Before Saturday’s hard-earned win over Western Michigan, Illinois’ last victory over a Division I opponent was a 31-24 triumph at Northwestern on Nov. 23, 2002. In the interim, the only other two victories for coach Ron Turner’s team were against Division I-AA opponents Illinois State last year and Florida A&M in this year’s opener. . . .
Redshirt freshman quarterback Brad Bower had an up-and-down game. He completed 10 of 19 passes for 177 yards, including a 39-yarder to Ade Adeyemo and a 28-yard TD to Kendrick Jones. He also threw two interceptions, lost the ball once on a fumble and finished with minus-14 yards on nine rushing attempts.
“He’ll make some mistakes along the way, but he’s strong and he’s a good enough athlete that he’ll also make some plays,” Turner said. “I’ve got to be a little smarter with some of my calls, knowing how young he is and not putting him in a bad situation. A couple of those calls I’d like to have back.” . . .
Sixth-year senior quarterback Jon Beutjer, who bruised his sternum and ribs in last week’s loss to UCLA, was on the sidelines in sweatpants. “We think he will be ready next week,” Turner said, referring to the Illini’s Big Ten opener against Purdue. “Our medical staff said he’s looking good.” . . .
When freshman Jason Reda missed the extra point after the third Illinois touchdown, he ended a school-record streak of 202 consecutive extra points that began during the 1998 season and spanned five kickers.
