Playing Washington State helped Illinois in Jeff Sagarin''s computer rankings, which run each week in USA Today. The Illini moved up 20 spots, from No. 82 to 62.

It only took a half of football Friday night, and the light began to shine brighter on Ron Turner's efforts to bring in a genuinely mobile, strong-armed quarterback and an elusive, full-sized receiver.

MAHOMET – Mahomet-Seymour basketball star Brett Melton will give an oral commitment to the University of Illinois on Monday, The News-Gazette has learned.

CHAMPAIGN – And then there were five.

The Illinois football team's list of 1998 newcomers originally included seven junior college transfers.

   Defensive end Fred Wakefield watched Tuesday''s practice from the sidelines. The Tuscola product had a health scare last week when a virus got into his chest and near his heart.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A year from now, the trips will seem routine for the Middle Tennessee State football team.

Load the charter plane, fly to the site of a major college program, try to keep the game close and go home with a big check. A really big check.

   Give Ron Turner some extra space.

   The coach is not a happy camper, and it isn''t just the Illini''s string of 12 straight losses under his direction.

   Take the holiday weekend. And toss it in a dump in downtown Iowa City!

CHAMPAIGN – He's made it pretty clear he doesn't want to talk about 0-11 anymore.

But something about Saturday night's 20-13 loss to Washington State gave Illinois coach Ron Turner flashbacks.