Benn picks great day to come up big
CHAMPAIGN -- Arrelious Benn couldn't have picked a better time to find the end zone for the first -- and second -- time as a collegian.
Not only because Illinois needed the Washington native's 90-yard kickoff return and tackle-busting reception in order to defeat No. 21 Penn State 27-20, but because of the people who got to witness his feats.
"My mom," Benn said. "Two of my brothers, my girlfriend, my high school coach and two of my teammates I played with last year."
One of those Dunbar High School teammates -- defensive tackle Reggie Ellis -- just so happened to be a four-star recruit making his official visit. Defensive end Ugochukwu Uzodinma was the other Dunbar prospect to make a visit.
Four-star running back Lamaar "Flash" Thomas from nearby Fort Washington, Md., also visited.
Did Benn make it easy for them to potentially choose Illinois? At least easier than it was for him, since the Illini were coming off a 2-10 season.
"It makes it much easier," Benn said. "A top-25 team, show why I came here. We're going to keep rebuilding."
No QB controversy: With Juice Williams unable to complete any passes on Illinois' first five second-half drives, coach Ron Zook sent in backup Eddie McGee with 9:54 to go.
McGee, largely thanks to his own 53-yard option run, directed the Illini to a field goal on his first possession to boost the lead to 27-20.
However, Zook said Williams (11 of 24, 120 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs) remains his starter.
"Right now, I would imagine Juice would start against Wisconsin," Zook said. "Juice is our quarterback. He's done a great job. I think there's probably a good chance we could see Eddie more."
In the second half, Williams went 0-for-5 with what appeared to be a dreadful decision on his third-quarter interception that set up a Penn State field goal.
Chased by two Penn State defenders and rolling to his left, Williams lobbed a ball downfield directly to safety Tony Davis at the numbers.
"It slipped out," Williams said. "I guess the ball had some sweat on it or something, but I was trying to throw the ball away. I've got to just throw the ball in the stands next time so it won't have a chance to slip out."
Illini bites: Rashard Mendenhall came up short in his bid to become the third running back in school history to post four consecutive 100-yard games. Mendenhall carried 18 times for 76 yards and scored his ninth touchdown of the year. …
Redshirt freshman Garrett Edwards (Downers Grove North) appeared to injure his left knee while blocking on the punt-return team. Illinois had no official news about his condition.
He said it: Despite being outgained 427-336 Saturday, Illinois snapped a 19-game losing streak against ranked opponents. How'd that happen, Ron Zook?
"This is probably an ultimate team win," he said.