Touchdown Times
A publication of THE DAILY ILLINI Thursday, October 3, 2013
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Thursday, October 3, 2013
Offense
Defense
Taylor Martinez 3 QB Ameer Abdullah 8 RB C.J. Zimmerer 31 FB Jake Long 41 TE Kenny Bell 80 WR Quincy Enunwa 18 WR Jamal Turner 10 WR Jeremiah Sirles 71 LT Jake Cotton 68 LG Cole Pensick 62 C Spencer Long 61 RG Andrew Rodriguez 63 RT
Nebraska
Passing
C-A-INT
Taylor Martinez
53-80-1
Rushing
Carries
Ameer Abdullah Terrell Newby Imani Cross
74 36 30
Yards 528
Yards 465 210 198
TD
Defense
Tackles
Sacks
TFL
30 23 22 19
1 0 1 1
TD
6.3 5.8 6.6
Receiving
Corey Cooper Harvey Jackson David Santos Josh Banderas
40
Avg
TD
202 190
Long
9
Yards
17 18
Offense
Jason Ankrah 9 DE Thad Randle 53 DT Vincent Valentine 98 DT Randy Gregory 44 DE Nathan Gerry 25 LB David Santos 52 LB Zaire Anderson 13 LB Josh Mitchell 5 CB Corey Cooper 6 SS Harvey Jackson 1 FS Ciante Evans 17 CB
Catches
Quincy Enunwa Kenny Bell
THE DAILY ILLINI | www.DailyIllini.com
2
3 2 5
Long 33 22
5 2
INT
2 1 1 2
1 0 0 0
Passing
Nathan Scheelhaase
Sat., Sept. 7 vs. Cincinnati W 45-17
Sat., Oct. 26 vs. Michigan State 2:30 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 2 @ Penn State TBD
Rushing
Donovonn Young Josh Ferguson
Tim Kynard 59 DE Jake Howe 95 NT Austin Teitsma 44 DT Houston Bates 55 LEO Jonathan Brown 45 WLB Mason Monheim 43 MLB Mike Svetina 34 STAR V’Angelo Bentley 2 CB Earnest Thomas 9 SS Taylor Barton 3 FS Eaton Spence 27 CB
C-A-INT
Yards
TD
Carries
Yards
Avg
46 30
1,162 208 196
12
4.5 6.5
Long 72
TD 2 0
Receiving
Catches
Yards
TD
Long
Defense
Tackles
Sacks
TFL
INT
11 11 12
Ryan Lankford Martize Barr Josh Ferguson Jonathan Brown Mason Monheim Eaton Spence Earnest Thomas III Austin Teitsma
Sat., Sept. 14 vs. No. 15 Washington (Soldier Field) L 34-24
Sat., Nov. 9 @Indiana TBD
Illinois 82-122-3
47 38 25 28 20
Schedule Sat., Aug. 31 vs. Southern Illinois W 42-34
Defense
Nathan Scheelhaase 2 QB Josh Ferguson 6 RB Donovonn Young 5 RB Ryan Lankford 12 WR Miles Osei 8 WR Spencer Harris 80 WR Evan Wilson 89 TE Simon Cvijanovic 68 LT Michael Heitz 74 LG Alex Hill 52 C Ted Karras 69 RG Corey Lewis 70 RT
236 125 262 1.5 1.0 0 0 0
1 1 3
2.5 4.0 0 1 2.5
72 30 53 0 0 0 0 0
Games in bold are at home
Sat., Sept. 28 vs. Miami (Ohio) W 50-14
Sat., Nov. 16 vs. No. 4 Ohio State TBD
Sat., Oct. 5 @ Nebraska 11 a.m. | ESPNU
Sat., Oct. 19 vs. Wisconsin 7 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Sat., Nov. 23 @ Purdue TBD
Sat., Nov. 30 vs. No. 16 Northwestern TBD
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THE DAILY ILLINI | www.DailyIllini.com
Thursday, October 3, 2013
3
Huskers have viable options at QB without Martinez BY STEPHEN BOURBON STAFF WRITER
When the Illinois football team takes on Nebraska this weekend in Lincoln, Neb., there will be an ugly streak on the line for the Illini. Illinois (3-1) has lost 14 consecutive conference games dating back to the 2011 season — a season where the Illini won their first six games, only to finish the regular season 6-6. “It’s definitely something we think about,” offensive tackle Corey Lewis said. “But is it the only thing we think about? No. We’ve just got to take it one game at a time.” This week’s contest will be the first road test of the season as well as the conference opener for Illinois, who had three of its first four games at home. The Illini played Washington at a neutral site at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sept. 14. Coming into the contest, the Cornhuskers (3-1) have questions about who will be under center on game day. Four-year starting quarterback Taylor Martinez’s status for the game is uncertain, as he is battling through a turf toe injury sustained after the team’s loss to UCLA on Sept. 14. He then missed the team’s 59-20 victory over South Dakota State on Sept. 21. If Martinez is unable to play, Nebraska has viable backups. In their last game, the Huskers used two different signal callers. Redshirt freshman Tommy Armstrong and senior