... BECKER RE-RUNS PROVE NAUSEATING FOR WOLVERINES
Illinois used a punishing running game between the tackles to soften up the Michigan defense, then Becker blasted through that line for one score on the ground, and he later caught one from quarterback Scheelhaase, as Illinois beat Michigan, 20-10, in Week 2 of ECFA play.
The Fighting Illini (2-0, 1-0 West) running backs, Becker and LeShoure, combined for 142 yards on 28 carries, getting 3 or 4 a pop before Becker broke through following his quarterback and his right guard for a 38-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter that gave Illinois the lead for good, 13-10. Later, Becker got open down the right sideline and caught a long cross-field pass from Scheelhaase, then scored to provide the 20-10 final margin.
Down, 6-0, at halftime, the Wolverines (0-2, 0-1 West) turned things around in the third quarter thanks to a 70-yard touchdown run from Cox and a field goal that made it 10-6. But that momentum didn't carry over to the final period, which Illinois dominated save for one late Michigan drive that ended with a missed field goal from 51 yards out.
Illinois appear to have a ground game that can match up with anyone, and their 2-0 record is no fluke. They've now won one game on the ground and one in the air, and are a threat to win the West and go to the Commonwealth Bowl.
Ed
