Will the victor run around the field with the Land of Lincoln Trophy?

Let's hope so. Why should Minnesota and Wisconsin get all the fun. Of course, there is much less danger carrying around a stovepipe hat than there is carrying a giant ax. Unless it drops on somebody. That wouldn't be good. Illinois currently holds none of the three trophies it plays for. Purdue has the Cannon, and Ohio State has the Illibuck.

EA Sports' NCAA Football 2010 says ...

Illinois 12, Northwestern 3. Matt Eller kicks field goals of 31, 43, 30 and 35 yards and the Illini defense holds Northwestern to 123 yards of total offense. The Illini record five sacks, with Corey Liuget getting two. Illinois wins despite three turnovers. Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka completes 10 of 24 passes for 115 yards and an interception, the lone turnover for the Wildcats. Northwestern's lone score comes on a field goal in the second quarter.

Looks like Notre Dame position might open. Any chance Pat Fitzgerald goes there?

This is a really interesting question. My initial response is, no way. I know that may sound silly to some, but hear me out. Fitz went to NU, he got the aforementioned extension, he is popular, he is seemingly happy and he ends most of his interviews with an endearing (if a bit hokey) "Go Cats!" He really, honestly, truly seems to bleed purple.

Jacob Charest, a month removed from quiet practices and a low profile on campus, suddenly finds himself the center of attention. That's what happens when you go from third-string to first-string quarterback at a Big Ten school.

"It's actually sometimes kind of awkward because people will just look at me," Charest said. "I'm like, 'Are you going to say hey? I'll say hey. I'm a friendly guy.' "

CHAMPAIGN – No. 5 has been good for Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure. So, No. 5 is going to give back.

After Saturday's game against Northwestern, Leshoure and his family will be giving five hams and five turkeys to both the Times Center and the Center for Women in Transition. The downtown Champaign facilities provide food and shelter for homelesss men and women, respectively.

Sports editor Jim Rossow's weekly look around Big Ten football:

Ron Zook's program might not make the postseason, but this Illini cheerleader is in the running for a national title. The spunky senior is the Big Ten's representative in Athlon Sports' Sideline Spirit contest. If she wins – you can vote today at athlonsports.com/spirit – the Atwood-Hammond High product will deliver money and prizes to her Illinois cheerleading team. Sports editor JIM ROSSOW caught up to the daughter of Sam and Vickie Anderson of Garrett to discuss the rigors of cheerleading, the Illini's chances of making a bowl game and this weekend's busy schedule.

The Boss (not Bruce Springsteen) said "What happens if Illinois wins its final three?" Here's what happens: a trip to Tempe to play the No. 6 pick from the Big 12. How much fun would it be to spend a week in the desert with Bill Snyder? He's got all the personality of that desk you are sitting at, but you've got to admire him coming out of retirement and making Kansas State relevant again.