Ron Kellogg III split time at quarterback but both were successful. The Huskers racked up 645 yards of total offense and pulled away by halftime. “I think Taylor will play,” head coach Tim Beckman said. “We watched the South Dakota State game and the other two quarterbacks that played were outstanding.” Martinez is primarily known for his rushing ability as a quarterback during his career. He rushed for a combined 2,858 yards in his first three seasons under center; although, his dependence on running makes his turf toe injury even more concerning. The Illini had a tune-up game last Saturday against Miami (Ohio) when the Redhawks featured two rushing quarterbacks in a run-based offense. Miami quarterbacks rushed 23 times on the game for 94 yards and the Illini defense held Miami to 250 total yards. With or without Martinez, Nebraska will feature a running game that ranks 14th in the country with 280.8 yards per game. Returning starter Ameer Abdullah already has 465 rushing yards on the year, following a season where he accumulated 1,137 yards in 2012. Abdullah has rushed for over 100 yards in three of the first four games; the only contest where he didn’t hit the century mark was a 98-yard effort against UCLA. This game marks the first conference game between Illinois and Nebraska. The teams haven’t faced each other since 1986, when the Huskers won 59-14 in Champaign. PHOTO COURTESY OF NICKOLAI HAMMAR DAILY NEBRASKAN
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Nebraska players run onto the field before the game against Southern Miss on Sept. 7. Nebraska will host Illinois for the first time in Big Ten play.
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Thursday, October 3, 2013
4
THE DAILY ILLINI | www.DailyIllini.com
THE DAILY ILLINI | www.DailyIllini.com
BY SEAN HAMMOND SENIOR WRITER
Most of the Illini have never been to Memorial Stadium. Not their Memorial Stadium, the other one. Indiana’s Memorial Stadium? No, no. Not that one either. The Memorial Stadium out west; the one in Lincoln, Neb., where they’ve sold out every Cornhuskers football game since October 1962. The one where red-clad fans with no NFL team within 190 miles to root for pack the stands for the only games that really matter in the Cornhusker State. This Saturday, the Illinois football team will travel to Lincoln for the first time since 1985 and play in a stadium they haven’t won a game in since 1924. To say it’s getting the Illini jacked up doesn’t quite capture the excitement. “It’s going to be awesome,” junior defensive tackle Austin Teitsma said. But that doesn’t quite capture it ether. Teitsma exudes the type of enthusiasm that might make him say the same thing about the tacos served at head coach Tim Beckman’s weekly news conference. Tight end Matt LaCosse put it in simplest terms: “I know it’s big, and I know the fans are diehards.” That they are. The last time Memorial Stadium in Nebraska wasn’t filled to capac-
ity for a Huskers football game was Oct. 20, 1962. There were a measly 30,701 fans at the game (the stadium then held a capacity crowd of 36,501). That’s 329 consecutive home sellouts. There have been 10 different presidents of the United States in that time. The New England Patriots have called six different stadiums home in that stretch. The next closest sellout streak in college football is Notre Dame Stadium’s 234 straight sellouts (dating back to 1973). But the most staggering statistic is the two — yes, two — losing seasons Nebraska has had since 1962. Over the years, the stadium’s capacity has been expanded, and still the sellouts continue. Over the offseason, Nebraska added some 4,000 seats to its Memorial Stadium, making its capacity upward of 91,000. All four home games this year broke the previous attendance record. Saturday’s conference opener with Illinois should do the same. And the storylines will be plenty. Illinois hasn’t won a conference game in two years, nearly to the day. The two starting quarterbacks are two of only five signal-callers in FBS college football with at least 40 career starts (Georgia’s Aaron Murray leads the nation with 45). When Illinois head coach Tim Beckman asked his squad early this week who had been to Lincoln before, only a couple of hands rose
