FINAL: Illinois 38, Michigan 13

CHAMPAIGN -- It looked like an easy touchdown. Michigan receiver Roy Roundtree had about a 10-yard lead on the defense. But Terry Hawthorne didn't quit. The Illinois freshman dragged down Roundtree at the 1, setting up one of the most unbelievable turnarounds in Illinois football history.

Leading 13-7 in the third quarter, Michigan looked ready to take command. Four times, the Wolverines tried to run from the 1. And four times, they got stopped short. On fourth down, Brandon Minor was temporarily awarded a touchdown, but the play was reversed by instant replay.

The next series goes down in Illinois-Michigan lore, along with Rocky Harvey's 1999 touchdown dive and Johnny Johnson's touchdown pass to Jim Klein.

After a 2-yard run by Williams, Mikel Leshoure had consecutive runs of 5 and 4 yards to give the Illini a first down. Williams found Jeff Cumberland for 17 yards, moving the ball to the 30.

Leshoure did the rest. He found a gap in the Michigan defense and pulled away for a 70-yard touchdown. Illinois had its fourth 99-yard touchdown drive in history, taking a 14-13 lead.

The Illinois defense stuffed the Wolverines on the next drive and Illinois regained possession at its 21. Leshoure went 27 yards on first down, giving him 97 yards in two carries. Williams connected again with Cumberland, this time for 34 yards.

Cumberland was working as a tight end because of injuries to Michael Hoomanawanui and Hubie Graham. Cumberland had four catches going into the game.

Illinois moved to the Michigan 2 after a pass interference call against the Wolverines. On the next play, Williams threw to a wide-open London Davis for a 21-13 lead.

The Illini weren't done scoring in the third quarter. After another quick Michigan possession, the Illini got the ball at the Wolverines 45. The big play of the scoring six-play scoring drive was a 37-yard pass from Williams to buddy Chris James, moving the ball to the 4. Williams scored from the 3, giving the Illini a 28-13 lead late in the third quarter.

After gaining just 94 yards in the first half, the Illini gained 209 in the third quarter.

Michigan tried to rally, driving deep into Illinois territory. But the drive ended on a Tate Forcier fumble, which was recovered by Corey Liuget.

****

Illinois 31, Michigan 13: 8:20 fourth quarter

That fourth-down stop for the Illini should wrap this one up, unless something crazy happens.

Party like it's 1983, Illinois fans.

Impressive effort by the defense in the second half after that long pass play by the Wolverines to start the third quarter that looked like a touchdown before Terry Hawthorne erased that.

Got another text that says: "Terry Hawthorne just saved Zook's job."

Maybe.

***

Illinois 31, Michigan 13: 9:21 fourth quarter

Just got a text from an Illinois fan that reads: "Where have these guys been?" That's what a lot of people are wondering.

Don't think anyone expected this.

If you've got a second, check out the story Paul Klee, our basketball writer just posted on HQ. Champaign Central's Jay Simpson, a sophomore, just committed to Purdue.

Back to football, Matt Eller's confidence just got a boost with 23-yard field goal.

He's now 4 for 9 on the season.

***

Illinois 28, Michigan 13: end of third quarter

It's amazing how things can change in 15 minutes. This went from a 20-7 Michigan lead to a 28-13 Illini lead and this place is fired up.

Here's a look at the numbers in the third quarter:

215 — total yards by the Illini in the quarter, to bring their game total to 311. The managed to lose 15 yards in the second quarter.

100 — Juice's third-quarter completion percentage. He's now 7 of 9 for 119 yards.

9 — first downs by the Illini in the quarter.

1983 — the last time Illinois beat Michigan at Memorial Stadium.

Be back soon.

***

Illinois 28, Michigan 13: 1:11 third quarter

Juice is on a roll right now and is playing with a confidence we haven't seen since last year.

His good buddy Chris James just made a heck of a catch to set up the touchdown by Juice.

I don't think there's any question who will start at quarterback at Minnesota next week.

A Michigan writer just said this will be the last time you see Rich Rodriguez coach at Illinois. It's been a frosty relationship between the coach at the faithful there since he arrived last season and this doesn't help matters one bit.

Terry Hawthorne has turned everything around for Illinois. The Illini have 215 yards this quarter after registering minus 15 in the second quarter.

***

Illinois 21, Michigan 13: 5:23 third quarter

There's the offense that took the field to start the game.

London Davis, who like Terry Hawthorne is from the St. Louis area, couldn't have been anymore wide open. Maybe it's something about Michigan that gets Juice Williams fired up.

