ill notes iowa 111014

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U N I V E R S I T Y O F I L L I N O I S F I G H T I N G I L L I N I F O O T B A L L

QUICK HITS

The Fighting Illini (4-5 overall, 1-4 B1G West) return to action

after an open week to host the Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3, 3-2 B1GWest) at 11 am CT on BTN. It will be the teams first meetingsince 2008, a 27-24 Illini win at Memorial Stadium.

QB Wes Luntis expected to return to action against Iowa aftermissing the last three games with a fractured fibula. At the time of his injury, Lunt ranked in the top 20 in thenation in completions per game (25.4, 10th), passing yards per game (313.8, 14th), passing touchdowns (1317th), passing yards (1,569, 18th), completion percentage (66.5, 20th) and passing efficiency (154.8, 20th)and was tied for fourth in FBS with 14 passing plays of 30+ yards.

Freshman WR Mike Dudekhas 707 receiving yards on 45 catches this season, breaking the Illinois recordfor receiving yards by a freshman (Arrelious Benn, 676 yards, 2007). Dudek broke Benns mark with a 56-yardcatch-and-run in the first quarter at Ohio State on Nov. 1.

With his 12-yard fumble recovery return for a touchdown against Minnesota, junior VAngelo Bentleybecame the first Illinois player in school history to record a kick return, punt return, interception return and

fumble return for TD in his career. His game-changing play gave the Illini a 28-24 lead with 6:33 remainingin the fourth quarter. See page four for more on Bentleys return prowess.

Bentleyranks fifth in the nation and leads the Big Ten in combined kick return yards with 710 on 38 returns(26 KR for 587, 12 PR for 123). His punt return average (10.3 ypr) ranks 25th nationally.

The Illini defense has scored three times this season, which ranks 14th in FBS and is tied with Ohio Statefor the Big Ten lead. VAngelo Bentleyhas both a fumble return and an interception return for touchdownthis season, and Taylor Bartonalso has a pick-six.

Senior STAR Earnest Thomas IIIforced his seventh career fumble against Minnesota on Noct. 25, movinghim into a tie for fourth place on UIs career fumbles forced list. The top four players on the list are allAll-Americans: Simeon Rice 13, Whitney Mercilus 11, Dana Howard 8 and Kevin Hardy 7.

Junior LB Mason Monheimis tied for the Big Ten lead and ranks 16th in FBS with three forced fumbles.Monheim has six career forced fumbles, which is tied for sixth on theUI career list, right behind Thomas III.

Junior RB Josh Fergusonis one of only seven FBS players with over 500rushing yards and 300 receiving yards on the season.

Fergusonis one of only two active FBS players with more than 1,500career rushing yards (1,695) and 1,000 receiving yards (1,106). ArizonaStates D.J. Foster (1,815 rush yds / 1,648 rec. yards) is the other.

Senior punter Justin DuVernois leads the Big Ten and ranks sixthin the nation in punting average (45.7 ypp), putting him on pace tobreak Steve Weatherfords single-season record of 45.4.

As a team, the Illini lead the Big Ten and rank ninth in the nation innet punting average (41.21 ypp).

Illinois has faced the 16th-toughest schedule in the nation thus far,with opponents posting a 37-21 record vs. FBS foes (.617).

GAME 10

Iowa (6-3, 3-2) at ILLINOIS (4-5, 1-4)Nov. 15, 2014 // 11:01 am CT // BTN

Champaign, Ill. // Memorial Stadium (60,670)

TELEVISION BROADCAST

The Illinois/Iowa game will be televised on Big Ten Networkwith an air time of 11 a.m. CT. Cory Provus (play-by-play),J Leman (analyst) and Rebecca Haarlow (sidelines) willcall the action with Daniel Kuehner producing and PatOConnor directing. The game also will be streamed athttp://BTN2Go.com.

RADIO BROADCAST

The 45-station Fighting Illini Sports Networkwill carry theradio broadcast with the pregame show beginning at 10

a.m. CT. Calling the action will be Brian Barnhart (play-by-play), Kurt Kittner(analysis) and Steve Kelly(pregame,halftime and postgame). The broadcast also can be heardonSIRIUS (135) and XM (196) satellite radio, and onlinevia FightingIllini.com All-Access and TuneIn.com.

GAMEDAY LINKS

Gameday Central: http://www.fightingillini.com/gamedayMobile Livestats: http://www.fightingillini.com/footballstats

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets are available for Saturdays game against Iowa.Single-game tickets are $39 for sidelines, $20 for horseshoeand $10 UI students at the UI Athletic Ticket office, by calling

1-866-ILLINI-1 or online atfightingillini.com.

ILLINOIS SCOREBOARDAug. 30 . . . . . Yo ungstown State . . . . . . . . W . . . . . . . . . . 2 8-17Sept. 6 . . . . . Weste rn Kentuc ky . . . . . . . . . W . . . . . . . . . . 4 2-34Sept. 13 . . . . at Washington . . . . . . . . . . . L . . . . . . . . . . 1 9-44Sept. 20 . . . . Texas State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . W . . . . . . . . . . 42-35Sept. 27 . . . . at #21 Nebraska . . . . . . . . . L . . . . . . . . . . 1 4-45Oct. 4 . . . . . . Purdue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L . . . . . . . . . . 27-38Oct. 11 . . . . . at Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . L . . . . . . . . . . 28-38Oct. 25 . . . . . Minnesota (HC) . . . . . . . . . . W . . . . . . . . . . 2 8-24Nov. 1 . . . . . . at #13 Ohi o State. . . . . . . . . L . . . . . . . . . . 1 4-55Nov. 15 . . . . . I owa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 am (BTN)Nov. 22 . . . . . Penn State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Time TBANov. 29 . . . . . at Nor thwe stern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time TBADec. 6 . . . . . . Big Ten Championship Game. . . . . . . . . .Time TBA

All times Central rankings are AP Poll on date of game

IOWA SCOREBOARDAug. 30. . . . . vs. Northern Iowa. . . . . . . . . W. . . . . . . . . . .31-23Sept. 6 . . . . . vs. Ba ll State . . . . . . . . . . . . W . . . . . . . . . . .17-13Sept. 13 . . . . vs. Iowa State . . . . . . . . . . . L . . . . . . . . . . .17-20Sept. 20 . . . . @ Pittsburgh. . . . . . . . . . . . W. . . . . . . . . . .24-20Sept. 27 . . . . @ Purdue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W . . . . . . . . . . .24-10Oct . 11 . . . . . vs. Indiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . W . . . . . . . . . . .45-29Oct . 18 . . . . . @ Mary land . . . . . . . . . . . . . L . . . . . . . . . . .31-38Nov. 1 .. . . . . vs. Northwestern . . . . . . . . . W. . . . . . . . . . . .48-7Nov. 8 . . . . . . @ Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . L . . . . . . . . . . .14-51Nov. 15 . . . . . @ Illinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 am (BTN)Nov. 22 . . . . . vs. Wisconsin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBANov. 29 . . . . . vs. Nebraska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA

WHERE TO FIND...

Game Notes & Stats 1-13SID Contact Info 2Weekly Media Information 2

Records to Watch 13Depth Chart 14Pronunciations 14

Starter Quick Facts 15Current Rosters 16-17

The Last Time 182014 Game Summaries 19-21Coach Tim Beckman 22

Updated Player Bios 23-39Season Stats 40-45

IOWA GAME PROMOTIONS // http://fightingillini.com/promotions Dads Day Annual Dads Association Dads Weekend on campus is Nov. 14-16

Honor Our Military Day In honor of Veterans Day, veterans and current military will be recognized

Illini Walk 8:30 a.m. starting at First and Kirby

Illini Street Fest 8:30-11 a.m. (Interactive games, food vendords and live music by 90s Daughter)

$20 Horseshoe Tickets A limited number of horseshoe tickets (south end zone) are available for $20 each

$10 Student Tickets- University of Illinois students can purchase special $10 tickets (Reg. $40)

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2014 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL // GAME NOTES


IOWA SERIES NOTES

Saturdays game between Illinois and Iowa will be the 70th meeting between the two schools, but just thefirst since 2008. The Fighting Illini pulled out that game, 27-24, behind a 46-yard field goal by Matt Ellerwith 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

That 2008 Illinois victory snapped a five-game skid against the Hawkeyes and Iowa has won seven ofthe last 10 meetings in the series, dating back to 1997. Iowa also is 3-2 in the last five meetings inChampaign.

This will be Illinois coach Tim Beckmans first time coaching against Iowa and his first head-to-headmeeting with Hawkeye leader Kirk Ferentz.

There is one connection among the teams assistant coaches, as Illini defensive line coach Greg Colby andHawkeye defensive coordinator Phil Parker served on the Michigan State coaching staff in 1987 that led

the Spartans to the Big Ten title that season and the 1988 Rose Bowl. Hawkeye receivers coach Bobby Kennedy also served as a graduate assistant at Illinois under John

Mackovic in 1991 and Lou Tepper in 1992, helping the Illini to the 1991 John Hancock Bowl and 1992Holiday Bowl.

ILLINI BYE WEEK FACTS

The Fighting Illini are coming off an open weekend heading into the Iowa game. Its the second of two byesfor Illinois this season (the other was the weekend of Oct. 18), marking just the fifth time in school historyIllinois has more than one open week in a season. The only other times were in 1989, 2009, 2010 and 2013

Following the first bye this season, the Illini defeated Minnesota, 28-24, marking their second-straightwin after an open week. But last seasons win over Miami (Ohio) snapped a 10-game post-bye week losingstreak, meaning Illinois has dropped 11 of its last 13 games following a bye. Prior to the Miami victory, thelast Illini win after a bye was on Oct. 26, 2002, over Indiana.

Illinois has played 35 games after a bye in the modern era (since 1985, when bye weeks became common-place) and is 13-22 in those contests.

FOURTH-QUARTER MAGIC

Trailing 24-21 after three quarters on Oct. 25, Illinois mounted its fourth fourth-quarter comeback this sea-son to defeat Minnesota, surpassing the 1992 and 2001 seasons when the Illini had three fourth-quartecomeback wins. Illinois overcame a 9-7 deficit against Youngstown State in its season opener and won28-17; then beat Western Kentucky 42-34 after trailing 27-21 entering the fourth quarter; UI also trailed28-25 entering the final quarter against Texas State before winning 42-35.

Illinois has had 10 comeback wins since 2001 when trailing after three quarters. Four of those 10 came inthe first eight games this season.