Thursday, October 3, 2013
5 into the air. One of them was fifth-year quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. As a high school player in the Kansas City, Mo., area, Scheelhaase visited Nebraska three times on recruiting visits. Once he went to a sold out spring game and another time he watched the Cornhuskers host No. 1 ranked Southern California. “It’s one of the top venues you could ever be in,” Scheelhaase said. “There’s not much that will have to be said in the locker room or on the field to get everybody going. There will be enough electricity in that stadium that everybody will be ready to go.” Scheelhaase is going to have to be ready to gun it if his counterpart Taylor Martinez returns from a toe injury. Both offenses like to air it out and both quarterbacks are versatile guys who can make something happen with their feet. Beckman said the Illini have practiced all week as if Martinez will play and defensive coordinator Tim Banks said Martinez is a guy who can keep an entire defense on its toes. “It’s not always outperforming the defense,” Beckman said. “It’s about outperforming that player that plays your position on the other team. “That’s how Taylor is and that’s how Nathan is. They’re competitive men, and I’m sure they’ll want to
go out and lead their football teams the best way they can.” Martinez did not play in Nebraska’s last game against South Dakota State and appeared as if his injury was nagging him against UCLA a couple of weeks ago. But whether he or backup Tommy Armstrong Jr. starts, expect a shootout. Illinois offensive coordinator Bill Cubit and his Nebraska counterpart Tim Beck (not to be confused with Beckman) are two of the best in the business. Their offenses rank 26th and 15th in the nation in points scored, respectively. If there’s anything college football fans cheer for, it’s bucketfuls of points. And the cheering is one concern for Beckman and his staff. A stadium filled with 90,000 fans can get pretty loud. So Beckman has done what he always does to prepare: Play loud music throughout practice. “That’s one of the things that will probably never be as loud,” Beckman said of trying to replicate the crowd volume. “(Beckman’s) done a great job with the noise,” Cubit added. “Listening to that music, it seems to be right
behind us all the time.” It certainly seems to get Teitsma pumped up. He said when he walks out on that field, he’s just going to take a second to look around before getting down to business. And that’s what Scheelhaase, the veteran who’s been there and seen it in real life, has tried to teach his younger teammates. “I’ve been telling all the players just to take in a moment like this, and take in the opportunity to get to play at a great venue like this,” Scheelhaase said. “Then strap it up and get ready to go because it’s going to be a heck of a 60-minute football game.”
Sean can be reached at sphammo2@dailyillini.com and @sean_hammond.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
THE DAILY ILLINI | www.DailyIllini.com
6
Matchups to watch Offense will be key in Big Ten opener BY ERIK PRADO STAFF WRITER
Nathan Scheelhaase vs. Nebraska defense and home crowd Scheelhaase’s final year in Champaign is shaping up to be a career year. His 1,162 passing yards are first in the Big Ten and his 12 touchdown passes are good for second. Not only will he be looked to ignite the offense against the Big Ten’s worst defense, but to guide the young team in many players’ first true road test against a hostile crowd. BRENTON TSE THE DAILY ILLINI
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLISON HESS DAILY NEBRASKAN
Nathan Scheelhaase leads the Big Ten in passing yards and efficency and could improve those numbers against Big Ten’s worst defense.
