Illini coach: Scheelhaase close to 100 percent

Posted September 19, 2012 3:00 pm

Associated Press

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois coach Tim Beckman says quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase is close to 100 percent healthy after being hobbled by an ankle sprain since the opening week of the season.

But the Illini coach Wednesday didn’t name a starter for Saturday’s game against Louisiana Tech (2-0).

Scheelhaase sprained his ankle in the Illinois (2-1) win over Western Michigan. The junior hasn’t played in Illinois’ two games since then.

Sophomore quarterback Reilly O’Toole has been inconsistent playing in place of Scheelhaase. O’Toole struggled in a blowout loss to Arizona State but threw more than 300 yards and five touchdowns last Saturday in a 44-0 win over Charleston Southern.

Scheelhaase said earlier this week that he’s feeling better and plans to play.

Bulldogs coach Sonny Dykes says he expects to face Scheelhaase.

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