STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 29: Jason Ford #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini carries the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the game on October 29, 2011 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
5 Total Updates since November 19, 2011
over 1 year ago Update 0 comments
After putting together an impressive performance in the opening half, which saw Illinois jump out to a 17-7 lead over No. 17 Wisconsin, the Fighting Illini proved to be their own worst enemy, as four turnovers proved to be too much to overcome in the 28-17 loss. This is the fifth consecutive loss for the Fighting Illini, while Wisconsin has a chance to win the Big 10-Leaders Division when it faces Penn St. next weekend.
The Badgers were led by the outstanding Montee Ball, who put the team on his back in this victory. Ball rushed for 224 yards and 2 TD's to propel Wisconsin. Ball added a receiving TD, which gives him 30 TD's this season. With Ball serving as the focal point for the offense, Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson only attempted 13 passes. Wilson threw for 90 yards and the the lone TD pass to Ball.
Following a very efficient performance from the QB duo of Nathan Scheelhaase and Reilly O'Toole in the opening two quarters, the Fighting Illini couldn't move the ball in the second half. . O'Toole threw two key interceptions in the second half, while Scheelhaase was also picked off while trying to rally Illinois. Freshman TE Jon Davis proved to be the best weapon for the Fighting Illini, as he led the way with 53 yards receiving on five catches.
Illinois closes out the season with a visit to Minnesota next weekend. Wisconsin will play for a spot in the inaugural Big 10 Championship Game when it visits Penn St.
SB Nation Chicago will have score updates and continuing coverage throughout the day. For game threads and fan reaction visit SB Nation's Wisconsin Badgers blog Bucky's 5th Quarter and SB Nation's Illinois Fighting Illini blog Hail to the Orange. Here's the complete Week 12 college football TV schedule, and stay tuned to SB Nation's college football news hub for more.
over 1 year ago Update 0 comments
As has been the case throughout its current four-game losing streak, turnovers have been deadly for Illinois, as the Fighting Illini now trail Wisconsin 28-17 in the fourth quarter. Illinois committed three turnovers in the third quarter alone, which the Badgers converted into three TD's.
With the Badgers season appearing to be in trouble, it was RB Montee Ball that helped turn this game around. Ball has scored three TD's in the second half, which now gives him 30 TD's on the season. The junior RB has been unstoppable throughout the game, rushing for 167 yards on 29 carries. Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson found his rhythm in the third quarter, throwing a key TD pass to Ball.
Illinois QB Reilly O'Toole struggled in the third quarter, throwing two interceptions. The inability to keep control of the ball limited the Fighing Illini to only 12 offensive plays in the quarter.
SB Nation Chicago will have score updates and continuing coverage throughout the day. For game threads and fan reaction visit SB Nation's Wisconsin Badgers blog Bucky's 5th Quarter and SB Nation's Illinois Fighting Illini blog Hail to the Orange. Here's the complete Week 12 college football TV schedule, and stay tuned to SB Nation's college football news hub for more.
over 1 year ago Update 0 comments
After struggling to find any semblance of offensive rhythm during its current four-game losing streak, the Illinois Fighting Illini have been clicking on all cylinders in the opening 30 minutes, jumping out to a surprising 17-7 lead over No. 17 Wisconsin. However, the lead could be even larger if not for an offensive pass interference call late in the half that took a touchdown off the board for Illinois.
Everything has been working offensively for the Fighting Illini, as they have gained 222 yards in the first half. The QB duo of Nathan Scheelhaase and Reilly O'Toole has combined to complete 17/19 for 111 yards. Freshman RB Donovonn Young has rushed for 36 yards and 2 TD's, while senior RB Jason Ford Jason Ford added 34 yards on the ground.
The Illinois defense has been tremendous against Russell Wilson and the high-octane Badgers. The lone TD by the Badgers was setup by a fumbled punt, which gave Wisconsin the ball at the 1-yardline. Montee Ball put the Badgers on the board with an easy TD run. Ball has shown his typical productivity, rushing for 60 yards. However, Wilson has completed only 4/6 for 41 yards.
SB Nation Chicago will have score updates and continuing coverage throughout the day. For game threads and fan reaction visit SB Nation's Wisconsin Badgers blog Bucky's 5th Quarter and SB Nation's Illinois Fighting Illini blog Hail to the Orange. Here's the complete Week 12 college football TV schedule, and stay tuned to SB Nation's college football news hub for more.
over 1 year ago Update 0 comments
After both defenses managed to produce a scoreless first quarter of play, the Illinois Fighting Illini broke open the scoring early in the second quarter to take a 7-0 lead over the Wisconsin Badgers. The Illini touchdown drive was an 11-play, 51-yard effort that took 5:14 of game time and culminated in a 12-yard touchdown run by Donovonn Young.
Illini quarterback Nathan Sheelhaase has gotten off to a particularly strong start, completing 9/10 passes for 59 yards while spreading the ball to four different receivers. Although the Badgers rushing attack has been strong, with RB Montee Ball ripping off 45 yards on 8 carries, the Badgers have not been able to get within striking distance as of yet, due to a fumble by Russell Wilson on a sack by Whitney Mercilus.
After taking the ball away from the Badgers, the Illini marched down the field for another touchdown to take a 14-0 lead on a one-yard run by Donovonn Young. Is an upset brewing in Champaign?
SB Nation Chicago will have score updates and continuing coverage throughout the day. For game threads and fan reaction visit SB Nation's Wisconsin Badgers blog Bucky's 5th Quarter and SB Nation's Illinois Fighting Illini blog Hail to the Orange. Here's the complete Week 12 college football TV schedule, and stay tuned to SB Nation's college football news hub for more.
over 1 year ago Update 0 comments
Here's the latest injury news for Saturday's Big Ten matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Wisconsin Badgers. All information comes from USA Today:
Illinois
Nathan Scheelhaase QB Ankle Prob Sat - 11/19/11 Scheelhaase is nursing an ankle injury but is expected to play Saturday
against Wisconsin.
Hugh Thornton OL Knee Prob Sat - 11/19/11 Thornton has not played since undergoing a knee scope on October
31st to clean up a cartilage tear. He is expected to return for Saturday's
game against Wisconsin.
Steve Hull DB Neck Ques Sat - 11/19/11 Hull is nursing a neck injury and is considered questionable for
Saturday's game against Wisconsin.
Corey Lewis OL Knee Ques Sat - 11/14/11
Lewis suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury
before the season began and hasn't yet played in a game. He remains questionable for Saturday's game against Wisconsin.
Wisconsin
Manasseh Garner TE Groin Prob Sat - 11/18/11 Garner is dealing with a groin strain but is expected to
play Saturday against Illinois.
Jared Abbrederis WR Shoulder Prob Sat - 11/18/11 Abbrederis is dealing with an injured shoulder but is
expected to play in Saturday's game against Illinois.
Peter Konz OL Leg Doub Sat - 11/14/11 Konz is dealing with an injury to his leg and is
expected to miss the next two games as a result.
For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit SB Nation's Wisconsin Badgersblog Bucky's 5th Quarter and SB Nation's Illinois Fighting Illini blog Hail to the Orange. Here's the complete Week 12 college football TV schedule, and stay tuned to SB Nation's college football news hub for more.
over 1 year ago Article 0 comments
Illinois tries to get back in the win column as Wisconsin keeps their eyes focused on Indianapolis.