Illinois will face its first hostile crowd of the season at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb.
Illinois secondary vs. Nebraska receivers V’Angelo Bentley and his fellow defensive backs have struggled against the pass so far this season, ranking 10th in the Big Ten in pass defense and may have a challenge limiting big plays. They might have an easier time containing Nebraska if starting quarterback Taylor Martinez is unable to play. MICHAEL BOJDA THE DAILY ILLINI
PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT MASIN DAILY NEBRASKAN
V’Angelo Bentley (2) celebrates a goal-line stop against Cincinnati in the third quarter on Sept. 7.
Nebraska’s Kenny Bell (80) and Quincy Enunwa have combined for 392 yards and 7 touchdowns on 35 catches this season. They may struggle if quarterback Taylor Martinez is unable to play.
Tim Beckman vs. Bo Pelini It’s difficult to say which coach must win this game more. Beckman is at the helm of a team that still hasn’t won a conference game since October 2011, when Ron Zook was head coach. A loss for Pelini, however, will further anger a Cornhuskers fan base with which he is already in hot water. If either of these coaches suffers a poor showing in the conference season, expect their seats to warm up. BRENTON TSE THE DAILY ILLINI
Illinois head coach Tim Beckman hasn’t won a Big Ten game during his tenure with the Illini, but he may change that this weekend at Nebraska.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MORGAN SPIEHS DAILY NEBRASKAN
An audiotape of Nebraska’s Bo Pelini has upset many Huskers fans. A poor showing in Big Ten play could put Pelini on the hot seat.
THE DAILY ILLINI | www.DailyIllini.com
Thursday, October 3, 2013
7
OURPICKS Eliot Sill Sports editor
(18-7)
Sean Hammond Stephen Bourbon Torrence Sorrell Senior writer Staff writer Assistant sports editor
Erik Prado On-air reporter
Michael Wonsover Videographer
(18-7)
(19-6)
(19-6)
(17-8)
(20-5)
31-27
38-31
44-34
35-21
35-27
34-24
No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 16 Northwestern
38-17
27-23
42-20
28-24
21-17
38-35
No. 15 Washington vs. No. 5 Stanford
28-24
28-17
30-24
35-28
28-17
24-21
36-13
42-21
28-10
35-21
42-17
45-17
DAILY ILLINI .COM
Illinois vs. Nebraska
No. 12 UCLA vs. Utah
Arkansas vs. No. 18 Florida 31-14
17-14
33-30
21-14
Standings
23-20
24-21
Saturday, Sept. 28 Penn State @ Indiana 11 a.m. | Big Ten Network
LEGENDS
CONF
OUR
LEADERS
CONF
OUR
IOWA
1-0
4-1
OHIO STATE
1-0
5-0
MICHIGAN
0-0
4-0
WISCONSIN
1-1
3-2
NORTHWESTERN
0-0
4-0
ILLINOIS
0-0
3-1
11 a.m. | ESPN2
MICHGAN STATE
0-0
3-1
PENN STATE
0-0
3-1
Minnesota @ No. 19 Michigan
NEBRASKA
0-0
3-1
INDIANA
0-0
2-2
MINNESOTA
0-1
4-1
PURDUE
0-1
1-4
Illinois @ Nebraska 11 a.m. | ESPNU
Michigan State @ Iowa
2:30 p.m. | ABC
No. 4 Ohio State @ No. 16 Northwestern 7 p.m. | ABC
CHECK ALL WEEKEND LONG FOR FULL GAME COVERAGE
Thursday, October 3, 2013
THE DAILY ILLINI | www.DailyIllini.com
8
Ranking the 10 best playmakers of the Illinois offense ELIOT SILL Sports editor
T
here’s been a renaissance for Illinois football in 2013, especially on the offensive end. As offensive coordinator Bill Cubit has implemented his massive playbook, the Illini’s skill position players have reaped the benefits. And shared them. No Illinois receiver comes close to the top receptions leaders in the Big Ten. Despite this lack of marquee names, the Illini’s depth has made them one of the best offenses in the conference. Who are Illinois’ best playmakers? Let’s count down the top 10.