ILLINOIS FOURTH QUARTER COMEBACKS (SINCE 2001) Date Opponent Trailed (entering 4th) Final Score QB

10/25/2014 vs. Minnesota 21-24 28-24 OToole 9/20/2014 vs. Texas State 25-28 42-35 Lunt

9/6/2014 vs. Western Kentucky 21-27 42-34 Lunt 8/30/2014 vs. Youngstown State 7-9 28-17 Lunt 10/1/2011 vs. Northwestern 17-28 38-35 Scheelhaase

9/3/2005 vs. Rutgers 10-27 33-30 OT Brasic 11/6/2004 vs. Indiana 14-22 26-22 Beutjer 11/17/2001 at Ohio State 21-22 34-22 Kittner 11/10/2001 vs. Penn State 14-21 33-28 Kittner 9/8/2001 vs. Northern Illinois 3-6 17-12 Kittner

MEDIA INFORMATION

MONDAYS SELECTED PLAYERS

Illini coordinators and players will be available on Mondayat about 1:20 pm following Beckmans press conference onthe 8th floor of the Memorial Stadium Press Box. The playersjoining offensive coordinator Bill Cubit,defensive coordina-tor Tim Banksand special teams coordinator Tim Salemthisweek are WR Mike Dudek, RB Josh Ferguson, QB Wes Lunt,DB Zane Petty, DT Austin Teitsma.

POST-PRACTICE INTERVIEWS

The first 30 minutes of practice are open to the media on

each Tuesday and Wednesday of game weeks (3:15-3:45p.m. this week). Interviews will take place after practice andpost-practice meetings at about 5:30 p.m. Media are askedto wait in the recruiting area on the north end of the stadiumuntil practice is over (enter through the alley between ARCand Memorial Stadium).

PHONE INTERVIEWS

The best time for phone interviews is on Monday between 1:15and 2 p.m. after Beckmans press conference, or on Tuesdayand Wednesday after practice (approx. 5:30 p.m.) if time al-lows. Other arrangements can be made with advance notice.Requests for phone interviews must be made at least 24

hours in advance to Derek Neal ([email protected]).

SATELLITE FEED

Illinois offers a weekly football satellite feed, with commentsfrom coach Tim Beckman from 3:15-3:30 p.m. CT on eachMonday during the season. Contact the athletic communica-tions office (217-333-1391) or Derek Neal ([email protected]) to obtain feed coordinates.

TELECONFERENCE ACCESS

Contact the UI Athletic Communications Office (217-333-1391) for Illinois teleconference access information.

Contact Scott Chipman ([email protected]) at the BigTen Conference Office for Big Ten Coaches Teleconferenceinformation.

UI ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS STAFF

KENT BROWN, Co-Football Contact Phone: 217-244-6533 (o) / 217-493-9795 (c)Email: [email protected]

Address: 1700 S. Fourth St., Champaign, IL 61820

DEREK NEAL, Co-Football Contact

Phone: 217-244-3707 (o) / 309-241-0804 (c) Email: [email protected]

BEN TAYLOR, Assistant Football Contact

Phone: 217-244-5045 (o) / 217-714-3555 (c) Email: [email protected]

CREDENTIAL WEBSITE: www.fightingillini.com/media

10 MONDAY

Beckman Press Conference

(1 pm, Press Box, L8)

Coordinators and Select

Players Available

(1:15 pm, Press Box, L8)

11 TUESDAY

Post-practice availability

- Offensive players/staffwho werent at Mondayavailability.(approx. 5:30 pm)

Beckman B1G Teleconf.

(12:04 pm)

12 WEDNESDAY

Post-practice availability

- Defensive players/staffwho werent at Mondayavailability.(approx. 5:30 pm)

13 THURSDAY

No availability

Official injury report releasedby 7 p.m. CT

14 FRIDAY

No availability

15 SATURDAY

GAME DAY

Illinois vs. Iowa (11 am CT / BTN)

Postgame player/coach

availability

16 SUNDAY

No availability

ILLINOIS WEEKLY MEDIA SCHEDULE // IOWA GAME

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TEAM STAT COMPARISON

Season Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ILL . . . . . . . IOWA

Overall Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 . . . . . . . . 6-3Conf. Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 . . . . . . . . 3-2Total Offense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374.1 . . . . . . .378.8Points Scored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26.9 . . . . . . . .27.9

First Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.0 . . . . . . . .20.9Rushing Yds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106.4 . . . . . . .147.7Passing Yds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267.7 . . . . . . .231.1Time of Possession. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26:35 . . . . . . .31:113rd Down Convers ion . . . . . . . . . . . .41.0 . . . . . . . .43.0Points Allowed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36.7 . . . . . . . .23.4Yards Allowed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483.1 . . . . . . .334.6Rushing Yds. Al lowed . . . . . . . . . . .262.8 . . . . . . .154.4Passing Yds. Al lowed . . . . . . . . . . .220.3 . . . . . . .180.1

STATISTICAL LEADERS

RUSHING LEADERS (YPG)

Ferguson . . . . . . . .61.3 Weisman . . . . . . . . 60.2Young . . . . . . . . . .24.8 Canzeri . . . . . . . . . 31.3

PASSING LEADERS (YPG)

Lunt . . . . . . . . . . .313.8 Rudock . . . . . . . . 206.6OToole . . . . . . . . .77.8 Beathard . . . . . . . . 71.2

RECEIVING LEADERS (YPG)

Dudek . . . . . . . . . .78.6 Smith. . . . . . . . . . . 4 0.4All ison. . . . . . . . . .63.0 Martin-Manley. . . . 38.0

SCORING LEADERS (PPG)

Ferguson . . . . . . . . .5.3 Weisman . . . . . . . . . 9.3Allison . . . . . . . . . . 3 .3 Koehn . . . . . . . . . . . 5 .8Young . . . . . . . . . . .3.3 Smith/Powell . . . . . . 1.3Reisner . . . . . . . . . .2.3 Duzey/Krieger Coble. .1.3

ALL-PURPOSE YARDS (YPG)

Ferguson . . . . . . . .95.3 Weisman . . . . . . . . 70.1Bentley . . . . . . . . .83.9 Parker . . . . . . . . . . 55.9

TACKLES (TPG)

Monheim. . . . . . . . .9.2 Lowdermilk . . . . . . . 7.9Petty . . . . . . . . . . . .8.8 Alston . . . . . . . . . . . 7 .1Barton . . . . . . . . . . .8.4 Lomax . . . . . . . . . . . 6 .7

TACKLES FOR LOSS (TOTAL)

Thomas III . . . . . . . .8.5 Ott . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0.5Teitsma. . . . . . . . . .7.5 Trinca-Pasat . . . . . . 9.5

LUNT EXPECTED TO RETURN VS. HAWKEYES

Junior QB Wes Lunt is expected to return to action this week after missing the last three games with afractured fibula suffered against Purdue on Oct. 4. At the time of his injury, Lunt ranked in the top 20 in thenation in completions per game (25.4, 10th), passing yards per game (313.8, 14th), passing touchdowns (1317th), passing yards (1,569, 18th), completion percentage (66.5, 20th) and passing efficiency (154.8, 20th)and was tied for fourth in FBS with 14 passing plays of 30+ yards.

Lunt started his Illini career in impressive fashion, recording the best debut as well as the best first two-three- and four-game starts in an Illini signal-callers first season in school history. In five games beforehis leg fracture, Lunt completed 127-of-191 passes (66.5%) for 1,569 yards, 13 touchdowns and threeinterceptions, and was leading the Big Ten in passing yards per game (313.8).

Lunt has shown big-play ability for the Illini, completing 14 passes of 30+ yards in five games (2.8 pergame), which leads the nation on a per game basis. His 14 30+-yard plays have gone to five differentreceivers (Dudek 6, Allison 4, Ferguson 2, Hardee 1, LaCosse 1).

Lunt has been at his best in the fourth quarter, completing 31-of-38 passes for 417 yards with five touch-downs and zero interceptions. He ranks second in FBS in fourth-quarter efficiency (217.18) and leads FBS incompletion percentage (81.6) (min. 30 att.). He has led the Fighting Illini to three fourth-quarter comebackwins this season.

Lunts 456-yard performance against WKU ranks second on the all-time Memorial Stadium passing yardagelist, just six yards shy of the stadium-record 462 yards set by Juice Williams vs. Minnesota (Oct. 11, 2008)Lunts performance stands fourth, meanwhile, on the Illini all-time single-game passing yardage list.

Lunts aerial display vs. WKU also broke his previous career high of 436 yards set during his true-freshmanseason at Oklahoma State (at Arizona on Sept. 8, 2012). And Lunt recorded the longest pass of his careeagainst the Toppers, a 62-yard TD strike to Justin Hardee.

Lunt was named the starter on Aug. 21, beating out senior Reilly OTooleand sophomore Aaron Bailey inan offseason competition to replace four-year starter and UI all-time total offense record holder NathanScheelhaase.

DUDEK DOES A BIT OF EVERYTHING

Freshman receiver Mike Dudekhas burst onto the scene in 2014, as the newcomer from Naperville, Illinoishas posted a team-high 45 catches for 707 yards and three touchdowns.

He ranks 38th in FBS in receiving yards per game and fourth among freshmen receivers (third amongtrue-freshmen). He ranks fourth in the Big Ten in receiving yards, receiving yards per game (78.6) and fifthin receptions per game (5.0). He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after grabbing four passes fo55 yards and a touchdown against Western Kentucky.

Dudek broke Arrelious Benns school record for receiving yards by a freshman (676 in 2007) with his56-yard first-quarter catch at Ohio State on Nov. 1. He needs 10 more receptions to break Benns record

in that category and four more receiving TDs would break David Williams freshman TD receptions recordof six from 1983.

Dudek posted one of the top receiving performances in school history against Purdue on Oct. 4, racking up200 yards on eight catches to become only the fourth Illini to total 200 or more receiving yards in a game

Dudek ranks 10th among all FBS players in scrimmage plays of 20-plus yards with 16 and leads all Illinnon-quarterbacks in 20-plus yard plays.

Dudek ranks fourth on the Illini with 30 first downs. Seventeen of those have come on second and thirddown, as he has grabbed 25-of-39 (64.1 percent) passes thrown his direction on those two downs. Ten ofhis 12 third-down catches have converted a first down.

Dudek also ranks sixth in the nation with 269 fourth-quarter receiving yards and is 12th with 453 yardson 28 catches in the second half and overtime. Dudeks 21 first downs after halftime rank fifth nationallyand his 13 plays of 15-plus yards in the second half and OT rank second. Dudeks 12 first downs in thefourth quarter rank fourth nationally and his eight plays of 15-plus yards in the fourth quarter are tied fo

the lead among all FBS players. Dudek completed his first career pass, a 22-yard strike to Geronimo Allison, in the win over Minneosta. He

also finished with a team-high five catches for 41 yards.

BENTLEY IN GOOD COMPANY WITH THE GALLOPING GHOST

After his game-winning 12-yard fumble return for touchdown against Minnesota and his 45-yard inter-ception return for a touchdown earlier this season against Texas State, VAngelo Bentleybecame the onlyplayer in Illinois history to record a kickoff return, punt return, interception return and fumble return fortouchdown in his career. Football legend Harold Red Grange is the only other Illini player with kickoff,punt and interception returns for TDs, but he never returned a fumble for a score. While Granges offen-sive and return exploits are well-known, he also took an interception back 90 yards for a score against

DID YOU KNOW?