You'll remember that he set a stadium record for total yardage at the Big House last year in an Illinois win.

Michigan is on the ropes here and the coaches, Ron Zook and Rich Rodriguez, have traded seats and Rodriguez's is the hot one right now as Michigan is looking at its fourth straight Big Ten defeat.

***

Illinois 14, Michigan 13: 7:17 third quarter

Haven't seen this much energy on an Illinois sideline all season. They certainly feel like they have a chance.

Don't think you're going to see Jacob Charest if Illinois keeps this up.

Big stand by the Illinois defense forcing a three-and-out. The defensive line has been pretty good today and Corey Luiget has been outstanding at defensive tackle.

***

Illinois 14, Michigan 13: 8:58 third quarter

What a turn of events for the Illini, going 99 2/3 yards after it looked like the Wolverines would take a 20-7 lead.

The 70-yard run by Mikel Leshoure is the longest play of his career. He had a 65-yard run at Purdue last week.

Maybe we'll look back on that sequence as the one that turned things around for the program down the road. Time will tell. The Illini need to focus on stopping Michigan on this drive.

Can't say enough about the play and effort by Terry Hawthorne.

The 99-yard scoring drive was the fourth time in school history the Illini have engineered a 99-yard drive. The last time was in 2006 against Syracuse.

****

Michigan 13, Illinois 7: 11:45 third quarter

Derek Dimke did his best to fire the team up with a booming kickoff to start the hlf. It traveled 10 yards beyond the end zone.

There are students in what used to be called the "Zook Zone" wearing paper bags over their heads that read "Fire Zook". Things changed in that section pretty quick.

You've got to love the effort by Terry Hawthorne on that long pass play. He made up 20 yards on Roy Roundtree making what would have been a sure touchdown one that went under review. It almost turned into a grat play for the Illini and a touchback. The defense made a great stand, stopping the Wolverines on four straight plays.

How about the throw by Tate Forcier? The kid is going to be a good one.

***

Michigan 13, Illinois 7: Halftime

Not sure why Michigan didn't call timeout earlier after stopping Illinois on third down. Maybe the Wolverines knew Anthony Santella would uncork a 65-yard bomb of a punt and give them no chance of getting into field goal range.

Wonder if we'll see Jacob Charest start the second half at quarterback.

What happened to the Illinois offense that marched down the field on the opening drive? They sure have gone pretty conservative here the last couple of times they've had the ball.

Here are some first-half numbers:

13 — First downs for Michigan. Illinois has six.

92 — total yards for the Illini. They had 109 after the first quarter, menaing they racked up minus 17 yards in the second quarter.

0 — touches for Arrelious Benn in the second quarter.

27 — number of yards lost on three sacks in the last three possesions for Juice Williams.

0 — number of passes thrown by Juice in the second quarter.

Be back in the second half.

***

Michigan 13, Illinois 7: 1:08 second quarter

Nate Bussey is having a pretty solid game, as is the defensive line. They're getting some pretty good pressure on Forcier. The problem with that is Michigan might throw a coupe of screens later in the game to force the Illini to ease up on the pressure.

Cordale Scott just made a fair catch on the Michigan kickoff. That's the first time the four-star receiver from Ohio has touched the ball in his two years at Illinois.

Fans aren't happy with the play calling. They want to see some shots down the field. Can't say that I blame them.

***

Michigan 10, Illinois 7: 4:55 second quarter

The offensive line struggles continue for Illinois as Hugh Thornton was just embarrassed by Brandon Graham. Graham Pocic was in on that drive at left guard in place of Randall Hunt. Looks like the Illinois coaches are still trying to mix things up.

It doesn't matter who's at quarterback in that instance. He has no chance.

If Michigan scores here, with Illinois' offensive struggles, a 10-point lead will feel like 20.

***

Michigan 10, Illinois 7: 7:07 second quarter

The wind wasn't a factor for Michigan's Jason Olesnavage, who nailed a 29-yard field goal at the north end, the same end at which Eller missed his try.

Still Juice at quarterback. They need some points here, but a holding call on first down isn't the way to go about making that happen.

***

Illinois 7, Michigan 7: 7:48 second quarter

Michael Buchannan just entered the game and made a great play getting to Forcier, but committed a crucial facemask penalty to give Michigan new life.

Too bad for the Illini, who benefitted from a holding call earlier in the drive to push Michigan back anbd out of field goal range.

