Giving Pierre Thomas more opportunities to make plays is one of the priorities for Illinois on Saturday at Iowa.
Coach Ron Zook’s game plan for Michigan State last weekend called for Thomas to get “at least 20 touches,” but he was limited to nine carries for 24 yards and one pass reception for 11 yards in the 61-14 loss.
In last season’s 38-25 loss at Michigan State, he ran 21 times for 188 yards and caught two passes for 48 yards. Last weekend’s recurring long-yardage situations–dictating passes–forced the Illini to alter their plans.
The junior running back didn’t dwell on the drubbing.
“I went right back to my room and did homework,” he said. “My whole focus was on my schoolwork.”
This will be his first encounter with Iowa. He didn’t play against the Hawkeyes as a freshman and was on the injured list last year.
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Next: Sat. at Iowa, 11 a.m., WBBM-Ch. 2