Illinois probably will be without its best passer–Jon Beutjer–and its best runner–E.B. Halsey–for Saturday’s game against Minnesota. Beutjer missed last week’s 56-14 loss to Michigan with an injured back and Halsey sprained his right knee in the third quarter. “There’s a 90 percent chance that Jon won’t play,” coach Ron Turner said. “E.B. is doubtful. It could be day-to-day or week-to-week.” …
Turner is undecided on whether he will use redshirt freshman Chris Pazan as Beutjer’s replacement or call on senior Dustin Ward, who completed all five of his passes in a fourth-quarter relief appearance. … Defensive end Derrick Strong, who suffered a high ankle sprain at Michigan and had to leave the game, is expected to resume practice Tuesday and play Saturday.
