Illini RB LeShoure out after fight
During the fourth quarter of Illinois' win over Iowa on Saturday, freshman running back Mikel LeShoure suddenly became one of Juice Williams' favorite targets.
The Champaign native caught 3 swing passes for 31 yards, including an 8-yarder on Illinois' drive for a game-winning field goal.
But LeShoure won't get a chance to build on that performance anytime soon.
LeShoure suffered a broken jaw Saturday night during a fight with a teammate that Illinois officials declined to identify.
At the minimum, he'll miss Saturday's game with Western Michigan at Ford Field in Detroit.
"I'm very disappointed that something like this has occurred," Illinois coach Ron Zook said in a statement. "We have investigated the incident and will deal with it internally."
Riding the coaster: Depending on how one views it, Illinois has been either the most maddeningly predictable or maddeningly unpredictable team in Big Ten play.
Since their bye week in mid-September, the Illini have alternated losses and wins for the last six Saturdays.
"I don't think it's any particular thing," said senior defensive end Will Davis. "I think everybody that steps on the field is trying hard and playing hard.
"Emotionally, it has been a roller-coaster. - We're just going to go out there and play as hard as we can and let the score take care of itself."
Is there a common denominator in the wins and losses?
In all 3 losses, the Illini committed more turnovers than their opponent (for a minus-5 total).
In all 3 wins, the Illini either won the turnover battle or broken even (for a plus-3 total).
In the 3 losses, Illinois' offense and special teams have given up 2 touchdowns (and a third was set up by a fumble inside the 10-yard line) while providing none.
In the 3 wins, Illinois' defense and special teams have provided 2 touchdowns while allowing none.
Running on empty: For the first time in the 45-game Ron Zook era, Illinois has rushed for fewer than 100 yards in back-to-back games.
The Illini managed just 60 yards (the worst in the Zook era) on 28 carries in Saturday's win over Iowa.
"It's very important because a good running game opens up the entire offense," quarterback Juice Williams said.
The junior standout has been well below his usual pace for the last month.
After bolting for 121 yards and 2 scores on Oct. 4 against Michigan, Williams owns just 105 yards and 1 TD over 46 carries in the last four games.
"Obviously I may draw a little more attention than anybody else, so it may be a little bit harder to find open space," Williams said. "But that's why we've got running backs. They've got to be able to step in and pick up the slack that I'm not providing the team because defenses are limiting what I can do."