By Matthew Murray The Daily Northwestern
Many prognosticators across the country surmised that if Penn State could stop or at least contain the Big Ten’s leading rusher Rashard Mendenhall during their battle against Illinois, the Illini would not have much of a chance against the Nittany Lions. As it turns out, those same prognosticators underestimated coach Ron Zook’s complicated secondary scheme and forgot about the Illini’s dynamic special teams unit.
Opposing coaches are starting to take notice of the many facets of this multi-talented squad.
“I really believe Illinois should be a ranked team,” Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said. “They’re ranked on my poll.”
Having only won four games combined in their last two seasons, the Fightin’ Illini (4-1, Big Ten 2-0) have shocked most by equaling that win total through only five games this season. This Saturday, Illinois welcomes another Big Ten heavy-hitter in No. 5 Wisconsin (5-0, 2-0) as the favorite according to the Las Vegas line. But just like last game, Zook expects the Illini to be the underdog in a must-see grudge match.
“I don’t think there’s anyway possible that were a favorite against a team like Wisconsin,” Zook said. “I think there’s a reason Wisconsin has the third best record in college football since 2004.”
SUPER SOPHomore LEWIS DOES IT ALL
For the Hoosiers (4-1, 1-1), the team goal of honoring deceased coach Terry Hoeppner by making their first bowl appearance since 1993 is looking more like a distinct possibility. With their first win at Iowa City since 1999, Indiana’s “magic number” was down to three in its thirteen-game season. But coach Bill Lynch insisted that his squad had a lot to learn and even more to prove against a woeful Minnesota team this Saturday.
“(The Gophers) have a real physical nature to their play. And our kids know it’s going to be a real challenge for us.” Lynch said. “We’ve got a lot of improvement to do.”
The arrival of sophomore do-it-all quarterback Kellen Lewis as a premier player in the Big Ten has certainly helped as he has single-handedly transformed the Hoosiers. Leading the league in total offense, Lynch commented on the proficiency of his team’s most versatile asset.
“He understands the game, he studies the game, and he has a great feel for the game,” Lynch said. “What most impresses me is that he’s let the game come to him.”
Tiller planning FOR BIG-PLAY BUCKEYES
Undefeated and ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press poll, the expectations for the Purdue Boilermakers (5-0, 2-0) continue to mount. Currently preparing for No. 4 Ohio State (5-0, 2-0), coach Joe Tiller certainly has his hands full trying to think of ways to stop the explosive Buckeyes.
“Ohio State is a complete football team,” Tiller said. “The thing the Buckeyes do very effective is the deep ball or trying to exploit a defense with the big play.”
Having lost his starting position this spring, tailback Kory Sheets broke free from the bench two weeks ago with two touchdowns at Minnesota and again against Notre Dame on Saturday becoming the difference-maker with 141 yards on 27 carries.
“He lost a lot of weight and he’s maturing as a young guy,” Tiller said. “I think it used to be a hobby for him and now he’s accepted it as a vocation.”
Even Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is starting to realize the talent of Purdue’s breakout rusher.
“When games seem to get tight, (Sheets) seems to take over,” Tressel said. “[Curtis] Painter is great, but what Sheets brings to the table makes it increasingly difficult to contend with (Purdue).”
Reach Matthew Murray at [email protected].
