News and notes from Wednesday's UI practice:

CATCHING UP

Illinois coach Ron Turner wasn't happy with his receivers during the Wisconsin game. But the starters have responded in practice and will keep their jobs against Purdue. "It's going to line up the same way it has been," Turner said. "We've got (backup) Michael Dean more reps and he's responded, he's played well. He'll play more. As far as the starters, we're not changing anything. They've had a good two weeks of practice." Turner benched starter George McDonald-Ashford in the second half against the Badgers, using Dean in his place. "I don't do anything just to send a message," Turner said. "We'll do what's best for the football team."

FOOTBALL WEATHER

The weather might be too cold for hitting or fielding a baseball, but it's just fine for football. "This is nice," Turner said. Even if Illinois had an indoor practice facility, the coaches wouldn't be using it this week. The facility is meant for rainy and snowy days, Turner said. The UI coaches each have their own way to deal with the cold. Californian Turner wears gloves and a hooded sweatshirt. Texan Jim Helms wears a stocking camp and gloves. Then there's Buddy Teevens, Peter McCarty and Greg McMahon, who all wear shorts. Teevens and McCarty got used to the cold during their playing days in New England. McMahon got used to the cold while growing up in Rantoul.

NEXT UP

The Illini return to practice today at 3:45 p.m.

INJURY UPDATE

Defensive end Ryan Murphy is back with the team after missing three games with a sprained ankle.The bye week gave defensive tackle Garrett Johnson a chance to recover from a foot injury.

POSITION WATCH

Tim Lavery and Kirk Johnson continue to split time during team drills. Johnson's accuracy appears to be his greatest asset. In the scrimmage-type setting, he completed pass after pass Wednesday.

COUNTDOWN TO PURDUE

2 days

SERIES HIGHLIGHT: Boilermaker freshman quarterback Jeff George got his first look at Illinois in a 34-27 loss in 1986. George must have enjoyed the visit to Champaign, he transferred to Illinois before the next season. George didn't have a good day at Memorial Stadium in '86. He completed just 21 of 46 passes for 217 yards. Illinois took a 17-0 lead and held on for the win. Illinois quarterback Shane Lamb and Brian Menkhausen combined for 379 passing yards.