Bradley Leeb-US PRESSWIRE
University of Illinois starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase will not play in the team’s Saturday game vs. Charleston Southern.
Scheelhaase suffered a sprained ankle in the season opening win against Western Michigan and had to sit out the week two loss at Arizona State. The team struggled mightily in his absence with sophomore Reilly O’Toole and Miles Osei sharing the reps at quarterback and neither had much success in the 45-14 drugging at the hands of the Sun Devils.
It was reported earlier in the week that Scheelhaase was probable for this week’s game, but the team is being smart in taking the cautious approach vs. a 0-2 Charleston Southern squad. If the Illini were set to play Michigan or Ohio State this week, then he may tape the ankle up and get out on the field.
O’Toole will get the start for the second week in a row against a team the Illini should have no trouble dispatching the Buccaneers at home.
Charleston Southern has given up a total of 80 points in their first two games of the season in losses to the Citadel and Jacksonville, respectively. The former state champion quarterback from Wheaton-Warrenville South high school should have no problem directing an Illini offense looking to get back on track.
Illinois and Charleston Southern kick off at Memorial Stadium at 11:00am local time.
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Patrick is a diehard Chicago sports and avid college football fan, and the host of “The Wake-up Call,” a weekly sports show on Sportstownchicago.com Wednesday mornings from 8-10. View his show’s website here.