It looks as though the wind is blowing out of the east pretty good, which could explain why Eller missed the field goal wide left. It's been blowing straight south at times and at times, like now, it's blowing east.

***

Illinois 7, Michigan 7: 11:28 second quarter

Good pressure by the front four from Illinois to force Forcier's first incompletion. They kept Forcier in the pocket and he's less dangerous inside the tackles than when he can move around.

Maybe that prediction for a high-scoring affair was off.

Still no Jacob Charest yet for the Illini. Considering the offense has done pretty well, it's not a big surprise that Juice is still running the show. He hasn't made any mistakes, but has been off target with a couple of throws early.

Donsay Hardeman is on the sideline but not in uniform and he's jumping around, so it looks like there wasn't any serious injury with his neck after being carted off at Indiana. That's always good news.

Not good news for the Illini is Juice Williams being swallowed up by the Michigan defense for a 9-yard loss. Youve got to give the guy time to throw.

***

Illinois 7, Michigan 7: end of first quarter

There was talk that Derek Dimke, the kickoff specialist, would assume the place kicking duties on field goals and extra points, and there's a good chance we'll see hom today after Matt Eller missed a 38-yard field goal wide left. Dimke kicked the extra point on Illinois' second touchdown at Purdue last week after Eller missed a 28-yard try at the end of the first half.

Eller is now 3 for 8 on field goal tries this season.

Here are some first quarter numbers:

108 — total yards by the Illini.

85 — total yards by the Wolverines.

55 — rushing yards for quarterback Juice Williams on six carries.

2 — touches for Arrelious Benn. The receiver has one reception for 12 yards and a 3-yard touchdown run. He was open down the seaom for a big play but Juice missed him.

100 — Tate Forcier's completion percentage. The freshman from San Diego has completed all four tries for 36 yards.

Be back in a few.

***

Illinois 7, Michigan 7: :56 first quarter

Jeff Allen is back in at left tackle and he had a good lead block on a 6-yard run by Mikel Leshoure.

A bad punt by Anthony Santella turned into a great play for the Illini as Zach Becker fell on the ball after muff by Junior Hemmingway.

Those are the kinds of breaks the Illini haven't been getting this season.

A bad pass by Juice to a wide-open Arrelious Benn isn't the way you capitilaize on those mistakes. Can't blame the play calling there. They took a shot downfield but just didn't execute.

***

Illinois 7, Michigan 7: 3:38 first quarter

Kurt Kittner, on the Illini Sports Network, just compared Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier to Jeff Garcia. I can definitely see some similarities.

Forcier has struggled during Michigan's three-game Big Ten losing streak, but he looked good on that opening drive, directing the Wolverines' spread attack. Forcier got "dinged" earlier in the season and has had some issues with his throwing shoulder. He looks fine from here.

We'll see here if Illinois can keep up the pace.

Illinois 7, Michigan 0: 4:42 first quarter

Nate Bussey got his second consecutive start at linebacker and Terry Hawthorne gets the start at cornerback. Corey Liuget is getting significant reps defensive tackle. He hadn't been playing much in recent weeks.

Illinois could have used a stop on Michigan's first drive to sustain the momentum it built in marching down the field. If this keeps up, we might have a high-scoring affair on our hands.

That might be asking a lot of the Illini, who average 16.6 points per game — 111th in DIvision 1-A. There are 120 teams in 1-A.

llinois 7, Michigan 0: 8:54 first quarter

Arrelious Benn, he's pretty good. Good things happen when the football is in his hands. His numbers might be a little down, but he's still projected to be a high draft choice. ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay project him to be the second receiver selected behind suspended Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant.

That was his first touchdown of the season and it looked like the same play that was called back last week at Purdue.

Good first drive for the Illini, who shredded through the Michigan defense much like they did a year ago at the Big House. The key will be to keep up that pace throughout the game,

Be back soon.

Illinois 0, Michigan 0: 11:45 first quarter

The crowd has filed in nicely. Good to see for a 1-6 team.

Jarred Fayson is not in uniform for the Illini for the third straight game. He's got an injured knee.

Juice Williams got the start at quarterback for th Illini, but expect to see Jacob Charest early.

Jeff Cumberland is back playing tight end, his original position.

Asmussen says expect some other odd lineup changes today, as the Illini are trying to mix things up.

Left tackle Jeff Allen has left the game with an injury. Cory Lewis has replaced him.

Be back soon.

***

15 minutes before kickoff:

Marcus Jackson here, I'll be with you throughout.

