Illinois (3-3 overall, 1-2 Big Ten), which was idle last weekend, faces an uphill battle in finding the three victories it needs to qualify for postseason play. Fighting Illini teams have earned bowl berths in six of the last seven years, but they will face opponents with a combined record of 23-8-1 in this season’s five remaining games.
More Top Picks Paint Roller
No. 8 Northwestern, which visits Champaign on Saturday, is 6-1, No. 25 Iowa is 5-1, No. 4 Ohio State is 7-0, Minnesota is 3-3 and Wisconsin is 2-3-1.
Injury update: Starting cornerback Duane Lyle is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game after hyperextending a knee in practice last week. Right guard Ryan Schau is expected to return from his knee injury after missing three games, and backup wide receiver Martin Jones will return after missing the Michigan State game with a pinched nerve in his neck.
Rice report: Simeon Rice did not have a sack against Michigan State, the first game this season he has come up empty in that category. Rice has 8 1/2 sacks this year and 41 1/2 for his career.