QB Wes Luntis averaging 2.8 30-plus yardcompletions per game, which leads FBS.

DB/RET VAngelo Bentleyis the only playerin Illini history with kickoff, punt, intercep-tion and fumble return touchdowns during

his UI career.

WR Mike Dudek ranks third in FBS inreceiving yards per game (78.6) amongtrue-freshmen.

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Northwestern on Oct. 27, 1923. Bentley returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown against SouthernIllinois on Aug. 31, 2013, and notched a 67-yard punt return for touchdown against Ohio State on Nov.16, 2013.

Bentley Return TDs (4) KR 100 yards vs. Southern Illinois 8/31/2013 PR 67 yards vs. Ohio State 11/16/2013 INT 45 yards vs. Texas State 9/20/2014 FR 12 yards vs. Minnesota 10/25/2014

Grange Return TDs (6) KR 95 yards vs. Michigan 10/18/1924 KR 83 yards at Iowa 10/17/1925 PR 70 yards vs. Butler 10/10/1925 PR 66 yards vs. Nebraska 10/6/1923 PR 35 yards vs. Northwestern 10/27/1923 (*returned a blocked punt for TD) INT 90 yards vs. Northwestern 10/27/1923

Bentley has shown why hes a candidate for the Paul Hornung Award, which goes to the most versatile playerin major college football. Bentley is averaging 22.6 yards on 26 kick returns, 12.2 yards on 12 punt returnsand has tallied 39 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, a pick-six, a PBU and two fumble recoveries. He is fifth in the nationin combined kick return yardage with 710 kick and punt return yards.

Bentley was one of the top return men in the country in 2013, leading the Big Ten in punt return average(15.8 ypr) and becoming the first Illini ever to return a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns in one seasonHe had a 100-yard kickoff return against Southern Illinois and a 67-yard punt return against Ohio State.

DUVERNOIS BOOTING HIS WAY INTO ILLINI RECORD BOOK

Senior punter Justin DuVernoisis having a career year, holding a 45.7 yard-per-punt average through ninegames, which ranks sixth nationally and leads the Big Ten. DuVernois season average of 45.7 currentlystands as the best punting season in school history, besting record-holder Steve Weatherfords 2004campaign by 0.3 yards, and he is tied with Steve Fitts for second on the career punting list at 41.7 ypp.

For the season, DuVernois has 16 punts over 50 yards, including five over 60 yards and a long of 74. Healso has had 12 punts downed inside the 20, including seven inside the opponents 10 yard line.

The Plantation, Florida, native was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week on Oct. 27 afteraveraging 48.7 ypp on nine punts against Minnesota, helping Illinois win the field-position battle. He hada pair of 61-yard boots, pinned Minnesota inside its 20 four times and inside its 10 twice.

2014 BIG TEN STANDINGS BIG TEN OVERALL

WEST DIVISION W L Pct. W L Pct. LAST WEEK THIS WEEK

#11/11 Nebraska 4 1 .800 8 1 .889 OPENRV/RV Minnesota 4 1 .800 7 2 .778 W, 51-14 vs. Iowa vs. Ohio State#22/22 Wisconsin 4 1 .800 7 2 .778 W, 34-16 at Purdue vs. NebraskaIowa 3 2 .600 6 3 .667 L, 14-51 at Minnesota at IllinoisNorthwestern 2 4 .333 3 6 .333 L, 9-10 vs. Michigan at Notre DameIllinois 1 4 .200 4 5 .444 OPEN vs. IowaPurdue 1 5 .167 3 7 .300 L, 16-34 vs. Wisconsin OPEN

EAST DIVISION W L Pct. W L Pct. LAST WEEK THIS WEEK

#8/7 Ohio State 5 0 1.000 8 1 .889 W, 49-37 at Michigan St. at Minnesota#12/12 Michigan State 4 1 .800 7 2 .778 L, 37-49 vs. Ohio State at MarylandMaryland 3 2 .600 6 3 .667 OPEN vs. Michigan StateMichigan 3 3 .500 5 5 .500 W, 10-9 at Northwestern OPENPenn State 2 4 .333 5 4 .556 W, 13-7 at Indiana vs. TempleRutgers 1 4 .200 5 4 .556 OPEN vs. IndianaIndiana 0 5 .000 3 6 .333 L, 7-13 vs. Penn State at Rutgers

ILLINOIS NON-CONFERENCE OPPONENTS CONFERENCE OVERALL

TEAM W L Pct. W L Pct. LAST WEEK THIS WEEK

Youngstown State 4 2 .667 7 3 .700 L, 21-35 at Illinois State vs. Indiana StateWestern Kentucky 2 4 .333 4 5 .444 W, 35-27 vs. UTEP vs. ArmyWashington 2 4 .333 6 4 .600 L, 30-44 vs. UCLA at Arizona

Texas State 3 2 .600 5 4 .556 L, 25-28 vs. Ga. Southern at South Alabama

NATIONAL RANKINGSCollege Football Playoff Rankings (Week 11 Nov. 4)Rk Team Record

1 Mississippi State 8-02 Florida State 8-03 Auburn 7-14 Oregon 8-15 Alabama 7-16 TCU 7-17 Kansas State 7-18 Michigan State 7-19 Arizona State 7-110 Notre Dame 7-1

11 Ole Miss 7-212 Baylor 7-113 Nebraska 8-114 Ohio State 7-115 Oklahoma 6-216 LSU 7-217 Utah 6-218 UCLA 7-219 Arizona 6-220 Georgia 6-221 Clemson 6-222 Duke 7-123 West Virginia 6-324 Georgia Tech 7-225 Wisconsin 6-2

ASSOCIATED PRESS (Week 12 Nov. 9)Rk Team Record Pts

1 Mississippi State (48) 9-0 14882 Florida State (12) 9-0 1446

3 Oregon 9-1 13344 Alabama 8-1 13265 TCU 8-1 12736 Baylor 8-1 11937 Arizona State 8-1 11428 Ohio State 8-1 1086

9 Auburn 7-2 98110 Ole Miss 8-2 94811 Nebraska 8-1 830

12 Michigan State 7-2 78213 Kansas State 7-2 74214 UCLA 8-2 69115 Notre Dame 7-2 63016 Georgia 7-2 62217 Arizona 7-2 47118 Clemson 7-2 45719 Duke 8-1 43120 LSU 7-3 42921 Marshall 9-0 29722 Wisconsin 7-2 225

23 Colorado State 9-1 128

24 Georgia Tech 8-2 12725 Utah 6-3 87OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Oklahoma 85, Texas A&M 83, Missouri 68, USC47, Minnesota 26, Louisville 12, West Virginia 6, Stanford 4, Boise State 1,Georgia Southern 1, Miami (FL) 1

USA TODAY/COACHES (Week 12 Nov. 9)Rk Team Record Pts

1 Mississippi State (41) 9-0 15282 Florida State (20) 9-0 14963 Alabama 8-1 13894 Oregon (1) 9-1 13825 TCU 8-1 12976 Baylor 8-1 12237 Ohio State 8-1 1148

8 Arizona State 8-1 11469 Auburn 7-2 96210 Ole Miss 8-2 94411 Nebraska 8-1 925

12 Michigan State 7-2 865

13 Kansas State 7-2 73814 Georgia 7-2 69315 UCLA 8-2 66216 Notre Dame 7-2 65417 Clemson 7-2 50018 Arizona 7-2 48719 Duke 8-1 46620 LSU 7-3 37121 Marshall 9-0 28522 Wisconsin 7-2 265

23 Georgia Tech 8-2 14224 Oklahoma 6-3 13525 Colorado State 9-1 118OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Missouri 90, Minnesota 83, Utah 70, USC 29,Texas A&M 22, Louisville 13, Boise State 7, Stanford 6, East Carolina 3,Miami (FL) 3, Cincinnati 2, Florida 1

* Illinois 2014 opponents in bold.

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DuVernois booted a career-long 74-yard punt in the first quarter at Nebraska, besting his previous long of72 against Western Michigan on Sept. 1, 2012. He also had a 72-yard punt at Wisconsin on Oct. 11, pinningthe Badgers at their own one yard-line. Sixteen of his 51 punts this season have been over 50 yards.

DuVernois had a career day against at Washington, booting seven punts with an average of 51.7 yards perkick, the fifth-best single-game average in UI history. He had three punts over 50 yards, a long of 60 andone downed inside the 10-yard line, which set up an Illinois safety.

DuVernois currently ranks second on Illinois history in career punting average (41.7 ypp), third in careerpunting yards (9,515) and fourth in career punts (228).

FERGUSON AMONG NATIONS TOP ALL-PURPOSE BACKS For the second-straight year, running back Josh Fergusonis among the nations top all-purpose backs

He is one of only seven players in the nation with over 500 rushing yards and over 300 receiving yards.Through nine games, he has six rushing touchdowns and two receiving TDs

FBS Players with 500+ Rushing Yards & 300+ Receiving Yards

Player, School Rush Yds Rec Yds 20+-Yd Scrimmage Plays Jay Ajayi, Boise State 1,146 418 13 Javorious Allen, USC 1,124 334 11 Elijah McGuire, ULL 912 337 17 Leon Allen, WKU 840 303 7 D.J. Foster, Arizona State 821 462 18 Daniel Lasco, California 796 324 10 Josh Ferguson, Illinois 552 306 10

Ferguson has continued to haul in passes at an incredible rate for a running back, snagging 33 receptionsin eight games so far this year to stand third on the team. He now has 114 career receptions, just two shyof tying Tim Brewster for 10th on the Illinois career receptions record list. Ty Douthard is the only otherunning back in the top 10, with 128 career catches.

A preseason Doak Walker Award candidate, Ferguson has 858 yards from scrimmage in the first nine games(552 rushing, 306 receiving) and has found the end zone eight times this season.

Ferguson ranks second on Illinois career receiving yardage list for a running back. He has 1,106 careerreceiving yards, which trails only Ty Douthards 1,250 yards from 1993-96, and surpassed 100 catches forhis career earlier this season (currently sits at 114 receptions).

Ferguson went off against Texas State on Sept. 20 with 233 all-purpose yards (190 rushing, 43 receiving)and three total touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving). It marked the most rushing yards by an Illini playesince Mikel Leshoure ran for a school-record 330 yards against Northwestern at Wrigley Field on Nov. 20, 2010

Ferguson scored on a 75-yard rush on the first play of the game from scrimmage against the Bobcats, thelongest run by an Illini since Oct. 31, 2009, when Jason Ford had a 79-yard TD scamper. Ferguson alsoadded a 33-yard TD reception against Texas State and had rushes of 48 and 22 yards in the fourth quarter

ALLISON PUTTING ON A SHOW

Junior receiver Geronimo Allisonhas made a name for himself in his first season in Champaign, rankingninth in the Big Ten in receptions per game (4.1) and 11th in receiving yards per game (63.0). He has 504yards and five touchdowns on 33 catches (15.3 ypc) in eight games he missed the Texas State game withan injury ranking fifth in the Big Ten in receiving TDs.

