UI practice notes

BACK ON TRACK? After one of the worst performances of his Illinois career, quarterback Mark Hoekstra had a good week of practices, coach Ron Turner said.

"He's responded well," Turner said.

Turner doesn't have an explanation for Hoekstra's four-interception game against Middle Tennessee State. Call it one of those nights.

"It better be, for our sake and his sake," Turner said. "He didn't practice like that. A guy's got to go out and play like he practices."

SPICING UP THE TEAM: Former Illini offensive lineman Cam Pepper has signed with the Peoria Poison of the new Indoor Football League.

Pepper currently works as the promotions coordinator for Bradley's athletic department. He was a starting offensive lineman for the Illini in 1989 and '90, helping the team to a share of the Big Ten title his final season.

"Cam is not only a quality football player but a high quality person representing the kind of off- and on-the-field excellence I'm working to bring our team," Poison coach Bruce Cowdrey said.

ACHES, PAINS: Defensive end Fred Wakefield will miss his third game because of a virus. Turner said Wakefield is cleared to practice Sunday. He might be available for the Sept. 26 game against Iowa. 26. Running back Jameel Cook, who missed the Middle Tennessee State game with turf toe, ran well during Wednesday's practice. Defensive lineman Joe Lauzen remains out with mononucleosis.

UP NEXT: The Illini have a short practice at 4:45 p.m. today. The team then will have dinner before taking buses to Rantoul's Fanmarker Inn.

COUNTDOWN TO LOUISVILLE: ONE DAY

Conference USA highlight: Other than Louisville, the Illini have played only one game against a Conference USA team since the league opened in '96. Ron Turner's first game as Illinois coach was against Conference USA power Southern Mississippi. Jeff Bower's team left Champaign last September with a 24-7 win. Southern Miss scored the only points of the first half on a short field goal. Quarterback Lee Roberts gave the Golden Eagles a 10-0 lead with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Francis. They took control on Jamaal Alexander's 21-yard interception return off a Mark Hoekstra pass. George McDonald-Ashford's touchdown catch late in the game let Illinois avoid a shutout.

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