Great day for a football game for late October. It's a bit breezy, but it's sunny and the weather couldn't be more perfect.

The same Buffalo Bills scout who rode the elevator with me at Purdue is here today. Must be a player or two on the Illini that has piqued his interest.

The Iowa-Indiana game has been a hot topic here in the press box. The Hawkeyes keep getting lucky. They've now won 13 straight since losing here on Nov. 1, 2008.

The Montgomery family of nearby Philo is in the press box as guests of Illinois today. The famiy was featured on ABC's "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" last week. Nathan Montgomery, a former engineer, gave up his career to start the Salt and Light charity in Champaign to help feed needy families. COuldn't have happened to a more deserving family.

The band is on the field going through the pregame routine for the slow-arriving crowd.

Got some predictions from the Illinois media, here's what they think:

Stu Durando of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch picked Illinois 24-21

Herb Gould of the Chicago Sun-Times picked Michigan 33-17. He says this is the day Illinois gets over the 14-point hump.

Shannon Ryan of the Chicago Tribune picked Michigan 24-21.

Mark Tupper of the Decatur Herald and Review picked Michigan 24-14.

Bob Asmussen of IlliniHQ and The News-Gazette picked Michigan 35-21.

Be back after kickoff.

***

30 minutes before kickoff:

Here are my thoughts as the game draws closer:

-- Illinois is going to play well today. Don't know why I think that, exactly. Maybe because it's Michigan. Maybe it's because nobody gives the team a chance. Maybe the orange jerseys will blind the Wolverines.

-- Expect some kind of crazy play from the Illini early in the game. Maybe even on the first snap. The team has been criticized for the lack of creativity on offense. Nothing like trick plays to quiet that talk.

-- Wow, is the crowd arriving slowly. Traffic, normally nutso for the Michigan game, appears to be going smoothly.

-- I think Jacob Charest will be better today than in the first game. I won't be stunned if he starts.

-- Tate Forcier has never played in this wind. He might struggle. It's happened to past Michigan quarterbacks, even some of the greats.

-- There will be some kind of controversial call. That seems to often be the case with Illinois-Michigan at Memorial Stadium.

-- Arrelious Benn will have his best game of the season. He'll want to impress Rashard Mendenhall, Rocky Harvey and J Leman.

Marcus Jackson is taking over.

***

45 minutes before kickoff:
What better color for Illinois to wear on Halloween than orange? The dreamsickle look is back, with orange jerseys and white pants. The seniors might have pushed for the orange jerseys.

It's Former Illini Day at Memorial Stadium. Rashard Mendenhall, who had a falling out with the Illinois coach staff after his final season, will be on the sidelines today with his brother, former Illini Walter Mendenhall. The rift between Mendenhall has been cleared up, though Mendenhall declined a request to appear on the Illini Sports Network at halftime.

Former Illini running back Rocky Harvey, who scored a famous touchdown to beat Michigan in 1999, is also here. So is J Leman, who is working this weekend for the Big Ten Network while waiting for a call from another NFL team.

Leman said this week he doesn't know why the Illini are struggling. He keeps in contact with some of the current players.

The Illini defense could have had fifth-year seniors Brit Miller and Will Davis on the team, but they both played as first-year freshmen in 2006. Leman said the experience they got that season was a huge help for the 2007 Rose Bowl team.

***

1 hour before kickoff:

Are you looking forward to the halftime show? There's a strong local connection.

Matthew Johnson, the son of former UI SID Dave Johnson, co-wrote and choreographed today's Marching Illini Halloween halftime show. Matthew, who plays the alto saxophone, is a senior in the School of Fine and Applied Arts majoring in music education and is in his fifth season as Marching Illini member and third year as a saxophone section leader.

Today's Marching Illini halftime show features band drill formations including a scary pumpkin, a Halloween Crescent Moon, a ghost, the dancing broom from the "Sorcerer's Apprentice," and a flying bat. The musical selections include Bach's Toccata and Fugue, Sorcerer's Apprentice by Dukas, Night on Bald Mountain by Mussourgsky, Illinois Loyalty with a twist, Banse Macabre by Saint-Saens, and Thriller by Michael Jackson.

The show concludes with the band dancing to Thriller in honor of the King of Pop. Can't wait.

***

1:15 before kickoff:
An incredible turnaround in Iowa City. The Hoosiers were just about to go up 28-7, but instead, Iowa intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 21-14. You get the feeling the Hawkeyes are going to roar back to win this one.

