Illini Coach Says Scheelhaase Hasn’t Lost Starting Job

Illini football coach Tim Beckman says he pulled Nathan Scheelhaase out of last Saturday’s game with Louisiana Tech out of concern for his well being.

Scheelhaase started the game last Saturday after missing two games with a sprained ankle. Beckman said yesterday that Scheelhaase took a “big hit” in the first play of the game, leading to his decision at the end of the first quarter to replace him with Reilly O’Toole.

But Beckman says Scheelhaase remains the starting quarterback at Illinois, and he wants to put him back on the field as soon as he’s fully ready.

"We want to see what happens, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, no question," he said.  "But as I mentioned, I think both our quarterbacks are capable. Nathan Scheelhaase is our starting quarterback. If he is prepared and ready and shows that on Tuesday and Wednesday, he will be our starting quarterback."

Illinois will try to forget last Saturday’s lopsided loss to Louisiana Tech as they head into Big Ten play this weekend. The Illini host Penn State Saturday at 11 AM at Memorial Stadium - both teams are 2-2 for the season.