Hardeman happy to be back
October 2, 2008 1:02 PM
For Donsay Hardeman's I-A college debut, he played in front of a few more than that. Actually, 109,326 more.
"It was the first game I've played since November," Hardeman said. "It was pretty fun. A lot of excitement. I've never seen that many people at one time." IlliniHQ.com
Coverage map
If you're in Big Ten country, tune to ABC. Everyone else watch ESPN2. ESPN
Dufrene, other Illini RBs filling in just fine
Led by junior Daniel Dufrene, the rushing attack has carried on well in the absence of Rashard Mendenhall, who passed on his senior year to become a Pittsburgh Steeler.
Mendenhall ran for a combined 109 yards on 29 carries against Missouri and Penn State a year ago. Against those two opponents this year, Dufrene carried 27 times for 171 yards -- 75 vs. Missouri and 96 at Penn State. Dufrene is sixth in the Big Ten in rushing with 99 yards per game, and quarterback Juice Williams is ninth (70.8). suntimes.com
Two injured Wolverines out for Illinois
Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said two offensive contributors would miss the Wolverines' homecoming game with Illinois on Saturday.
The injuries and other issues are forcing Michigan to shuffle its lineup a bit this week.
"We're playing around with Mark Ortmann at left guard [previously at left tackle] and Perry Dorrestein at left tackle," Rodriguez said. "Tim McAvoy can play a couple positions, Mark Huyge is back, so we're healthier there.
"Unfortunately, at the skill positions we're not. [Receiver] Junior Hemingway is out for several weeks with mono, which is just a bad break for him. [Running back] Carlos Brown, who can't seem to get healthy unfortunately for himself, is out for some time with a foot sprain. They've just had bad luck, so they're both out for this game. We're scrambling there." michigan.rivals.com
Illinois-Michigan Pregame Thread Filed under: Illini Football, Michigan Wolverines
