The Day After

Review

Every game has a turning point, a play that divides the winner and loser. Here's the play from Saturday's Illinois-Washington State game:

THE SITUATION

After stopping Washington State on its first drive, Illinois took over and went on its own march. Consecutive first downs and a late-hit penalty against the Cougars put the ball at the Washington State 41.

THE PLAY

On first down, the Illini spread the receivers. Halfback Steve Havard, who earlier had gained a tough yard to keep the drive going, went toward the the right sideline.

THE OUTCOME

Illini quarterback Mark Hoekstra quickly dropped back to pass. He never saw Washington State defensive end Jonathan Nance, who wasn't touched on his way to the quarterback. Hoekstra fumbled after the vicious hit. Washington State's Rob Meier scooped the ball and raced 52 yards for a touchdown.

THE RESULT

Washington State never gave up the early 7-0 lead. The Cougars scored on their next drive and held on for a 20-13 win.

THE RECORD

Washington State 20UI 13

Saturdayvs. Middle Tenn. State

Sept. 19vs. Louisville

Sept. 26vs. Iowa

Oct. 3at Northwestern

Oct. 10vs. Ohio State

Oct. 17vs. Wisconsin

Oct. 24at Purdue

Oct. 31at Penn State

Nov. 7vs. Indiana

Nov. 21at Michigan State

PREVIEW

On Saturday, the Illini will try to end a school-record 18-game losing streak against Middle Tennessee State. Here's a quick look at the Blue Raiders:

LAST GAME

As expected, Middle Tennessee State opened with a win over Tennessee State. But it wasn't supposed to be as close as the 28-27 final. Tennessee State was picked behind the Blue Raiders in most Ohio Valley Conference rankings.

WHO TO WATCH

Quarterback Justin Fuente. He originally went to Oklahoma to play for Howard Schnellenberger. When Schnellenberger got fired after one season and the Sooners decided to go back to the option offense, passer Fuente decided to find a new home.

WHERE TO WATCH

Memorial Stadium. That's the only way you'll see the game. It might be the last time until Nov. 21 that the Illini aren't televised.

REASON TO WATCH

It's been awhile since the Illini were a heavy favorite. You have to go back to the 1996 game against Akron to find a time when Illinois was expected to roll so easily.

BY THE NUMBERS

n Middle Tennessee coach Boots Donnelly has 136 wins in his 19 seasons. Donnelly deserves the honor of taking the Blue Raiders into Division I-A, expected to happen next season.

n The Blue Raiders return 10 starters on defense, but that isn't necessarily a good thing. The unit allowed 410 yards per game last season.

THE RECORD

MTSU 28Tennessee State 27

Saturdayat Illinois

Sept. 19at Jacksonville St.

Sept. 26vs. Eastern Kentucky

Oct. 3at Tennessee Tech

Oct. 10vs. Murray State

Oct. 24vs. Eastern Illinois

Oct. 31at SE Missouri

Nov. 7at UT-Martin

Nov. 14at Alabama-Birmingham

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