Stopping Northwestern’s running game is one of Illinois’ top priorities Saturday. Last year, when the Wildcats scored a 37-20 victory in Champaign, they ran for 444 yards.
Trailing 13-7 at halftime, they didn’t throw a single pass in making their successful second-half rally.
Coach Ron Turner is a fan of Northwestern quarterback Brett Basanez, the Big Ten’s second-rated passer with 233.5 yards per game.
“We tried very hard to recruit him,” Turner said. “He has very good mobility and very good accuracy. I like his presence in the pocket. He can create things when nothing is there, which a quarterback has to do.”
Illinois also tried to sign the Wildcats’ top runner, Noah Herron.
Turner’s evaluation: “He has great instincts and very good hands.” . . .
The Illini have been charged with the second fewest penalties in Division I, 37, for an average of 31.7 yards per game.