Illini report

UI PRACTICE NOTES

   UNLIKELY RETURN: Cornerback Carlos McLaurin was supposed to be one of the Illini starters this season. But he hasn''t taken a snap in practice and likely won''t be with the team.

   McLaurin showed up at the UI practice Thursday in street clothes. The junior from St. Louis is having academic difficulties.

   "It doesn''t look very good," Illinois coach Ron Turner said. "Most likely, he''s not going to make it. Hopefully, he''ll still be able to stay in school. He''ll just be ineligible."

   Turner hopes McLaurin will spend the year hitting the books in an attempt to return next season.

   "He''ll have to pay his own way and get himself squared away, get himself eligible," Turner said. "If he does, we''ll welcome him back."

   With McLaurin out, Asim Pleas and Tony Francis have taken over. Johnny Rogers, Johnnie Harris and Anthony Hurd are battling for the third spot.

   Most of the starting positions are getting settled, Turner said. By Monday, most will be decided.

   WHO''S HURT? Defensive end Fred Wakefield missed another practice with a strained neck. If he isn''t back today, he will return Monday. Defensive tackle Garrett Johnson had a limited practice because of tightness in his back. Tight end Mike Cracioniou remained out with a hamstring injury. Defensive end Rameel Connor reinjured his hamstring and will be out until Monday. Receiver Lenny Willis missed practice because of an ankle injury.

   "None of them are major (injuries)," Turner said. "Knock on wood."

   MISSING END: Defensive end Jeff Weisse had to skip practice Thursday because of a death in the family. Turner said Weisse should be back for today''s practice.

   UP NEXT: The Illini continue single sessions at 3:45 p.m. today at the Division of Campus Recreation playfield multiplex. The practices are closed to the public and the media.

       By BOB ASMUSSEN

AROUND THE BIG TEN

   SAFE COVER: Sports Illustrated''s college football preview issue features Ohio State''s Andy Katzenmoyer on the cover and ranks the Buckeyes No. 1, but with an asterisk: The junior linebacker must be eligible if Ohio State is to remain on top.

   "Ohio State is No. 1," the cover reads. "If Andy Katzenmoyer Makes the Grade."

   The text lies next to a photograph of the 6-foot-4, 245-pound Katzenmoyer posing in his home uniform.

   Katzenmoyer, who won the Butkus Award last year as the nation''s top linebacker, is taking music, golf and AIDS awareness during the summer quarter to bring his overall grade-point average up to a qualifying 2.0, or "C".

   Ohio State is ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 as well as the ESPN/USA Today coaches'' preseason poll.

   The Buckeyes, who have 17 returning starters on the preseason roster, open the season Sept. 5 at West Virginia.

POLLING PLACE

   We want to know how you think the Illini will fare this season (11 games). Jot down your record and a comment, then reach us at our Web site (www.news-gazette.com), by fax (351-5374) or by mail(Illini Prediction, Sports Department, P.O. Box 677, Champaign, IL, 61820).

   A sampling of the responses turned in so far:

      Record: 7-4

   "The Illini have added some key recruits while becoming stronger and faster on both sides of the ball. With the exception of Ohio State and maybe Penn State, everyone on their schedule is beatable."

          Matthew Riggle, Wabash, Ind.

      Record: 5-6

   "If they beat the teams that they should beat and get a couple of breaks to beat a couple of teams that they probably shouldn''t beat, that makes five. And then the team is pointed in the right direction."

          William Bailey, Jonesboro

      Record: 4-7

   "Rebuilding from scratch."

          Jim Nasti, Naperville

      Record: 3-8

   "The Illini are on the upswing but won''t seriously compete until Ron Turner''s fourth year here with Kurt Kittner at QB. The receivers are starting to come as well as the backs, but the offensive line and defensive line need vast improvements. More ''swagger'' is needed, but I see it coming. Tepper was bad news. I just hope Turner can keep the staff intact for a while to build, build, build. I''m a former Arthur resident that bleeds orange and blue. Thank the almighty for the Gators (orange and blue) to give me something to hang my hat high. It''s coming, though, and I still love the Illini."

          Terry Herschberger, Sarasota, Fla.

      Record: 2-9

   "Illinois will have another rebuilding year. Luckily, they should have a victory with their first home game against Middle Tennessee State. This will end one ugly losing streak. I''m throwing in a win against Indiana as maybe just wishful thinking."

          Ed Cramer, Springfield

COUNTDOWN TO WASHINGTON STATE: 8 DAYS

   SERIES HIGHLIGHT: Want to find the beginning of Lou Tepper''s downfall at Illinois? Look back at the 1994 opener against Washington State. The game was moved to Soldier Field in an attempt to give Chicago fans a look at the Illini. The move backfired. First, 39,472 showed for the Thursday night game. Playing in Champaign would have drawn 10,000 more at least. Also, the Illini lost 10-9 despite outgaining the Cougars by 80 yards. Had Tepper''s team won the game, it would have finished the nonconference 3-0 and had a good start toward a New Year''s Day bowl. Instead, it went to the Liberty Bowl.

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