GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Illinois has an opportunistic defense that leads the Big Ten and ranks 14th nationally in turnovers gained (2.14). Moreover, Illinois averages 1.86 interceptions per game, which is tied for first nationally with Fresno State and … Maryland. Both defenses will be on the prowl for picks in this game, especially because quarterback play on each side has been spotty. Maryland quarterbacks completed just 6-of-16 passes last week in a shutout loss at Iowa and is at 51.5 percent for the season. Illinois is at 55.6 percent for the season.
DRAFT SLANT
–LB Del’Shawn Phillips, a senior who arrived at Illinois last season from junior college, is the team’s only senior on defense. He has a team-high 59 tackles and is tied for the team lead with three interceptions.
ROSTER REPORT:
–DT Lere Oladipo, a redshirt freshman, had missed two games because of an undisclosed injury but he played against Wisconsin. He actually moved to defensive end to try to help counter the Badgers’ running game. He finished with three tackles.
–RB Mike Epstein (60 carries, 411 yards this season), suffered a right foot injury last week and was on the sideline in a walking boot during the season half. His status was unclear as of early this week, although coach Lovie Smith said he was hopeful that Epstein would return this season.
–S Tony Adams, LB Dele Harding and S Kerby Joseph missed last week’s game due to injury.
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