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Illinois coach Ron Turner considers Michigan State’s Jeff Smoker “maybe the best quarterback we’ll see this year.” Turner said Smoker “has a very quick release, a very strong arm and great vision down the field.” … Turner also is impressed with the Spartans’ defense: “They’ve got four or five outstanding defensive linemen and three linebackers who can run, and their safeties are extremely active.” …
Freshman cornerback Alan Ball will miss the Michigan State game with an injured right shoulder. Before leaving the Purdue game, Ball had nine tackles (eight solo and one assisted). … Matt Sinclair is Illinois’ leading tackler with 58 (28 solo and 30 assists) followed by fellow linebacker Winston Taylor with 54 (36 solo and 18 assists).