Allison has been one of Illinois top big-play threats with seven plays of 20-plus yards in 2014, third on theIllini squad among non-quarterbacks. His six plays of 30-plus yards are tied for 39th in FBS.

The Tampa, Florida, native has had overwhelming success on first down, recording 322 of his 504 totalyards (63.9 percent) on that down, including four touchdowns. Nine of those 16 catches have resulted infirst downs and five of them have gone for 25-plus yards.

NEW KIDS ON THE QUAD

A total of 18 players have made their Illini debuts this season. Below is a breakdown by class.

True-freshmen (3):Mike Dudek, Paul James III, Malik TurnerRedshirt-Freshmen (4):James Crawford Jr., Christian DiLauro, Nathan Echard, Marchie MurdockSophomores (2):Michael Martin, David ReisnerSophmore Transfers (3):Wes Lunt, Carroll Phillips, Tyrin Stone-DavisJunior Transfers (5):Geronimo Allison, Clayton Fejedelem, Joe Fotu, Dallas Hinkhouse, Jihad WardSeniors (1):Davontay Kwaaning

ILLINI NCAA & B1G RANKINGS

TEAM RANKINGS (125 teams ranked)CATEGORY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NCAA. . . . . . Big Ten

Rushing Offense. . . . . . . . . . .106.4 . . . . . 113th. . . . . . . . .13thRushing Defense.. . . . . . . . . .262.8 . . . . . 121st. . . . . . . . .14thPassing Offense . . . . . . . . . . .267.7 . . . . . . 37th. . . . . . . . . 2ndPassing Defense. . . . . . . . . . .220.3 . . . . . . 54th. . . . . . . . .10thPassing Efficiency.. . . . . . . .136.88 . . . . . . 46th. . . . . . . . . .4thPass Efficiency Defense . . . .136.84 . . . . . . 94th. . . . . . . . .14thTotal Offense. . . . . . . . . . . . . .374.1 . . . . . . 90th. . . . . . . . . .8thTotal Defense .. . . . . . . . . . . .483.1 . . . . . 112th. . . . . . . . .14th

Scoring Offense. . . . . . . . . . . . .26.9 . . . . . . 77th. . . . . . . . . .8thScoring Defense . . . . . . . . . . . .36.7 . . . . . 109th. . . . . . . . .14thNet Punting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 .21 . . . . . . . 9th. . . . . . . . . .1stPunt Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.59 . . . . . . 45th. . . . . . . . . .8thKickoff Returns. . . . . . . . . . . .20.41 . . . . . .72nd. . . . . . . . . .9thTurnover Margin .. . . . . . . . . .-0.89 . . . . . 112th. . . . . . . . .13thSacks Per Game . . . . . . . . . . . .1.89 . . . . . . 76th. . . . . . . . .12thSacks Allowed Per Game. . . . . .3.11 . . . . . 111th. . . . . . . . .12thTack les For Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.0 . . . . . . 26th. . . . . . . . . .4th

MISCELLANEOUS RANKINGSCATEGORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . STAT . . . . . .NCAA . . . . . . Big Ten

First Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 . . . . . 101st . . . . . . . . .10thOpponent First Downs. . . . . . . . 216 . . . . . . 93rd. . . . . . . . .13thThird-Down Conversions. . . . . .40.9 . . . . . . 61st. . . . . . . . . .6thOpponent 3rd-Down Conv. . . . .41.8 . . . . . . 84th. . . . . . . . .12thFourth-Down Conversions . . . . .22.2 . . . . . 117th. . . . . . . . .14thOpponent 4th-Down Conv. . . . .52.9 . . . . . . 72nd. . . . . . . . .10th

Penalty Yards Per Game .. . . .51.33 . . . . . . 55th. . . . . . . . . .9thOpponent Penalty Yds/Game. . .50.9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T-5thKickoff Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . .38.8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10thTime of Possession . . . . . . . . .26:35 . . . . . 119th. . . . . . . . .14thRed Zone Offense . . . . . . . . . . .69.4 . . . . . 119th. . . . . . . . .14thRed Zone Defense. . . . . . . . . . .94.6 . . . . .122nd. . . . . . . . .13th

NCAA INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS (Top-30)CATEGORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P LAYER . . . . . STAT . . . RANK

Combined Kick Returns. . . . . . . . . V. Bentley. . . . . 710 . . . . .5thPunt Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V . Bentley . . . . .10.3 . . . .25thPunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J . DuVernois . . . . . 4 5.7 . . . . . 6thForced Fumbles Per Game. . . . . M. Monheim.. . . . 0.33 . . . .16thFumbles Recovered . . . . . . . . . . . . V . Bentley . . . . . . . 2 . . . .23rd

BIG TEN INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS (Top-10)CATEGORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P LAYER . . . . . STAT . . . RANK

Rushing Yards Per Carry. . . . . . . J. Ferguson. . . . . 5.02 . . . .10th

Rushing Touchdowns .. . . . . . . . J. Ferguson. . . . . . . 6 . . . .10thReceiving Yards Per Game . . . . . . .M. Dudek. . . . . 78.6 . . . . .4thReceptions Per Game . . . . . . . . . . .M. Dudek. . . . . .5.0 . . . . .5th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G. Allison. . . . . . 4.1 . . . . .9thReceiving Touchdowns . . . . . . . . . .G. Allison. . . . . . . 5 . . . . .6thScoring (TDs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J . Fe rguson. . . . . .5 .3 . . . T-7thCombined Kick Returns. . . . . . . . . V. Bentley. . . . . 710 . . . . .1stPunt Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V . Bentley . . . . .10.2 . . . . .5thKickoff Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. Bentl ey . . . . . 2 2.6 . . . . . 7thPunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. DuVernois . . . . . 4 5.7 . . . . . 1 stTotal Tack les. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. Monheim. . . . . .9 .2 . . . . .4th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Z. Petty. . . . . . 8.8 . . . T-8thFumbles Forced Per Game. . . . . M. Monheim. . . . . 0.33 . . . T-1stFumbles Recovered Per Game. . . . V. Bentley. . . . . 0.22 . . . T-3rd

2014 FIRST DOWN PRODUCTIONPlayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Run . . . . . Pass . . . . R ec . . . TotalWes Lunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . 62 . . . . . . 0 . . . . . .62Reilly OToole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . . 26 . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . 36Josh Ferguson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 . . . . . . . 0. . . . . . .11 . . . . . .32Mike Dudek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . 1. . . . . . .28 . . . . . . 30Geronimo Allison . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . 15 . . . . . .15Donovonn Young . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . .14Aaron Bailey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . . . . . 6. . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . 13Martize Barr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . .11Justin Hardee . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . 0. . . . . . .10 . . . . . .10Jon Davis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . 0. . . . . . . 6 . . . . . . .8Malik Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . 0. . . . . . . 7 . . . . . . . 7Matt LaCosse . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . 0. . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . 4Devin Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . 0. . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . 2Tyler White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . 0. . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . .1

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ILLINI FACE TOUGH SLATE IN 2014

Illinois has faced a formidable schedule thus far in 2014, as its slate is currently ranked as the 16th-tough-est among FBS institutions, third-most difficult in the Big Ten. The Illini schedule includes three opponentscurrently ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 all three of which Ilinois played on the road in the firseight weeks of the season. Illinois visited No. 11 Nebraska on Sept. 27, No. 22 Wisconsin on Oct. 11 and No8 Ohio State on Nov. 1.

Based on opponent winning percentage from 2013, the Fighting Illinis schedule ranks second in the Big Teand No. 21 nationally. Illinois foes combined for a 59.6 winning percentage (90-61) last season, with alfour non-conference opponents winning at least six games. Only Rutgers 62.6 opponent winning percentage(97-58), which ties for ninth-toughest in the nation, is stronger among Big Ten teams.

LINEBACKER U, ITS NOT WHERE YOU THINK IT IS

Like many Illini teams over the years, the 2014 Illini defense is led by the linebacking corps of senior STAREarnest Thomas III, junior Mason Monheim, a 2014 Butkus Award candidate, and sophomore T.J. Neal Jr., abreakout player in 2014. The trio has combined for 195 tackles, 20.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, four PBUs, five forcedfumbles, three QB hurries and two interceptions in the first nine games. Monheim, a preseason ButkusAward candidate,has racked up 83 tackles, which ranks fourth in the Big Ten (9.2 tpg).

Thomas was Illinois leading returning tackler from 2013, as he made 101 stops last season as a safety. Thiyear, he moved closer to the line of scrimmage as a STAR, a linebacker/safety hybrid, where he has rackedup a team-high 4.5 sacks and 8.5 TFLs. Monheim has piled up 266 tackles, 19.0 TFLs, five forced fumblesand 3.5 sacks in his first three seasons. He earned second-team freshman All-America honors in 2012 aftebecoming the first true-freshman ever to lead the Illini in tackles.

Illinois history at the linebacker position is up there with any program in the nation. It begins with the

greatest linebacker in football history, Dick Butkus, who was a two-time All-American and led the FightingIllini to a 1964 Rose Bowl win over Washington. The Orange and Blue boast two Butkus Award winners, DanaHowardin 1994 and Kevin Hardyin 1995, several first-team All-Americans like Darrick Brownlow(1990)Simeon Rice(1994 & 95) and J Leman(2007), not to mention second-team All-American Scott Studwel(1976) and NFL legend Ray Nitschke.

O-LINE BRIMMING WITH EXPERIENCE

Illinois boasts one of the most experienced offensive lines in the country, with a combined 136 starts amongthe top-six of the o-line rotation. Michael Heitz who started the opener at left guard, then moved to rightackle for four games, and is now back at left guard is a four-year starter with 40 career starts under hisbelt, most for the Illini. Left tackle Simon Cvijanovichas 35. Right guard Ted Karrashas 31 career startsand center/guard Alex Hillhas 20. Sophomore center Joe Spencer also has 10 career starts, while redshirfreshman RT Christian DiLauromade his first career start against Wisconsin on Oct. 11 and now has threestarts. Illinois entered the season ranked No. 23 in FBS in career O-line starts returning with 96.

WARD MAKING THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITY

Junior defensive end Jihad Wardearned starting duty in Illinois first nine games after projected starteKenny Nelson was sidelined with an injury prior to the Illinis opener against Youngstown State. Ward hasproduced immediately, notching 36 tackles, 4.0 TFLs including 2.0 sacks forcing a fumble, recoveringa fumble and posting three QB hurries this season.

