Illini's Charest getting ready for possible start against Northwestern
CHAMPAIGN -- A month ago, Jacob Charest was Illinois' third-string quarterback.
Saturday against Northwestern, he'll almost certainly play. And he may start.
The redshirt freshman from North Carolina smiles a lot when the he talks about the whirlwind of the past few weeks. He jokes he's given up his personal life for time in the film room. But he isn't complaining.
After starting QB Juice Williams got hurt at Minnesota last weekend, Charest threw for 185 yards and a touchdown in a 35-32 win.
Illinois coach Ron Zook says Williams is questionable for Saturday's game against Northwestern.
Charest moved past Eddie McGee on the Illini depth chart after McGee disappointed in his lone start. Now, Charest says people stare at him on campus. They don't seem quite sure who he is, but they say he's familiar.
<p class="factboxheadblack">Northwestern-Illinois at a glance</p> <p class="News">Northwestern (6-4, 3-3 Big Ten) vs. Illinois (3-6, 2-5), Saturday, Noon ET (ESPN Classic)</p> <p class="News"><b>Line:</b> Illinois by 5.</p> <p class="News"><b>Series Record:</b> Illinois leads, 52-45-5.</p> <p class="News"><b>Last meeting:</b> 2008, Northwestern 27-10.</p> <p class="breakhead">What's at Stake</p> <p class="News">Northwestern has two shots left to improve its bowl position, while Illinois, with three games left, is fighting the odds to win out and gain bowl eligibility after a 1-6 start. Then there's the in-state rivalry and a new series trophy: The Land of Lincoln, shaped like Abe's hat, replaces the now-retired Sweet Sioux Tomahawk.</p> <p class="breakhead">Key Matchup</p> <p class="News">Illinois offense vs Northwestern defense: After limping through the season's first seven games, Illinois' offense has come to life the past two weeks. The Illini have 851 yards and 73 points in wins over Michigan and Minnesota. That puts the pressure on Northwestern's defense to have the kind of game it had last week in a 17-10 upset of Iowa. The Hawkeyes had 281 yards, including just 65 on the ground, and turned the ball over four times.</p> <p class="breakhead">Players to Watch</p> <p class="News"><b>Northwestern:</b> Quarterbacks Mike Kafka and Dan Persa. Both hobbled off the field in last week's win over Iowa, Kafka with a hamstring injury and Persa with a hand injury. Both could play Saturday.</p> <p class="News"><b>Illinois:</b> Freshman CB Terry Hawthorne's speed has led to game-changing plays in his first two starts -- the wins that have Illinois feeling good instead of thinking about what a one-win season feels like. In addition to a touchdown-saving tackle against Michigan and touchdown interception return against Minnesota, Hawthorne also has 11 tackles the past two weeks.</p>