ILLINOIS

“This will probably be our toughest game of the year,” Illinois coach Ron Zook said, looking ahead to Saturday’s trip to Northwestern. “It’s going to be a game of will and a game of belief. We owe it to our fans and our seniors to play our best game.” Among the seniors will be three starters on offense–running back Pierre Thomas, guard Matt Maddox and tackle Charles Myles–and two on defense–tackle Josh Norris and cornerback Alan Ball. It also will be the last game for four second-teamers–quarterback Tim Brasic, running back E.B. Halsey, tackle Adam Wilk and cornerback Sharriff Abdullah. . . . The seniors will talk to the team Thursday night.