Ward has an interesting story, as one of five children of a single mother who had him at the age of 17 thereason he wears No. 17 on the field. A receiver and safety in high school, Ward hit a growth spurt duringhis senior year and moved to defensive line. He went to Globe Institute of Technology in Manhattan, takingon the role of big brother to the teammates he lived with in Staten Island. He helped the group navigate thtwo-hour journey to Globes campus near Times Square via bus, ferry, train and foot every day, often leavingtheir housing at 4 a.m. and not returning home until as late as 11:30 p.m. Ward posted 10 sacks in two seasons at Globe Tech, earning recognition as the No. 2 junior college defensive tackle by 247sports in 2013.

KARRAS CONTINUES FAMILYS B1G LEGACY

Junior offensive linemanTed Karras started at right guard in the first nine games of 2014, before suffering aseason-ending knee injury against Ohio State, giving him 31 career starts. If that name seems familiar, thatsbecause its familial. Karras is the seventh member of his family to play football in the Big Ten, including higreat-uncle, Alex, who was a four-time Pro Bowler before starting an acting career that resulted in a starringrole in the 1980s sitcom Webster. In addition, his grandfather, Ted, played at Indiana; his father, Ted Jr. now the coach at Division II Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio played at Northwestern; his great-unclePaul, played at Iowa; his great-uncle, Lou, played at Purdue; and his uncle, Tony, played at Northwestern.

2014 ILLINOIS HONORS

DB/KR VAngelo Bentley ESPN Helmet Sticker (10/25) Midseason First-Team All-Big Ten KR (Phil Steele) Preseason Third-Team All-American PR (Phil Steele) Paul Hornung Award Watch List (versatile) CFPA Punt Returner Watch List

WR Mike Dudek Midseason Second-Team All-Big Ten WR (Phil Steele) Biletnikoff Award Watch List Big Ten Freshman of the Week (9/8) CFPA Freshman of the Year Watch List

P Justin DuVernois Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week (10/27) Midseason First-Team All-Big Ten Punter (Phil Steele)

RB Josh Ferguson Doak Walker Award Watch List (RB)

TE Matt LaCosse CFPA Tight End Watch List

QB Wes Lunt Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week (9/8)

LB Mason Monheim Midseason Second-Team All-Big Ten LB (Phil Steele) Allstate AFCA Good Works Team (community service) Butkus Award Watch List (LB)

TURNOVERS FORCED

TEAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INT . . . . . . . . F UMBLE . . . . . . . . .TOTAL

Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Opponent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

None

WESTERN KENTUCKY

1Q . . . . Taylor Barton forced fumble (Jarrod Clements recovered)4Q . . . . Taylor Barton interception (77 yard return for TD)4Q . . . . Jihad Ward forced fumble (VAngelo Bentley 6 yard return)

WASHINGTON

3Q . . . . Jarrod Clements forced fumble (Phillips 3 yard return)

TEXAS STATE

4Q . . . . VAngelo Bentley interception (45 yard return for TD)

NEBRASKA

1Q. . . . T.J. Neal Jr. interception (14 yard return)1Q . . . . Mason Monheim forced fumble (Spence recovered)

PURDUE

None

WISCONSIN

None

MINNESOTA

3Q. . . . Monheim interception4Q . . . . Neal Jr. forced fumble (Bentley 12 yard return for TD)4Q. . . . Thomas III forced fumble (Ward recovered)

OHIO STATE

4Q . . . . Monheim forced fumble (Fejedelem 16 yard return)

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TRANSFER U

For the second-straight season, Illinois welcomed six junior college transfers to the roster. In 2014, WRGeronimo Allison, DL Joe Fotu, LEO Carroll Phillips, WR Tyrin Stone-Davisand DL Jihad Wardall havemade an immedate impact, while WR Raphael Barrhas yet to see the field. Allison and Ward are regulastarters, while Fotu and Phillips both have seen significant time. Stone-Davis also has played this season

The 2014 juco sextet follows in the footsteps of six JC transfers who made an impact in 2013 WR MartizeBarr, DL Abe Cajuste, STAR Eric Finney, TE Dallas HinkhouseTE Trevor Kantemanand DB Zane Petty. Albut Hinkhouse and Kanteman, who both redshirted, contributed on the field last season.

In addition to the junior college transfers, three traditional transfers are expected to impact this seasonafter sitting out 2013 due to NCAA rules. Starting QB Wes Lunt, who came to Illinois after starting as a

true-freshman at Oklahoma State, is the most notable, but transfers DB Clayton Fejedelem (St. XavieUniversity), who has seen increasing action as the season moves along, and WR Zach Grant(St. AmbroseUniversity/Northern Illinois University) also could contribute in 2014.

ALL OVER THE NFL

Illinois had 19 former players in 2014 NFL opening day rosters, tied for sixth-most among the 14 Big Tenschools behind Ohio State (33), Wisconsin (32), Michigan (25), Penn State (25) and Iowa (23), tied withNebraska (19), and ahead of Rutgers (18), Purdue (17), Maryland (14), Michigan State (14), Northwestern(7), Indiana (6), Minnesota (6).

Two former Illini Ryan Lankford(Colts) and Justin Staples (Titans) are on NFL practice squads.

Sixteen Illini have been drafted since 2010, including 10 in the first three rounds (most in the Big Ten).

Despite not having a first-rounder in either of the last two years, Illinois has had five first-round draft picks

since 2008, which is the second-most among Big Ten teams (Ohio State has six).

NEW LOOK FOR THE FIGHTING ILLINI

Illinois athletics completed a large-scale, 18-month brand evaluation program with Nike in 2014. The col-laboration began in January 2013 and resulted in an updated brand and identity system starting in 2014-15including logos, marks, uniforms, equipment, lettering, numerals and consistent colors for all 19 Illini sportsincluding football, and the DIA as a whole. The rebranding was unveiled on April 16, 2014, at the KrannerCenter for the Performing Arts. Get a look at the new Illinois identity: http://www.fightingillini.com/identity.

UNI-WATCH

Thanks to the Nike rebranding process, the Fighting Illini have all new uniforms for 2014. Illinois wore whitehelmets for the first time in school history in the season-opener against Youngstown State, going with awhite-orange-white combination of helmet, jersey and pants. Then at Washington on Sept. 13, the Illini wore

all white uniforms (helmet, jersey, pants) for the first time in school history. On Oct. 25, the Gray Ghostalternate uniforms were worn for the first time ever. In all, Illinois has worn seven different combinations inine games this season. Below is a chart of what uniform combination for each game this season along withtheir record in that combination:

Opponent Result Helmet Jersey Pants Record in ComboYoungstown State W White Orange White 1-0Western Kentucky W White Orange White 2-0@Washington L White White White 0-1Texas State W White Orange White 3-0@Nebraska L Orange White Orange 0-1Purdue L Orange Orange Orange 0-1@Wisconsin L Blue White Whihte 0-1Minnesota W Gray Gray Gray 1-0@Ohio State L Orange White White 0-1

CUBIT HAS ILLINI O CLIMBING

The Illinois offense made huge improvements in 2013 under OCBill Cubitand continues to make strides in severaareas in 2014. The Illini jumped at least 50 spots in the national rankings from 2012 to 2013 in first downspassing offense, long scrimmage plays, total offense, passing efficiency and scoring offense. The passing gamhas gone up another notch in 2014, with passing offense and big plays both ranking in the top 40 in FBS.

ILLINOIS OFFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT UNDER CUBIT Category 2012 (Natl Rk) 2013 (Natl Rk) 2014 (Natl Rk)

Scrimmage Plays of 20+ Yards 34 (122) 64 (44) 48 (39) Passing Offense (ypg) 138.8 (107) 287.7 (22) 267.7 (37) Passing Efficiency 113.42 (102) 140.63 (35) 136.88 (46) Total Offense (ypg) 296.7 (119) 426.7 (46) 374.1 (90) Scoring Offense (ppg) 16.7 (119) 29.7 (61) 26.9 (77)

PLAYERS OF THE GAMEFollowing each Illini win, the coaching staff names aplayer of the game for each of the three phases.

G A M E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O F F E N S E

Youngstown State . . . . .Wes Lunt, QBWestern Kentucky . . . . .Justin Hardee, WRTexas State. . . . . . . . . .Ted Karras, OLMinnesota . . . . . . . . . . .Reilly OToole, QB

G A M E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D E F E N S EYoungtown State. . . . . .Austin Teitsma, DLWestern Kentucky . . . . .Taylor Barton, DBTexas State. . . . . . . . . .VAngelo Bentley, DBMinnestoa . . . . . . . . . . .Earnest Thomas III, STAR

GAME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIAL TEAMS

Youngtown State. . . . . .Joe Fotu, DL/Punt CoverageWestern Kentucky . . . . .Jevaris Little, DB/CoverageTexas State . . . . . . . . . .Zeph Grimes, STAR/CoverageMinnesota . . . . . . . . . . .DuVernois, P/Zalewski, KOS

GAME CAPTAINSThe coaching staff designates different team captains

for each game week throughout the season. Here is alist of this years game captains:

YOUNGSTOWN STATE OL Ted Karras, LB MasonMonheim, QB Reilly OToole, DL Austin Teitsma

WESTERN KENTUCKY DB VAngelo Bentley, TE JonDavis, OL Michael Heitz, STAR Earnest Thomas III

WASHINGTON OL Alex Hill, OL Ted Karras, DB JevarisLittle, DB Zane Petty

TEXAS STATE TE Matt LaCosse, TE Tyler White, DLDeJazz Woods, RB Donovonn Young

NEBRASKA OL Simon Cvijanovic, P Justin DuVernois,QB Reilly OToole, DL Austin Teitsma

PURDUE LB Ralph Cooper, DT Jake Howe, OL TedKarras, LB Mason Monheim

WISCONSIN LB Zeph Grimes, OL Alex Hill, DL DeJazzWoods

MINNESOTA TE Jon Davis, OL Michael Heitz, DBDavontay Kwaaning, STAR Earnest Thomas III

OHIO STATE DB VAngelo Bentley, OL Simon Cvijanovic,QB Reilly OToole, STAR Earnest Thomas III

IOWA

PENN STATE

NORTHWESTERN

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2014 ILLINOIS COACHING STAFF

On Field During Game

Tim Beckman ......................................... Head CoachBill Cubit ...........Offensive Coordinator/QuarterbacksTom Brattan ........................................Offensive LineGreg Colby .......................................... Defensive LineAlex Golesh ...................... Tight Ends/Running BacksTim Salem ..........................................Special TeamsMike Ward ....................................Inside LinebackersRobert Arnheim .....................................Offensive GAKolby Jackson ........................................Defensive GA

In Coaches Booth

Mike Bellamy ......................................Wide ReceiversTim Banks .............Defensive Coordinator/SecondaryAl Seamonson ........................... Outside LinebackersTyler Johns ............................................Offensive GALeDominique Williams ...........................Defensive GA

OFFENSIVE NOTES The Illini passing game ranks second in the Big Ten in both passing yardage (267.7 ypg) and completion

percentage (61.8).

