UI practice notes

   LAST RESORT: Linebacker Eric Guenther hasn''t practiced all week because of a hamstring injury. That doesn''t completely knock him out of Saturday''s game. Illinois coach Ron Turner said Guenther will be available in case of an emergency against Middle Tennessee State.

   What''s an emergency?

   "If Robert (Franklin) gets hurt and Manuel (Strong) gets hurt, we don''t have any other Mike linebackers," Turner said. "You either call off the game or put him in."

   Guenther suffered the injury against Washington State.

   "He''s close to 100 percent now," Turner said. "Right now, he couldn''t play."

   MORE PAINS: Turf toe doesn''t sound very serious. But it''s enough of a problem for Illini running back Jameel Cook.

   Turner said Cook is "very, very doubtful" for Saturday''s game.

   "He''ll be ready in case of an emergency, in case we lose three guys," Turner said.

   Steve Havard will start at tailback. Freshman Rocky Harvey is the backup and Dharma Frye is the third stringer.

   Despite Cook''s injury, freshman Quincy Washington is unlikely to play.

   "Right now, our plans are to redshirt him," Turner said of the former Centennial star.

   UP NEXT: The Illini have a short practice today at 4:45 p.m.

POLLING PLACE

Record: 7-4

   "(Mark) Hoekstra will become Turner''s "Steve Walsh," a player who will make things happen and avoid mistakes. (Jameel) Cook and (Rocky) Harvey will be a great tandem at halfback. Havard will become the every game fullback. The defense will be the team strength, with (Danny) Clark and (Michael) Young becoming the resurrection of Hardy and Holecek. After the year, Turner is swayed away from the UI to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bears."

    Greg Taylor, Moweaqua

Record: 3-8

   "We sure could use Chris Redman right now."

    Crystal Kimpel, Chicago

Record: 3-8

   "We have been season ticket holders for many years and have been there in the good and bad years. It will get better."

Record: 2-9

   "Living in Hawkeye country can be very painful during football season."

    Scott Jennings, Marion, Iowa

Record: 1-10

   "The Illini will live up to all the poor expectations that we have been living with these past several years. I have never been able to understand why Illinois with all its advantages can not attract good athletic candidates. I have never had much confidence in the current athletic director. Illinois could do and should do much better. I have visited other campuses that have outstanding athletics and they can''t hold a candle to Illinois. With the right personnel, we could become a national power."

    David Johnson, Crystal Lake

COUNTDOWN TO MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE: 1 DAY

   HOME OPENER HIGHLIGHT: Lou Tepper''s home career got off to a solid start with a 30-14 win over Northern Illinois in 1992. NIU led 7-3 at the end of the first quarter on Rob Rugai''s 19-yard touchdown pass to Larry Wynn. Two Jason Verduzco touchdown passes in the second quarter gave Illinois a 17-7 lead. The Huskies pulled within 17-14 on another Rugai touchdown pass in the third quarter. Illinois regained the lead for good on Verduzco''s short touchdown pass to Kraig Koester. Verduzco sealed the win with a 1-yard touchdown run. NIU star LeShon Johnson gained 81 yards rushing in the game. Steve Feagin gained 83 yards for the Illini.

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