Illinois lost for the fourth time in five games Saturday. The Illini are reeling, their bowl hopes hanging by a thread.
With games against Indiana, Ohio State and Northwestern remaining, Illinois (4-4, 1-4) needs two victories to become bowl-eligible. Unless the Illini start making critical plays in critical situations, however, there’s a chance they could lose all three games.
“In three out of our four losses we have been right there,” coach Ron Turner said. “But we’ve got to learn to finish. I couldn’t be more pleased with this team’s effort, but we’re not grabbing the opportunities when they’re there.”
In Saturday’s 14-10 loss to Michigan State, the defense came up with a fumble recovery by Eugene Wilson and had two interceptions, by Bobie Singleton and Bobby Jackson, to stop Spartan scoring threats. But the offense, which carried the load against Penn State, managed only three points and failed to convert two times inside the MSU 20.
“Their defense is good,” Turner said, “but again, we had a lot of opportunities. They’re talented, but I put a lot of it on us. Without Rocky Harvey, it sets back our passing game. It means we have no big-play guys. We have receivers who will play you but no one who really stands out. We don’t have a big-play receiver, so we have little margin for error.”
Point of contention: Turner wanted to say “no comment,” but he couldn’t help himself. Once again, an official’s ruling may have played in a role in another Illini defeat.
The Big Ten apologized for two blown fumble calls in Illinois’ 35-31 loss to Michigan. No apology is expected for a call that wasn’t made Saturday. With the Spartans trailing 10-7 early in the fourth quarter, a pass by quarterback Jeff Smoker that was intended for flanker Herb Haygood in the backfield was ruled incomplete at the Illini 45. Thinking Haygood was behind Smoker–and that it should have ruled a fumbled lateral–linebacker Jerry Schumacher picked up the loose ball and had a wide-open field in front of him.
Turner protested, to no avail.
“I had the best seat in the house,” Turner said.
“But I’d better not tell you what I saw because it will cost me $10,000.”
Fitts booted: Steve Fitts’ duties were cut in half Saturday when Turner had sophomore JJ Tubbs take over Fitts’ field-goal kicking duties against the Spartans.
Tubbs, who beat out Fitts in practice, made a 22-yard field goal and an extra point. Fitts converted five of 10 field-goal attempts and was 3-for-7 between 30 and 39 yards, so Turner decided it was time for a change. Fitts remains the punter.
Cook hurt: Starting fullback Jameel Cook sprained his right knee after catching a pass from Kurt Kittner with 7:28 left in the first half and did not return. Carey Davis replaced him. … Harvey injured his hand, but Turner said expects him to be fine. … Injured Michigan State tailback T.J. Duckett (sprained shoulder) carried one time in the first half, but Spartans trainer Jeff Monroe said Duckett “didn’t feel right.” Coach Bobby Williams held him out of the rest of the game. … Illinois defensive end Fred Wakefield made the 21st sack of his career, moving into third on the career list.