The Illini quarterbacks have clearly found a trio of dependable pass-catchers in Mike Dudek(45), GeronimoAllison(33) and Josh Ferguson(33), as all three have over 30 receptions on the season. That makes Illinoione of only 14 FBS schools with three or more players over 30 receptions (credit: Kyle Neaves, WesternKentucky SID).

WR newcomers Geronimo Allison, Mike Dudek, and Malik Turner have combined for 92 receptions, 1,338yards and eight touchdowns in the first nine games of 2014. Allison, Dudek and Turner have accounted fo46.2 percent of Illinois receptions (92 of 186) and 55.5 percent of Illinois receiving yards (1,338 of 2,409)

Running backs Josh Ferguson and Donovonn Youngprovide a formidable 1-2 punch out of the backfieldBoth have over 1,600 career rushing yards, with power back Young sitting at 1,621 career yards and 17touchdowns, and speedster Ferguson at 1,695 career yards and 13 TDs. So far this season, the duo hasaccounted for 775 rushing yards and 11 TDs, plus another 388 receiving yards and two TD catches.

Senior quarterback Reilly OToolerushed for a career-high 59 yards and picked up his third career rushingtouchdown, a nine-yard run that gave the Illini a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, against Minnesota on Oct25. OToole also finished 14-of-21 with 118 passing yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore tight end Tyler Whitecaught a 13-yard touchdown for his first career reception and Illinois firsscore of the game against Purdue. He followed that by making the tackle on the ensuing kickoff.

QB Wes Lunt and WR Mike Dudekboth took home Big Ten weekly honors after the WKU win. Lunt was namedCo-Offensive Player of the Week for his big day against the Hilltoppers, while Dudek earned Freshman ofthe Week honors after catching four passes for 55 yards and a TD.

The 62-yard TD strike from Lunt to WRJustin Hardee vs. WKU was the Illinis longest passing play since a

72-yard TD pass from Nathan Scheelhaase to Ryan Lankford vs. Washington (Sept. 14, 2013).

DEFENSIVE NOTES

In addition to forcing three turnovers, the Illini defense came up big throughout the win over Minnesota,forcing five three-and-outs on the day and holding the Gophers to just 86 total yards in the first half.

The Illinois defense has racked up 63 tackles for loss through nine games (7.0 per game) to rank fourth inthe Big Ten and 46th in FBS. The Illini tallied 14 tackles for loss against Texas State, the most by an Illinoiteam in 12 years since totaling 15 TFLs vs. San Jose State on Sept. 21, 2002. They followed that up with 11TFLs at Nebraska Sept. 27 and again had 11 against Minnesota on Oct. 25.

Illinois also has racheted up its turnovers forced, as the Illini already have surpassed their season interception total from 2013 with four in nine games this season. UI has forced 11 total turnovers in 2014, equalinglast seasons total of 11 with three games to go.

Junior LBMason Monheim

currently stands 17th on the FBS tackles per game active career leaders list with

8.06 and is the Big Tens active career leader among players with more than 24 career games. The 2014Butkus Award preseason candidate isfourth in the Big Ten and 32nd nationally in tackles per game in 2014(9.2), and shares the Big Ten lead with three fumbles forced.

Sophomore linebacker T.J. Neal Jr.led the team with a career-high 12 tackles against the Gophers, includin2.5 TFLs, and forced the key fumble that VAngelo Bentleyreturned for the game-winning touchdown. Fothe season, Neal is fourth on the team with 71 tackles and 5.5 TFLs.

Senior STAR Earnest Thomas IIIregistered a career-high 2.5 sacks against Minnesota and forced a fumblelate in the game to end a potential Gopher scoring drive deep in Illinois territory. It was the seventh forcedfumble of his career, which ties him four fourth in school history. Thomas leads the Illini with 8.5 TFLs and4.5 sacks this season.

Sophomore safety Taylor Bartontook an interception 77 yards to the house against Western Kentucky, thefirst interception return for a touchdown by an Illini since Ashante Williams vs. Western Michigan on Sept. 12012. Barton ranks third on the team and 11th in the Big Ten in tackles, averaging 8.4 per game.

SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES

As a team, the Illini rank ninth in FBS and lead the Big Ten in net punting (41.21 ypp).

In addition to being one of the nations best return men and a lock-down corner,VAngelo Bentleyblocked afield goal attempt against Penn State in 2012, marking the first blocked FG for an Illini since Derek Walkeat Michigan on Oct. 4, 2008, and the first blocked kick of any kind for an Illini since Clay Nurse swattedaway a PAT at Fresno State on Dec. 3, 2010.

Junior defensive lineman Joe Fotuhelped a force a blocked punt against Youngstown State late in the thirdquarter, shifting momentum in favor of the Illini. Penguin punter Joey Cejudo ran to the right and puntedinto the back of his own lineman, who was being pushed backward by Fotu. Though he doesnt get individual credit for a block, Fotus penetration created a game-changing play for the Illini.

CAREER STARTS LIST

PLAYER . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 . . 13. . . 12 . . 11 . . .10. . . TOT

Heitz, Michael . . . . . . . . .9 . . . 10. . . 12 . . . .9 . . . . --. . . .40

Cvijanovic, Simon. . . . . .9 . . . 11. . . 11 . . . .4 . . . .--. . . .35

Karras, Ted . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . 10. . . 12 . . . -- . . . .--. . . .31

Monheim, Mason . . . . . . .9 . . . 12. . . 10 . . . -- . . . . --. . . .31

Thomas I II , Earnest . . . . .9 . . . 12. . . . 9 . . . .0 . . . .--. . . .30

Spence, Eaton . . . . . . . . .9 . . . 12. . . . 2 . . . -- . . . . --. . . .23

Davis, Jon . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 . . . . 7 . . . . 6 . . . . 2 . . . .--. . . .21

Ferguson, Josh . . . . . . . .7 . . . . 8. . . . 6 . . . .0 . . . . --. . . .21

Hill, Alex . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 . . . 12. . . . 1 . . . . 2 . . . .--. . . .21

Teitsma, Austin . . . . . . . .9 . . . 12. . . . 0 . . . .0 . . . . --. . . .21

Bentley, VAngelo . . . . . .9 . . . . 9. . . . 0 . . . -- . . . . --. . . .18

Svetina, Mike . . . . . . . . -- . . . 11. . . . 5 . . . -- . . . . --. . . .16

Petty, Zane . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . 7 . . . . -- . . . -- . . . .--. . . .15

Barton, Taylor . . . . . . . . .9 . . . . 5. . . . - - . . . -- . . . . --. . . .14

Young, Donovonn . . . . . .1 . . . . 2. . . 10 . . . .1 . . . . --. . . .14

LaCosse, Matt . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . 9 . . . . 0 . . . . 1 . . . .--. . . .13

Hardee, Justin . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . 1 . . . . 1 . . . -- . . . .--. . . .10

Spencer, Joe . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . . 2. . . . - - . . . -- . . . . --. . . .10

Neal, T.J. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . 0 . . . . -- . . . -- . . . .--. . . . .9

Powell, Teko . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . 6 . . . . 0 . . . -- . . . .--. . . . .9

Ward, Jihad . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . --. . . . -- . . . -- . . . .--. . . . .9

Woods, DeJazz . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . .--. . . . .9

A ll ison, Geronimo . . . . . .8 . . . -- . . . .-- . . . -- . . . .--. . . . .8Dudek, Mike . . . . . . . . . . 6 . . . --. . . . -- . . . -- . . . .--. . . . .6

Howe, Jake . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . 6 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . .--. . . . .6

OToole, Reilly . . . . . . . . .4 . . . . 0. . . . 2 . . . .0 . . . . --. . . . .6

Barr, Martize . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . 2 . . . . -- . . . -- . . . .--. . . . .5

Lunt, Wes . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . --. . . . -- . . . -- . . . .--. . . . .5

Bain, Rob . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . 0 . . . . -- . . . -- . . . .--. . . . .3

Clements, Jarrod . . . . . . .3 . . . . 0. . . . - - . . . -- . . . . --. . . . .3

DiLauro, Christian. . . . . .3 . . . -- . . . .-- . . . -- . . . .--. . . . .3

Mosely, Darius . . . . . . . . .0 . . . . 3. . . . - - . . . -- . . . . --. . . . .3

Flavin, Patrick . . . . . . . . .2 . . . . 0. . . . - - . . . -- . . . . --. . . . .2

Turner, Malik . . . . . . . . . .2 . . . -- . . . . - - . . . -- . . . . --. . . . .2

Bailey, Aaron . . . . . . . . . .0 . . . . 1. . . . - - . . . -- . . . . --. . . . .1

Clary, Tim . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . 1 . . . . -- . . . -- . . . .--. . . . .1

Finney, Eric . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . 1 . . . . -- . . . -- . . . .--. . . . .1

Little, Jevaris. . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . -- . . . .--. . . . .1

Redshirted/did not play/not on squad; 0 = Played, didnt start

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Sophomore PK David Reisner, a transfer from Navy, made his Illini debut against Texas State, hitting 3-of-3extra points and nailing his only field goal attempt of the game, a 19-yarder in the fourth quarter. Reisnertook over for veteran Taylor Zalewski, who struggled early in 2014 after holding down kicking duties in 2013

Illinois had its streaks of 64 games and 186 attempts without missing a PAT kick, snapped against TexaState on Sept. 20, when Zalewski missed on the PAT following the Illinis first touchdown. Prior to that missthe Illinis last missed PAT kick was on Sept. 5, 2009, against Missouri.

Sophomore long snapper Michael Martin made his Illini debut against Youngstown State, filling in perfectlfor returning starter Zach Hirth, who did not play in the first seven games of 2014 due to injury. Hirth,who was ranked the No. 2 long-snapper in the nation by ESPNU coming out of high school, returned for theMinnesota game and handled FG and PAT snapping, while Martin remained the snapper on punts.

FIGHTING ILLINI TIDBITS

Honoring the Galloping Ghost: The Illini honored Harold Red Grange, the Galloping Ghost, by wearingspecial Gray Ghost alternate uniforms for the Homecoming game on Oct. 25. The uniforms honored the90th anniversary of Granges historic Homecoming performance against Michigan in the Memorial Stadiumdedication game on Oct. 18, 1924. In that game, Grange scored four touchdowns and racked up 262 totayards in the first 12 minutes, then ran for a fifth touchdown and threw for a sixth to lead the Illini to a39-14 victory in what many consider the greatest performance in CFB history.

Taking Down a Ranked Foe: With Minnesota ranked No. 24 in the USA Today Coaches Poll on Oct. 25, theIllini win was the first over an opponent ranked in either the Associated Pressor coaches poll since a 17-14victory over No. 22 Arizona State on Sept. 17, 2011.

