State (10-1, 6-1).

Williams, criticized all year because of his errant passing, tossed four touchdown passes. On the Illini's last drive, Williams used his leg to keep the ball away from the Buckeyes, running for several first downs and burning up the final 8:09.

The Buckeyes, who were in first-place in the BCS standings and two victories away from a second consecutive trip to the national title game, became the second No. 1 to lose this season. Only Kansas and Hawaii remain unbeaten in major college football.

Who will be No. 1 now. Maybe, LSU - again. The Tigers lost as the top-ranked team to Kentucky earlier in the season. Count Oregon, Oklahoma, Missouri and even West Virginia among the others happy to see the Buckeyes get beat. All now have a better chance at reaching the national title game, thanks to coach Ron Zook's Illini.

The Illini rushed for 260 yards against an Ohio State defense that came in allowing just 65 yards on the ground per game. Rashard Mendenhall set an Illinois season record while rushing for 88 yards on 26 carries.

Although the defeat crippled Ohio State's dreams of a national championship, it merely knocked them into a tie for the top spot in the Big Ten because of Michigan's earlier loss to Wisconsin.

Not since Nov. 14, 1959, had Michigan and Ohio State both lost the week before their annual year-end grudge match, which once again this season will decide the champion.

But this was not the way either team wanted to come into the game.

Marcus Thomas' second interception of the game gave Illinois the ball with 8:09 left at its own 24. And Ohio State would never get it back.

The Illini lined up to punt on a fourth-and-inches at their own 34 with 6:53 left, but Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel called timeout and Zook reconsidered after being prodded by his quarterback.

``I will get it,'' Zook said the sophomore quarterback told him. ``You better get it,'' the coach said told Williams.

Williams sneaked for the first down and twice more he converted third-and-long on quarterback draws.

After the game, Illinois players flooded the field to celebrate at midfield. The two teams got into a small skirmish before order was restored.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Collegiate Images