Former Kaneland High School and Northern Illinois University football star, P.J. Fleck had a rough afternoon Saturday in Champaign.
Fleck, head coach at the University of Minnesota, saw his team routed, 55-31, by visiting Illinois. The Illini racked up 646 yards in total offense, highlighted by 72-yard and 77-yard touchdown runs by Reggie Corbin.
How bad was it for Minnesota? Gophers’ defensive coordinator Robb Smith was sacked shortly after the game.
When the dust settled, Illinois, 4-5 and 2-4 Big Ten Conference, was one game in front of both Minnesota and Nebraska in the Big Ten West standings, something few envisioned earlier in the year. Illinois will play at Nebraska, 2-7 and 1-5, Saturday. Minnesota dropped to 4-5 and 1-5. Illinois will conclude with a home game against Iowa Saturday, Nov. 17 and play at Northwestern November 24.
• Both Northwestern and Northern Illinois are in good positions to play for their respective conference championships.