Nathan Scheelhaase Injury Update: Decision On QB To Come Thursday

Illinois coach Tim Beckman will make a decision regarded junior quarterback Nathan Scheelhause after Thursday's practice, according to ESPN Chicago.

Scheelhause injured his ankle in last Saturday's game against Western Michigan and is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Arizona State. The Illini are having to choose between Scheelhause, sophomore Reilly O'Toole and junior Miles Osei as the starter for the game, following Thursday's practice.

"(Scheelhaase) practiced today, so we'll see how he responds," Beckman said on Wednesday. "He's much better than he was yesterday.

"He said he felt pretty good. I think anytime you have an injury to the ankle it's going to progress. It's been progressing, and we're going to have to make that decision on Thursday after practice."

Beckman also said that if Scheelhause is unable to play, the competition between O'Toole and Osei is "neck and neck" and they'll have to use Thursday's practice as the basis for which to make the final decision.

For more on Illini football, visit Illinois blog Hail To The Orange, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire and SB Nation Chicago.

Nathan Scheelhaase Injury Update: Scheelhaase's Ankle 'Looking Better'

Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase's injured ankle is improving, although it's still unknown whether or not he will be able to play against Arizona State on Saturday.

Scheelhaase injured his ankle during Illinois' 24-7 win against Western Michigan on Saturday. He completed 11-of-18 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game in the third quarter. He was listed atop the depth chart Monday, but head coach Tim Beckman said it's still unknown if he will play against ASU.

"He's got to be healthy enough that we know he can be successful in what we're asking him to do," Beckman said, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The specifics of Scheelhaase's ankle injury are unknown, although Beckman said it is not a high ankle sprain. The Fighting Illini will travel to Tempe to face Arizona State on Saturday.

For more on Illini football, visit Illinois blog Hail To The Orange, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire and SB Nation Chicago.

Western Michigan Vs. Illinois 2012: Final Score And Game Recap

The Tim Beckman era in Champaign began with a win this afternoon, as the Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the Western Michigan Broncos 24-7.

Illini quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase led the way for Illinois, throwing for 126 yards, one touchdown, and an interception on 18 attempts, while rushing for 21 yards and another touchdown.

Scheelhaase, though, went down with an ankle injury in the third quarter and was replaced by Reilly O'Toole. O'Toole, a sophomore signalcaller for the Illini, finished the day 2-for-3 with seven yards.

The extent of Scheelhaase's injury remains uncertain.

The biggest play of the day came from Illinois defensive back Ashante Williams, who returned an intercepted Broncos pass for 60 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, sealing an Illini victory.

Western Michigan struggled significantly on offense, having difficulty generating positive yards and maintaining possession of the football. Broncos quarterback Alex Carder threw two interceptions on the day, gaining 252 yards through the air and throwing for one touchdown and three interceptions. On the ground, Western Michigan's struggles were even more pronounced, as their team rushing total was -7 yards.

Illinois looks to maintain the momentum provided by this win into next Saturday, as the Fighting Illini will travel to Tempe, AZ to face the Arizona State Sun Devils.

For more Illini coverage, visit SB Nation Chicago and SB Nation's B1G Community, Off Tackle Empire. For more on the Broncos, visit SB Nation's MAC community, Hustle Belt.

Nathan Scheelhaase Injury: Illinois Quarterback Exits Game Vs. Western Michigan

Illini Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase has left the season opening game against the Western Michigan Broncos with an apparent ankle injury suffered in the third quarter.

Per a tweet from Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports, Scheelhaase was taken into the locker room via cart, as he was unable to put weight on his left ankle.

Up until his injury, Scheelhaase was leading his Illinois team successfully in maintaining a double digit lead over Western Michigan. He 11-for-18 on the day with 126 yards, one touchdown and one interception on the afternoon.

Filling in for Scheelhaase is sophomore signalcaller Reilly O'Toole, who has 270 career yards with one touchdown and four interceptions for Illinois. Needless to say, if you're an Illini fan, you'd much rather have Scheelhaase leading this program, not only for this game but for those coming up on the schedule.

For more on Illini football, visit Illinois blog Hail To The Orange, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire and SB Nation Chicago.

Western Michigan Vs. Illinois 2012: Game Time, TV Schedule, Odds And More

The Illinois Fighting Illini and Western Michigan Broncos open their seasons on Saturday in Champaign.