125 Years of Illinois Football: Illinois celebrated 125 seasons of football during the the Oct. 4 game againsPurdue. Included in the celebration was a reunion of many coaches, players and staff from throughout th

Illinis rich history, which began on Oct. 2, 1890. Among the many notable names in attendance were J.CCaroline, Dana Howard, Kurt Kittner, J Leman, Mikel Lehoure and Neil Rackers.

Weathering the Storm: The Texas State game on Sept. 20 was delayed for one hour and 56 minutes due toa severe thunderstom and lightning. Play was suspended at 3:55 p.m. with 13:35 remaining in the secondquarter and the Illini trailing 14-6. Play resumed at 5:51 p.m. and halftime was abbreviated to 12 minutesIt was the first known weather delay in Illinois history.

Double-Digit Comebacks: Illinois has fought back from double-digit deficits twice this season. The Illincame from 15 down (21-6) late in the second quarter to beat Texas State, and overcame a 10-point deficiagainst WKU (17-7). Prior to this season, the last Illini double-digit comeback win was on Oct. 2, 2011, vsNorthwestern when Illinois responded from down 18 points (28-10) to claim a 38-35 victory.

Going Bowling? In 2014, Illinois is looking to reach a bowl game for the third time in the last five years aftewinning the 2010 Texas Bowl (over Baylor) and 2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (over UCLA) before a two-yeabowl drought in 2012 and 2013.

Dominating FCS Foes: The Fighting Illini are 14-0 all-time against FCS opponents (formerly I-AA). Illinoisis averaging over 42 points per game against FCS foes with an average margin of victory of 28 points pegame. All but three of those wins have been by at least 21 points.

UPLIFTING ATHLETES PLEDGE DRIVE

Illinois Uplifting Athletes chapter held a touchdown pledge drive against Purdue on Oct. 4, raising ove$1,000 to benefit acoustic neuroma research. Fans still can make a donation: http://pldgit.com/illinois.

TIM BECKMAN WEEKLY RADIO SHOW

The Tim Beckman radio show airs live from Buffalo Wild Wings in Savoyevery Tuesday evening of a game week from 7-8 p.m. on the Illini SportsNetwork. Hosted by Fighting Illini football play-by-play voice Brian

Barnhart, the live show allows University of Illinois students and theChampaign-Urbana community the opportunity to meet Coach Beckman and ask questions about the team.

FIGHTING ILLINI INSIDER WEEKLY TV SHOW

Fighting Illini Athletics produces and airs the weekly 30-minuteFighting Illini Insider television show, which starts the weekof Sept. 1 and runs though the end of May. In the fall, theprimary focus of the show is Illinois football and features CoachBeckman as a regular guest. Illinois radio voice Brian Barnhart hosts the majority of the fall shows, which includegame highlights, interviews, special features and Olympic sports reviews in a 30-minute magazine style format.

Check local listings for 2014-15 Fighting Illini Insider air times

2015// FinalSept. 5 Kent StateSept. 12 Western IllinoisSept. 19 @ North CarolinaSept. 26 Middle Tennessee St.Oct. 3 NebraskaOct. 10 @ IowaOct. 17 OPENOct. 24 WisconsinOct. 31 @ Penn State

Nov. 7 @ PurdueNov. 14 Ohio StateNov. 21 @ MinnesotaNov. 28 NorthwesternDec. 5 B1G Championship

2016// FinalSept. 3 Murray StateSept. 10 North CarolinaSept. 17 Western MichiganSept. 24 OPENOct. 1 @ NebraskaOct. 8 PurdueOct. 15 @ RutgersOct. 22 @ MichiganOct. 29 MinnesotaNov. 5 Michigan StateNov. 12 @ Wisconsin

Nov. 19 IowaNov. 26 @ NorthwesternDec. 3 B1G Championship

2017// FinalSept. 2 Ball StateSept. 9 @ South FloridaSept. 16 Western KentuckySept. 23 OPENSept. 30 NebraskaOct. 7 @ IowaOct. 14 RutgersOct. 21 @ MinnesotaOct. 28 WisconsinNov. 4 @ PurdueNov. 11 IndianaNov. 18 @ Ohio StateNov. 25 Northwestern

Dec. 2 B1G Championship

2018// FinalSept. 1 Kent StateSept. 8 Western IllinoisSept. 15 South FloridaSept. 22 Penn StateSept. 29 OPENOct. 6 @ RutgersOct. 13 PurdueOct. 20 @ WisconsinOct. 27 @ Maryland

Nov. 3 MinnesotaNov. 10 @ NebraskaNov. 17 IowaNov. 24 at NorthwesternDec. 1 B1G Championship

2019// 2 non-conference TBAAug. 31 TBASept. 7 @ UConnSept. 14 TBASept. 21 NebraskaSept. 28 TBAOct. 5 @ MinnesotaOct. 12 MichiganOct. 19 WisconsinOct. 26 @ PurdueNov. 2 RutgersNov. 9 @ Michigan State

Nov. 16 TBANov. 23 @ IowaNov. 30 NorthwesternDec. 7 B1G Championship

2020// 2 non-conference TBASept. 12 UConn

2021// 2 non-conference TBASept. 11 @ Virginia

2022// 3 non-conference TBASept. 10 Virginia

2023// 2 non-conference TBASept. 9 @ Kansas

2024// 2 non-conference TBASept. 7 Kansas

FUTURE ILLINOIS SCHEDULES

2014-15 BIG TEN BOWL POSSIBILITIES

Jan. 1 CFB Playoff Semifinals

Dec. 31 Capital One Orange Bowl B1G/SEC/ND vs. ACC

Jan. 2 Taxslayer Bowl B1G/ACC vs. SEC

Jan. 1 Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl B1G/ACC vs. SEC

Jan. 1 Outback Bowl vs. SEC

Dec. 30 Franklin American Music City Bowl B1G/ACC vs. SEC

Dec. 30 San Francisco Bowl vs. Pac-12

Dec. 27 New Era Pinstripe Bowl vs. ACC/ND

Dec. 27 National University Holiday Bowl vs. Pac-12

Dec. 26 Quick Lane Bowl vs. ACC

Dec. 26 Zaxbys Heart of Dallas Bowl vs. C-USA

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Fighting Illini players raised nearly $8,000 for acoustic neuroma, which ended the career of former Illinoffensive lineman Andrew Carter, with their third annual Lift for Life fundraiser through Uplifting Athleteon June 27, 2014. Acoustic neuroma is a rare, slow-growing tumor of the nerve that connects the eato the brain. Sophomore OL Joe Spencerserves as president of the UI chapter and helped organize theevent, which featured the entire Fighting Illini team participating in a strongman competition at MemoriaStadium. Find more on Andrew Carters story here: http://bit.ly/CarterFeature.

GETTING IT DONE IN THE CLASSROOM

The Illini once again excelled in the classroom in 2013-14, continuing a three-year trend under coach TimBeckman. Twenty-one players earned degrees in 2014 after 16 did so in 2013 and 15 in 2012. For four con

secutive semesters, at least 40 football student-athletes have posted at least a 3.0 grade-point-average: 42in fall 2012, a program-record 51 in spring 2013, 43 in fall 2013 and 41 in spring 2014. As a team, the Illinposted a 2.84 cumulative GPA in fall 2013 and a 2.90 in spring 2014, up from 2.71 and 2.87, respectively, ayear ago. In addition, 21 Fighting Illini earned Academic All-Big Ten status in fall 2013, up from 18 in 2012

UNIVERSITY QUICK FACTSLocation:Urbana-ChampaignFounded:1867Enrollment:44,942Colors:Orange & BlueNickname:Fighting IlliniConference (Division):Big Ten (West)President:Robert EasterChancellor:Phyllis Wise

Director of Athletics:Mike ThomasStadium:Memorial Stadium (FieldTurf 60,670)

FOOTBALL QUICK FACTS2013 Record:4-8, 1-7 (5th Big Ten Leaders)Offensive Formation:Spread / MultipleDefensive Formation: MultipleLetterwinners Returning/Lost:47/17

Off: 20/9 Def:24/6 ST (PK/P/LS): 3/2

Starters Returning/Lost:18/7Off: 7/4 Def:8/3 ST (PK/P/LS): 3/0

All-Time Record (Years):590-597-51 (125th)Big Ten Record:335-403-32

Memorial Stadium Record:261-222-14Bowl Appearances (last): 17 (2011 Kraft Bowl)

All-Time Bowl Record:8-9 (.471)

FOOTBALL CONTACT INFORMATIONOffice Phone: 217-333-1400Mailing Address:

Memorial Stadium1402 South First Street, NE TowerChampaign, IL 61820

CHARTING THE ILLINILONGEST DRIVES

DRIVES ILLINOIS OPPONENT

by # of plays 14 (64 yards, 5:16, missed FG vs. Purdue) 18 (99 yards, 5:58, TD) WKUby # of yards 88 (2x, 9 plays, 4:33, TD vs. WKU & 10 plays, 3:56, TD vs. Purdue) 99 (18 plays, 5:58, TD) WKUTime of Possession 5:39 (9 plays, 35 yards, Punt at Wisconsin) 7:23 (16 plays, 74 yards, FG) Purdue

RED ZONE STATS (inside the 20) ILLINOIS OPPONENT

Times inside the 20 36 37Total Scores 25 35 Touchdowns 23 26

Field Goals 2 9Lost on Downs or Turnovers 7 2Lost on Missed Field Goals 3 0End of Game or Half 1 0Scoring Percentage .694 .946Scoring Percentage (TDs only) .639 .703Percent of Total Drives .298 .303

FIELD POSITION ILLINOIS OPPONENT

Drives Started 121 122Cumulative Starting Yardlines 3,683 2,627Average Starting Field Position 30.4 29.7

Times Started Inside the 20 20 22Drives Started in Plus Territory 12 13

POINTS AFTER TURNOVERS ILLINOIS OPPONENT

Turnovers Forced 11 19Total Scores 6 13Scoring Percentage .545 .682Points off Turnovers 42 (6 TD) 79 (10 TD, 3 FG)

HIGHEST SCORING QUARTERS 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH OT FINAL

2014 season 14, PUR/WIS/MIN 9, WASH 13, Purdue 21, YSU & WKU -- 42, WKU & TXSTBeckman Era 14, PUR/WIS/MIN(14) 22, SIU (13) 17, C. Southern (12) 21, YSU & WKU (14) -- 45, Cincinnati (13)

