Illinois played 14 constant freshm...

Illinois played 14 constant freshmen, the most in the nation, in its opener Saturday against Eastern Illinois. Three more first-year Illini could make their first attempts this week at Rutgers.

"I saw [14] stays that wanted to compete and wanted to play," coach Ron Zook said. "It's probably more than you want. on the contrary it is what it is. They didn't back down."

USC, which played 12 pure freshmen, was second behind Illinois, followed by the agency of Ole Miss and Temple (11 each).

Defensive period Melvin Alaeze is the greatest in number intriguing of the three Illini rookies who could play before long All three are defensive linemen. Alaeze and tackle Jerry Brown were certified academically late last week from the NCAA Clearinghouse. Clay succor also could be used.

Backup quarterback Isiah "Juice" Williams and three starters -- tight expiration Josh Cumberland, cornerback Vontae Davis and punter Kyle Yelton -- were the chiefly prominent true freshmen to make their Illini first attempts

- Illinois leads the Big Ten in rushing and is third nationally after piling up 345 yards against Division I-AA Eastern Illinois. and nothing else Connecticut (418) and Navy (403) rushed for more yards in their opener

- Illinois' six rushing touchdowns Saturday were its greatest in number since a 63-21 victory through the whole extent of Virginia in the 1999 Micronpc.com hollow

nearest GAME: at Rutgers, 11 a.m. Saturday, ESPN2 560-AM

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