10. Evan Wilson The 6-foot-6 senior may have piqued John Groce’s interest with his acrobatic grab in the back of the end zone in Saturday’s game against Miami (Ohio). It was his only catch of the game, however. The tight ends position is stacked for Illinois, which bodes well for the team but not the individual playmaker status of either Wilson, Jon Davis or Matt LaCosse. Wilson has just five catches on the season, third among the tight ends group, but his athleticism distinguishes him as a preeminent playmaker in the red zone.
9. Aaron Bailey
6. Jon Davis
Bailey hasn’t even touched his potential yet as an Illinois quarterback, and it remains to be seen what his role will be next season when Wes Lunt is eligible to play. No matter what, though, he will continue to be a viable threat in converting short-yardage situations. He also had four runs of 10-plus yards in his first chance to operate the offense in the open field. It’ll be fun to see how his usage evolves.
Davis is tied for fourth in catches for Illinois this season, with two touchdown grabs. At 6-foot-3, he’s not as tall as the other tight ends on the roster, but he’s made up for this by becoming a threat to run out of the backfield on occasion. He’s also the best of Alex Golesh’s group with the ball in the open field.
8. Nathan Scheelhaase This ranking is obviously irrespective of Scheelhaase’s arm, which makes every passing play for a pass-happy Illinois squad. This is referring more specifically to his abilities as a runner. He’s no longer needed for shortyardage situations, as Bailey now fills that role. Scheelhaase still can make plays with his legs, and while Cubit has encouraged him to use that arm more than those legs, defenses haven’t forgot his running abilities.
7. Donovonn Young Young hasn’t had a great year, but much of the reason he’s this low is because of his teammates thriving in Cubit’s offense. It’s been clear that Illinois coaches have tried to put Young in a position to succeed, giving him bulk carries at the end of games to try and get him in rhythm. Young has improved as the season has gone along. But he’s become the change-of-pace back as Josh Ferguson has taken over the primary role.
5. Steve Hull Think where on this list Hull ranked last season. After injuries derailed his college career, Hull underwent a metamorphosis and has spread his wings as a wide receiver. Other than a crucial drop against Washington, Hull has been a consistent playmaker, getting open and making big catches in tough spots. He’s also proved himself as a threat running with the ball in space.
4. Miles Osei Another player whose college career was floundering before a position change, Osei has found a thriving role in the offense. He’s exceedingly athletic and a threat to throw on a reverse. Osei hasn’t yet found the end zone, but it’s a matter of time.
3. Martize Barr A surprise and an unsung hero of sorts, Barr has the second most receptions on the team, and has been a dynamic player with the ball in his hands. Classified as a junior
after transferring from junior college, it’ll be interesting to see how Barr develops in his time in orange and blue.
2. Ryan Lankford From the opening curtain of the 2013 season, Lankford has been “the guy” for this deep receiving corps. Lankford’s speed makes him the team’s most viable deep threat, and his five carries have gone for 10.4 yards per rush, mostly on reverses. A Ron Zook recruit from Florida, Lankford has fit in to Cubit’s system quite well.
1. Josh Ferguson Saturday’s swaggerific performance against Miami completed Ferguson’s rise to this spot. Accruing nearly 150 total yards in one half of football, for a guy who’s supposedly co-starting alongside Young, cemented him as Illinois’ best playmaker. He now leads the Illini in catches and yards with 12 for 262, all while averaging more than 6.5 yards per carry on 30 carries for 196 yards. And he’s only a sophomore. He epitomizes Illinois’ transformation under Cubit, and the thought of working with Ferguson for the next-two-and-a-half seasons surely has the new coordinator dreaming big.
Eliot is a senior in Media. He can be reached at sill2@dailyillini.com. Follow him on Twitter @EliotTweet.
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