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SCORING DRIVES

YOUNGSTOWN STATE

2nd. . . . . . . 13:15 . . . . . TD . . . . . . Davis 8 yard pass from Lunt (Zalewski kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 plays, 33 yards, 1:454th . . . . . . . 13:58 . . . . . TD . . . . . . Dudek 8 yard pass from Lunt (Zalewski kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 plays, 35 yards, 1:164th . . . . . . . 8:50 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Ferguson 15 yard pass from Lunt (Zalewski kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 plays, 79 yards, 2:04th . . . . . . . 2:33 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . M. Barr 29 yard pass from Lunt (Zalewski kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 plays, 67 yards, 3:55

WESTERN KENTUCKY

1st .. . . . . . 11:26 . . . . . TD . . . . . . Ferguson 1 yard run (Zalewski kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 plays, 32 yards, 0:532nd. . . . . . . 0:41 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Dudek fumble recovery in end zone (Zalewski kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 plays, 74 yards, 3:343rd . . . . . . . 9:36 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . M. Barr 8 yard pass from Lunt (Zalewski kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 plays, 65 yards, 5:244th . . . . . . . 12:27 . . . . . TD . . . . . . Hardee 62 yard pass from Lunt (Zalewski kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 plays, 88 yards, 4:334th . . . . . . . 10:15 . . . . . TD . . . . . . Barton 77 yard interception return (Zalewski kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4th . . . . . . . 1:45 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Young 1 yard run (Zalewski kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 plays, 21 yards, 2:19

WASHINGTON

1st . . . . . . . 5 :47 . . . . . . FG . . . . . . Zalewski 25 yard fie ld goal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 plays, 62 yrads, 4:212nd. . . . . . . 11:27 . . . . . SAF . . . . . Team safety (Washington punter fumbled ball on end line)2nd. . . . . . . 1:17 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Allison 60 yard pass from Lunt (Zalewski kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 plays, 80 yards, 2:083rd . . . . . . . 7:34 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Allison 27 yard pass from Lunt (Zalewski kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 plays, 66 yards, 1:30

TEXAS STATE

1st .. . . . . . 14:47 . . . . . TD . . . . . . Ferguson 75 yard run (kick failed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 play, 75 yards, 0:132nd. . . . . . . 1:14 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Ferguson 2 yard run (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 plays, 75 yards, 1:033rd . . . . . . . 12:50 . . . . . TD . . . . . . Ferguson 33 yard pass from Lunt (pass failed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 play, 33 yards, 0:113rd . . . . . . . 9:18 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Young 3 yard run (pass failed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 plays, 69 yards, 1:544th . . . . . . . 7:42 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Dudek 7 yard pass from Lunt (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 plays, 78 yards, 4:064th . . . . . . . 3:08 . . . . . . FG . . . . . . Reisner 19 yard fie ld goal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 plays, 72 yards, 2:474th . . . . . . . 2:41 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Bentley 45 yard interception return (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NEBRASKA

1st .. . . . . . 11:24 . . . . . TD . . . . . . Ferguson 41 yard run (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 plays, 70 yards, 1:03

2nd. . . . . . . 7:27 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Allison 58 yard pass from OToole (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 plays, 75 yards, 1:16

PURDUE

1st . . . . . . . 9:18 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . White 13 yard pass from Lunt (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 plays, 88 yards, 3:561st . . . . . . . 4:52 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Ferguson 2 yard run (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 plays, 67 yards, 2:153rd . . . . . . . 6:07 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Allison 6 yard pass from Lunt (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 plays, 62 yards, 3:523rd . . . . . . . 1:39 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Young 2 yard run (kick failed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 plays, 54 yards, 2:12

WISCONSIN

1st . . . . . . . 6:43 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . LaCosse 8 yard pass from OToole (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 plays, 31 yards, 1:381st . . . . . . . 3:08 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Allison 5 yard pass from OToole (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 plays, 42 yards, 1:494th . . . . . . . 8:43 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Bailey 29 yard run (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 play, 29 yards, 0:084th . . . . . . . 2:53 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Young 1 yard run (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 plays, 83 yards, 3:02

MINNESOTA

1st . . . . . . . 9:31 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Davis 3 yard pass from OToole (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 plays, 75 yards, 5:21st . . . . . . . 2:39 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . OToole 9 yard run (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 plays, 74 yards, 3:173rd . . . . . . . 8:48 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Ferguson 2 yard run (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 plays, 75 yards, 4:104th . . . . . . . 6:33 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Bentley 12 yard fumble return (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OHIO STATE3rd . . . . . . . 1:48 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . Young 5 yard run (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 plays, 65 yards, 5:34th . . . . . . . 5:55 . . . . . . TD . . . . . . LaCosse 7 yard pass from Bailey (Reisner kick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 plays, 44 yards, 2:43

2014 ILLINOIS BIG PLAYS(Rush/Pass/Rec/PR over 20 yds & KOR/Def over 40 yds)P layer. . . . . . . . . . . . Run . .Pass . .Rec . . .Def . . .ST TotLunt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 . . . .24 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 24Dudek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 . . . . .1 . . . 1 4. . . . 0 . . . . 0 16OToole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . 12 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 13Ferguson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . 0 . . . . 5 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 10Allison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 . . . . .0 . . . . 7 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 7M. Barr . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 . . . . .0 . . . . 5 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 5Bentl ey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . 1 . . . . 3 4Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 . . . . .0 . . . . 1 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 3Bailey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 . . . . .1 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 2Barton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 . . . . .0 . . . . 0 . . . . 1 . . . . 0 1Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 . . . . .0 . . . . 1 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 1Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 . . . . .0 . . . . 1 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 1Hardee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 . . . . .0 . . . . 1 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 1LaCosse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . 0 . . . . 1 . . . . 0 . . . . 0 1Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 . . . . .0 . . . .1. . . . 0 . . . .0 1TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 . . . . 38 . . . 3 8. . . . 2 . . . . 3 53

YOUNGSTOWN STATE (6)

2Q 67. . . . . . .Bentley kick return2Q 42. . . . . . .Allison reception (from Lunt)4Q 49. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from Lunt)4Q 20.. . . . . .Young rush4Q 20. . . . . . .Turner reception (from Lunt)4Q 29. . . . . . .M. Barr TD reception (from Lunt)

WESTERN KENTUCKY (8)

1Q 30. . . . . . .LaCosse reception (from Lunt)1Q 32. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from Lunt)2Q 30. . . . . . .Allison reception (from Lunt)3Q 21.. . . . . .Ferguson rush3Q 25. . . . . . .Davis reception (from Lunt)4Q 62. . . . . . .Hardee TD reception (from Lunt)4Q 77. . . . . . .Barton interception return for TD4Q 20. . . . . . .M. Barr reception (from Lunt)

WASHINGTON (5)

2Q 60. . . . . . .Allison TD reception (from Lunt)3Q 36. . . . . . .Allison reception (from Lunt)3Q 27. . . . . . .Allison TD reception (from Lunt)4Q 20. . . . . . .Ferguson reception (from Lunt)4Q 20. . . . . . .Church reception (from OToole)

TEXAS STATE (10)

1Q 75. . . . . . .Ferguson TD rush2Q 24. . . . . . .Young reception (from Lunt)2Q 24. . . . . . .Barr reception (from Lunt)3Q 40. . . . . . .Bentley punt return3Q 33. . . . . . .Ferguson TD reception (from Lunt)3Q 30. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from Lunt)4Q 23. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from Lunt)4Q 22.. . . . . .Ferguson rush4Q 48.. . . . . .Ferguson rush

4Q 45. . . . . . .Bentley interception return for TDNEBRASKA (7)

1Q 36. . . . . . .Allison reception (from OToole)1Q 41. . . . . . .Ferguson TD rush1Q 27.. . . . . .Dudek rush1Q 22. . . . . . .Ferguson reception (from OToole)2Q 58. . . . . . .Allison TD reception (from OToole)4Q 24. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from OToole)4Q 28. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from OToole)

PURDUE (8)

1Q 30. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from Lunt)1Q 41. . . . . . .Ferguson reception (from Lunt)2Q 47. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from Lunt)3Q 47. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from Lunt)3Q 20. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from Lunt)4Q 23. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from OToole)4Q 30. . . . . . .M. Barr reception (from OToole)4Q 28. . . . . . .M. Barr reception (from OToole)

WISCONSIN (4)

2Q 26. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from OToole)4Q 30. . . . . . .Bentley punt return4Q 29.. . . . . .Bailey TD rush4Q 24. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from Bailey)

MINNESOTA (4)

1Q 20.. . . . . .Young rush1Q 20. . . . . . .Ferguson reception (from OToole)1Q 22. . . . . . .Allison reception (from Dudek)3Q 28.. . . . . .OToole rush

OHIO STATE (1)

1 56. . . . . . .Dudek reception (from OToole)

8/10/2019 ILL Notes Iowa 111014

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TEAM GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICSRushing Passing Passing Total Time

Team Score First Downs Att-Yd-TD C-A-Int-TD Yards Offense Punt Fumbles Penalties Poss

Illinois 28 14 22-78-0 24-38-0-4 285 363 7-270 3-1 7-55 19:59vs. Youngstown State 17 19 59-203-1 11-24-0-0 177 380 8-268 0-0 5-25 40:01------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Illinois 42 28 35-64-2 35-50-1-3 456 520 1-52 4-2 9-69 35:06vs. Western Kentucky 34 23 30-103-1 28-48-1-2 297 400 4-155 4-2 5-24 24:54------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Illinois 19 15 26-72-0 20-31-1-2 279 351 7-362 2-2 11-110 25:47at Washington 44 25 58-245-2 16-22-0-1 219 464 4-140 3-1 8-73 34:13------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Illinois 42 21 27-219-3 25-39-1-2 266 485 7-310 0-0 4-19 22:19

vs. Texas State 35 26 52-139-1 29-43-1-4 336 475 8-380 1-0 8-63 37:41------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Illinois 14 16 24-78-1 17-38-3-1 261 339 8-338 0-0 7-53 20:24at Nebraska 45 35 70-458-5 10-21-1-1 166 624 3-113 2-1 8-70 39:36------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Illinois 27 26 25-65-2 36-53-1-2 450 515 2-83 1-1 2-20 27:20vs. Purdue 38 19 45-349-4 15-20-0-1 202 551 4-174 1-0 6-64 32:40------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Illinois 28 20 39-153-2 14-24-1-2 135 288 7-334 0-0 4-50 27:39at Wisconsin 38 22 47-401-5 10-18-0-0 97 498 5-192 0-0 4-53 32:21------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Illinois 28 16 41-123-2 15-23-0-1 140 263 9-438 2-1 4-36 31:25vs. Minnesota 24 19 41-171-2 12-30-1-1 240 411 6-265 2-2 4-30 28:35------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Illinois 14 15 42-106-1 13-27-2-1 137 243 4-179 3-2 5-50 29:17at Ohio State 55 28 44-296-3 20-34-0-4 249 545 1-35 1-1 6-56 30:43------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Illinoisvs. Iowa

------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Illinoisvs. Penn State------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Illinoisat Northwestern-------

ill notes iowa 111014

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