Tate: Hoekstra holds keys for UI drive

   Todd Schultz''s replacement at Michigan State, lefty Bill Burke, was so erratic (11 of 21 for 73 yards) Saturday that, with Colorado State still within reach 23-16, Nick Saban inserted a freshman for the final futile series.

   And Purdue, missing Billy Dicken, passed for no long gainers in a 27-17 loss to Southern Cal on Sunday, Drew Brees averaging 8.3 yards per completion and 4.8 yards per throw.

   It still boils down, to a great extent, on quarterback skill and execution.

   And that points the finger right back at Mark Hoekstra, the fifth-year senior who''ll run the Illini show on Saturday at Washington State.

   Hoekstra played himself out last season, displaying too many of the characteristics that marked the in-and-out tenure of his predecessor, Scott Weaver. But, to his credit, Hoekstra also demonstrated far more staying power than recent Illini QB prospects Jeff Hecklinski and Tim Lavery.

   Actually, it was a double season for Hoekstra. He failed initially. He threw two second-half interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, in a 24-7 loss to Southern Mississippi. He was outdueled by Chris Redman in Louisville, and lost his job with a fourth-and-1 fumble and a key interception after Illinois surged ahead of Washington State 14-7 in the third quarter.

The forgotten man returns

   Forgotten, Hoekstra spent the next five Saturdays on the bench while others misfired. This was the test. Brought off the bench in the second half vs. Northwestern, he was ready. He hit 13 of 21 passes as Illinois changed a 34-7 debacle to 34-21.

   Illinois lost two more but Hoekstra showed clear improvement. In the last 21/2 games, he hit 50 of 87 passes (57.5 percent) for 490 yards, three for TDs. In the finale vs. Michigan State, he had the Illini within 20-17 in the fourth quarter when Lemar Marshall picked off his deflected pass and returned it 33 yards for MSU''s clinching score.

   Ah, there''s the rub. Turnovers! An Illini team that was 11th in the Big Ten in yards gained, scoring, rushing defense, pass defense and scoring defense also was last in turnover margin (minus 10). Hoekstra contributed to this giant negative. Illinois can''t expect to halt its 17-game free fall Saturday unless that trend is reversed.

   Good, confident teams protect the football. Illinois was neither good nor confident in 1997. Illinois threw 22 interceptions on 405 passes last season, national champion Michigan 6 on 330.

   But that''s in the past. Coach Ron Turner, Hoekstra and the Illini think they have broken the mold.

   For one thing, there is coaching emphasis. Said Turner on Monday:

   "Our two keys this season are execution, which means taking care of the football, and playing with confidence. We won''t know totally until we play, but we feel good about it. We stacked up well against Washington State last year until we made critical mistakes. We feel that we have an excellent chance if we do these things ... execute and protect the football.

   "Last year was frustrating because we saw opportunities on the field and we weren''t able to take advantage of them. We didn''t have enough talent. We had to use some full-time players who weren''t ready. Since that time, we''ve added strength and speed. Our confidence is up."

Experience in offense helps

   Hoekstra''s second year in the Turner system has given him a better look.

   "Football is a turnover battle," Hoekstra said. "We are trying to eliminate the forced throw, and go to the next option. It''s becoming ingrained. During the drop-back, that''s in the back of my mind."

   WSU''s defenders have something to say about it. Turner said the linebackers have been timed at 4.5 in the 40, and the defensive backs are faster.

   "One thing I remember is their defensive quickness," Hoekstra said. "That makes them hard to anticipate. And I remember my two big mistakes that could have changed the outcome.

   "Improvement comes from a greater knowledge of our offense. It''s hard to make transitions between offenses, with different steps and different routes, and especially in a timing offense like ours.

   "I''ve studied a lot of film. Better understanding leads to good decisions. And preparation breeds confidence. Being the quarterback, I just want to give our guys a chance to make plays."

   Turner firmly believes the Illini, with sound defense and a huge experience edge, won''t need a superhuman effort to win Saturday ... just a solid effort without turnovers.

   Loren Tate writes for The News-Gazette.

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