Elsewhere in the Big Ten: Why is Ohio State playing New Mexico State? The Buckeyes are leading 31-0 and Jim Tressel is still pacing the sidelines with a worried look. Somebody needs to tell he's going to win by 40.

Purdue looked very good a week ago in beating Illinois. Not so much today. The Badgers are leading 34-0 midway through the third quarter. The Boilermakers will need to win their final three games to become bowl eligible. They can probably take out Indiana, but Michigan and Michigan State are going to be tough.

The other Big Ten game is tonight, with Michigan State visiting Minnesota. The Gophers need to play better than they have the past two weeks. They are having a difficult time without Eric Decker, who is gone for the season with a foot injury.

Future Illinois opponent Cincinnati is up 21-7 at Syracuse. Looks like the Bearcats are going to stay undefeated.

***

1:30 before kickoff:

IlliniHQ recruiting expert Jeremy Werner talked earlier this week to Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst coach Tony Severino, who has special interest in the Illini. His former quarterback, Nathan Scheelhaase, is a freshman with Illinois. And his current player, Dexter McDonald, is on the way next season.

Here is part of what Severino had to say:

Werner: Keep up with Nathan?
Severino: “I talked to him about a week and a half ago extensively about when they
were thinking about pulling his redshirt.”

Werner: How's he feel about his experience at Illinois?
Severino: “He's feeling good about it. Obviously, you'd like to see them win more
games. I think sometimes you get a little worried about the security of his
coach. ...I think (Guenther's endorsement) probably helped a little bit.
Because nobody likes to be at a school without the guy who recruited you
there. Then you got to start all over. Hopefully, that will all play out.”

Werner: Do you think he'll be competing for the starting spot next year?
Severino: “There's no doubt. He'll be more than a quarterback for Illinois. He'll be
their leader. He is just one of those special guys that comes around. He's
got all the intangibles. If he lacks something in one area, he'll make it up
where you don't even notice in another area. He's just got that thing about
him. He'll be fine. He's always been a winner, and he'll be one at
Illinois.”

The Illini are on the field warming up. Jacob Charest is throwing passes without a helmet on. To check out why his hair is so long, click here.

***

1:45 before kickoff:

Though St. Joseph-Ogden's Zach Becker will certainly help at tight end, look for former tight end Jeff Cumberland to go back to his old position. Cumberland could create matchup problems for the Michigan defense, especially if the Wolverines try to cover him with a linebacker. Don't be surprised if Juice Williams and Jacob Charest try to throw to No. 17 early and often.

Friday's endless rains caused trouble in the grass parking lots across First Street from Memorial Stadium. Mud was everywhere and there were huge puddles where cars are supposed to be. This does not have the usual Michigan game crowd feel. I hardly saw any nasty T-shirts and everyone seemed to be kind to the visitors from the east. Maybe it will change once the game starts.

A few of the Wolverines are out on the field in their bright yellow football pants. The helmets are the best, but the rest of the uniform could use an update. Just my opinion.

Ron Zook said Matt Eller will do the place kicking today. The wind is swirling, but looks like most of the help will be to the south. It will be a comfortable day in the stands until the sun goes down.

An amazing game in Iowa City, where Indiana leads Iowa 21-7 at halftime. The Hoosiers have been known to give away first-half leads, but the Hawkeyes are struggling. Like we said last week, Iowa doesn't deserve to be No. 4 in the BCS standings. No matter what happens in the second half against Indiana.

Future Illinois opponent Cincinnati is leading Syracuse 14-7 early in the second half. The Bearcats are due to have a bad game.

***

2 hours before kickoff:

Welcome to another live story from Memorial Stadium. I'll be with you up until just before kickoff, then Marcus Jackson will take over.

First, some news. Illinois tight ends Michael Hoomanawanui and Hubie Graham aren't playing today. I will find out who the starter is going to be and report it ASAP.

On the recruiting front, Proviso West star receiver Kyle Prater is here today for his official visit. It's a pretty big deal when the No. 2-rated player in the country is on campus. I don't remember the last player rated this high who came for an official visit.

Credit Illinois co-defensive coordinator Dan Disch for Prater's continued interest in the Illini. Though Prater has said he will attend Southern Cal, an official visit to Illinois says otherwise.

Prater's team, coached by former Illini Famous Hulbert, rolled to a playoff win Friday night, the first in school history. It would be fun to see Prater's team at Memorial Stadium for the state championships on Thanksgiving weekend.