Turnovers costly in Illinois loss to W. Michigan
DETROIT - Tim Hiller threw 2 touchdowns and John Potter kicked 3 field goals to help Western Michigan beat Illinois 23-17 on Saturday.
The loss prevented Illinois (5-5, 3-3 Big Ten) from clinching bowl eligibility. The Illini will get two more shots to qualify for a bowl: next week against 12th-ranked Ohio State and on Nov. 22 at No. 25 Northwestern.
"These next 13 days are going to be crucial," Illinois coach Ron Zook said. "We can fold our tent and put it away if that's what they want to do. Obviously, the coaches are going to preach and demand and push, but still, they're going to need to step up and play the way they're capable of playing."
Hiller's touchdown passes came after Illinois quarterback Juice Williams was intercepted on consecutive possessions in the second quarter. "It's very frustrating because a lot of times we beat ourselves," Williams said.
Hiller completed 28 of 40 passes for 301 yards and surpassed 3,000 passing yards for the second consecutive year.
Western Michigan (8-2, 5-1 Mid-American) already is bowl eligible. However, the Broncos trail No. 16 Ball State and Central Michigan in the MAC West standings and might not qualify for the MAC championship game. The winner of that contest receives an automatic bowl bid.
"This is the third consecutive year we've beat a BCS team," Broncos head coach Bill Cubit said. "That says a lot about our kids."
Williams completed 20 of 45 passes for 328 yards and a touchdown, but he was sacked twice in addition to the 2 interceptions. On their final possession, he led the Illini from their own 1-yard line to Western Michigan's 18, but a fourth-down pass to Arrelious Benn was incomplete.
The Broncos, hosting a game at Ford Field for the first time, gave up 443 total yards to an Illini offense ranked No. 2 in the Big Ten and 16th in the nation. But Williams spent much of the day being chased by Western Michigan's defensive linemen and linebackers.
"They did a good job going out and playing physical and playing smart," Williams said. "It was a rough day."