Illini prepare for NU’s tough ‘D’

CHAMPAIGN – Last Saturday in Minneapolis, Illinois put on Act II in its late-season offensive resurgence, scoring 35 points in an upset of Minnesota.

About that time, Northwestern’s defense was clamping down on Iowa with a win that ended the Hawkeyes’ hopes of a national title run.

The two Illinois teams collide today in Champaign with Northwestern (6-4 overall, 3-3 Big Ten) looking to spruce up its credentials for a bowl invitation and the Illini (3-6, 2-5) trying to extend a modest winning streak that has eased a bit of the pressure on coach Ron Zook.

Illinois’ wins – against Michigan and Minnesota, both upsets – would have been unthinkable during this season’s five-game losing streak. The Illini scored a total of 59 points in those games, then dropped 38 on Michigan and 35 on the Gophers.

“They understand this: It’s only two games,” Zook said. “This is a big week coming up here.”

In the cross-state rivalry – played for the first time for the Land of Lincoln trophy, a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s hat – it could be a big game in Champaign.

It might not be bigger for anyone than Illinois’ redshirt freshman quarterback, Jacob Charest. The North Carolina native relieved Juice Williams when the Illini senior left the Minnesota game because of an ankle injury.

With Williams considered questionable for today, Charest could start. He threw for 185 yards and a touchdown at Minnesota. He didn’t flinch when the Gophers blitzed the inexperienced quarterback.

“I really saw Jacob grow up last week,” Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said. “I was impressed watching the video on him.”

Charest and runninig back Mikel LeShoure, who turned in 100-yard games in two of his past three games, will face a Northwestern defense that forced four turnovers against Iowa and gave up only
265 yards in the 17-10 win.

Zook said he’s concerned about defensive end Corey Wootton, who sacked Ricky Stanzi in the end zone, forcing a fumble that was recovered for a touchdown and knocking the Hawkeyes quarterback out of the game. Illini freshman tackle Hugh Thornton will be asked to stop Wootton.