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Illini QB Scheelhaase shows he can do more than run

CHAMPAIGN — Saturday didn't mark the first time Nathan Scheelhaase needed to remind people he's a dual-threat quarterback.

But Illinois' 33-15 victory over Arkansas State on a sweltering Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium marked the first time Scheelhaase needed to remind people he's more than a passer.

With the Red Wolves devoting extra defenders to stopping Illinois' rushing game, Scheelhaase threw for a career-high 267 yards and 2 TDs as the Illini secured their first season-opening win since 2006.

“I still can run,” Scheelhaase said with a smile. “I'm still a dual threat. If they don't think I am, they'll find out.”

If opponents keep trying to cover Illini wideouts A.J. Jenkins and Darius Millines with man-to-man coverage, then Scheelhaase might have to settle for more 24-yard rushing days because they'll be too busy burning cornerbacks.

All 16 of Scheelhaase's completions went to Jenkins and Millines — including long scores on each side of halftime that turned a troubling start into an enjoyable ride.

With Arkansas State holding an 8-7 lead and 1:24 left in the half, Scheelhaase hit Millines on a quick stop route. The sophomore from Boynton Beach, Fla., shucked cornerback Darryl Feemster at the ASU 41 and outsprinted three pursuers down the sideline for a 45-yard score.

“Every time we catch a pass, we have to do a tight turn and burst,” Millines said. “Coach (Paul) Petrino always drills that in our head: ‘Burst! Run! Run!' It felt great that I did my technique, did what I was supposed to, did what I was taught. I'm looking to do that game in and game out.”

Trulon Henry's acrobatic interception of an ASU bobble allowed Illinois to tack on a field goal just before halftime for a 17-8 lead.

After the Illini took the second-half kickoff, they needed just two plays for Jenkins (11 catches, 148 yards) to outdo Millines.

Lined up wide right with cornerback Darron Edwards in single coverage, Jenkins stuttered briefly to get Edwards to stop, caught Scheelhaase's pass in stride at the 50-yard line and flew down the right sideline for a 72-yard score.

“When (Millines) scored I knew I had to get at least one,” Jenkins said. “I couldn't let him beat me. Darius is a great receiver, but I had to make sure I keep my stats higher than his in every category.”

While Illinois' offense picked up where it left off at the Texas Bowl — albeit with more of a passing bent — Illinois' defense exceeded all expectations.

Vic Koenning's unit forced 3 turnovers and didn't allow a touchdown until 3:20 remained.

The Illini unveiled the secret they'd been carrying since Camp Rantoul concluded — defensive end Glenn Foster moved to “3” technique tackle and Akeem Spence moved back to last year's nose-tackle spot — and the Illini had better speed and quickness to deal with ASU's pass-happy attack.

There are several issues to clear up as sophomore safety Steve Hull would have been burned for 2 TDs if not for Arkansas State drops, but that hand-wringing can wait until Sunday's film study.

“I'm not depressed right now,” Koenning said. “Thursday and Friday nights, (there was) a lot of laying awake at night. These (Arkansas State) guys blistered a bunch of folks offensively last year.”

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Illinois running back Jason Ford (21) carries the ball during the first half Saturday. Associated Press