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Illinois quarterback JUICE WILLIAMS, who is recovering from a sprained ankle, practiced early Friday evening.

Does coach RON ZOOK expect him to start?

"I don't know about that," Zook said. "We'll have to wait to see before the game. But he practiced Wednesday, he practiced Thursday and he practiced again today.

"Zook criteria (to play) is practicing. Still, it's God's criteria whether he's able to go or not."

If Williams isn't able to go, redshirt freshman JACOB CHAREST will make his first college start. Charest relieved Williams at Minnesota and led the Illini on three touchdown drives in a 35-32 victory.

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Tight end MICHAEL HOOMANAWANUI, who has missed three games because of a sprained ankle, will be in uniform today.

"Uh-Oh, is going to dress, so we'll see how he is out there," Zook said.

HUBIE GRAHAM, who missed time this week to attend his grandmother's funeral, likely won't be in uniform, Zook said.

If Hoomanawanui isn't able to start, JEFF CUMBERLAND and LONDON DAVIS will fill the spot.

"London's been getting more and more playing time," Zook said.

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MATT ELLER, who has missed 6 of 10 field goal tries this season, will continue as the starter. Zook has left the competition open in practice between Eller and DEREK DIMKE, who handles kickoffs.

"Right now, we'll start off with the way it's been," Zook said.

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Receiver A.J. JENKINS, who has an injured knee, won't play today.

"He's close," Zook said.

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Though the Illini don't have a game next Saturday, they still will continue practicing.

The team will get together Sunday to look at the tape of today's game. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, they will practice.

Zook said he plans to give the players next weekend off.

* * *

The Northwestern travel party left the Evanston campus by bus in the early afternoon and went directly to Urbana's Holiday Inn. The team did not go to Memorial Stadium on Friday.

Once in Urbana, it was a typical Friday for the Wildcats. A team meal, meetings and a movie. With an 11 a.m. kickoff, Northwestern is expected to leave the Holiday Inn early this morning.

* * *

You might recognize one of the names on the Northwestern coaching list: BOB HEFFNER.

For a short time in 2005, Heffner was a part of Zook's first Illinois staff. But he didn't stay long, returning to Lafayette College for what were termed "family reasons."

Heffner is in his first season on Northwestern's staff and is working with the superbacks. Not counting the false start at Illinois, this is his third coaching stop in the state. He also worked at Illinois State and Northern Illinois.

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Northwestern is bowl eligible, but no scouts are taking in today's game.

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The Illinois captains for today's game will be center ERIC BLOCK, defensive tackle JOSH BRENT, quarterback/receiver EDDIE McGEE and defensive end DOUG PILCHER.

The Illini pick game captains throughout the season. Permanent captains will be announced at the team's banquet in December.

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Former Illini ROBBY LONG, interim coach at DePauw, has made a strong case to keep the job permanently. The Tigers are 7-1 going into today's rivalry game against Wabash (noon on HD Net). They finished 5-1 to share their conference title and earned an automatic berth to the Division III playoffs.

It is the first appearance for DePauw in the playoffs. Long has plenty of help with Illinois connections. DUSTIN WARD is his offensive coordinator and BOBBY JACKSON coaches the defensive backs and special teams.

Quarterback SPUD DICK is having a huge season, completing 73 percent of his passes for 2,087 yards and 21 touchdowns. He is considered a strong candidate for the Gagliardi Trophy, which goes to the top player in Division III.