Redshirt freshman Brad Bower will be the starting quarterback against Western Michigan on Saturday.
Jon Beutjer, the sixth-year senior who suffered sternum and rib injuries in last weekend’s loss to UCLA, hasn’t received medical clearance to resume playing, according to coach Ron Turner. His status continues to be day to day. . . .
According to defensive line coach Donnie Thompson, 6-foot-7-inch, 270-pound redshirt freshman tackle Chris Norwell “had the best game up front” of any of the starters in the UCLA game. Norwell was credited with one solo and seven assisted tackles, and his deflection of a pass set up linebacker Mike Gawelek’s interception. . . .
Although running back Pierre Thomas isn’t a starter, he leads the Illini in all-purpose yards with 324. Thomas has team-high totals in rushing (192) and kickoff returns (121), plus 11 yards in pass receptions.
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The starter, E.B. Halsey, is second in all-purpose yards with 241.
– Next: Saturday vs. Western Michigan, 1 p.m.