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Illinois expands tailback rotation
By Mark Tupper
mark.tupper@lee.net
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CHAMPAIGN — Illinois already had what appears to be a pretty solid one-two punch at tailback.

Rashard Mendenhall and junior college transfer Daniel Dufrene each have speed and wiggle and can take turns keeping a fresh body in at the position.

Now coach Ron Zook has decided to expand his tailback rotation. Freshman Troy Pollard was pushed into action Saturday night against Western Illinois, and Zook said fans will be seeing more.

Pollard carried four times for 28 yards including a 20-yard burst in the fourth quarter. Dufrene carried nine times for 51 yards and a touchdown. And Mendenhall carried a career-high 23 times for 139 yards and a touchdown.

“I liked the way Daniel complemented Rashard last week, and we made the decision this week to get Troy involved, too,” offensive coordinator Mike Locksley said. “Now is the time to get Troy some reps in case anyone gets hurt.

“Once you get into the Big Ten, there are very few backs who can carry the load all by themselves.”

Illinois rushed for 277 yards against Western Illinois Saturday, and the Illini were the Big Ten’s leading rushing team last season.

What about the Rock?

The Illini team talked this week about the excitement of beginning a new tradition. When the team emerges from the tunnel that leads from the locker room, they planned to touch the “Grange Rock” that has been repositioned near the team’s entrance to the field.

And while a few players did touch the rock, most acted as though they were not aware it was there.

“It was supposed to be more leaving from the rock than touching the rock,” Zook said, although he admitted the procedure may have been disjointed. “I forget a lot of things that don’t pertain to football.”

Extra points

w Three more true freshman played Saturday. Running back Troy Pollard was joined by defensive back Marcus Thomas and defensive tackle Josh Brent of Bloomington.

Brent was listed on the play chart after the Missouri game, but he never actually saw action. But when he was inserted into the action Saturday at the start of the second quarter, he made his presence felt immediately. Brent stuffed a Western Illinois running back for a 4-yard loss on his first play.

“I thought that was a pretty good start to my college career,” said Brent, who estimated he was on the field for 10 to 15 plays.

w Mattoon’s Kyle Hudson had a 34-yard punt return. He also had two catches for 21 yards.

Get area high school sports scores and statistics at Varsity Sports.

Take a look
Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall (5) is chased by Western Illinois' Marshon Royal looks to stop him in the first half in the college football game in Champaign, Ill., Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007. (AP Photo/Robert K. O'Daniell)
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