Chicago Colleges Report

Illinois wise to sit QB Scheelhaase again

September, 15, 2012

9/15/12

12:33

PM CT

By Adam Rittenberg | ESPNChicago.com

Early this week, Illinois coach Tim Beckman left the door open for top quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase to return from an ankle injury.

Beckman wisely closed it.

Illinois confirmed Friday that Scheelhaase will miss his second straight game today against Charleston Southern, and that Reilly O'Toole once again will get the start. While the Illini could have used Scheelhaase last week at Arizona State, they should have no problems handling Charleston Southern, an FCS team that has dropped its past 14 games.

Scheelhaase, who relies heavily on his mobility, needs to get back to 100 percent, and risking him in a game like this makes no sense. Another week to heal should help him get back for next week's potentially tricky game against Louisiana Tech.

Illinois is looking for better things today from O'Toole and third-stringer Miles Osei, also expected to play. They combined to complete 14 of 24 passes for 101 yards with a touchdown (O'Toole) and three interceptions (1 by O'Toole, 2 by Osei) against the Sun Devils. Scheelhaase was available in emergency duty last week.

If an emergency arises today, Illinois really has big problems.

Adam Rittenberg | email

College Football

ESPN.com Big Ten blogger
Joined ESPN.com in 2008
Wrote for Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald

Tags:

Illinois Fighting Illini, Nathan Scheelhaase, Reilly O'Toole, Tim Beckman, Miles Osei

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ABOUT THIS BLOG

Scott Powers

Powers is an award-winning journalist and has been reporting on preps, colleges and pros for publications throughout the Midwest since 1997. He joined ESPNChicago in May 2009 and lives in Chicago.

Adam Rittenberg

Rittenberg joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four years at the Daily Herald, where he covered sports at Notre Dame, Northwestern, DePaul and several other colleges. He lives in Chicago and writes for the Big Ten blog.

Brian Bennett

Bennett joined ESPN.com in August 2008 after nine years at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., where he covered college sports and the University of Louisville beat. He lives in Louisville and writes for the Big Ten blog.

Matt Fortuna

Fortuna joined ESPN.com in 2011 after working for MLB.com and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, where he covered college sports. He grew up in New York and is a Penn State graduate. Fortuna's Notre Dame blog is here.

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Chicago Colleges Report