Oct. 16, 2004

Recap |  Box Score |  Quotes

1. Sophomore running back Pierre Thomas recorded his first career touchdown reception, with a 2-yard TD catch in the second quarter. His seven receptions were a career high, eclipsing his previous mark of two receptions last week against Michigan State.

2. Thomas took over sole possession of the team lead in touchdowns this season with seven. He had two touchdowns today, with a 1-yard TD run in addition to his 2-yard TD reception.

3. True freshman safety Justin Harrison had the first interception of his career today, picking off a pass in the endzone and returning it 72 yards. That is the longest interception return for the Illini since Bobby Jackson had an 83-yard return at Purdue on Nov. 3, 2001.

4. Harrison also recorded a career high in tackles today with 12. His previous career high was 11, set last week at Michigan State.

5. Senior cornerback Kelvin Hayden tallied his third interception of the season in the second quarter, returning it 28 yards. Hayden's three picks leads the Illini this year.

6. True freshman place kicker Jason Reda kicked a career-long 40-yard field goal in the second quarter.

7. Senior receiver Mark Kornfeld is now 7-for-9 (77.8 percent) on the season with his catches resulting in first downs. He had a 14-yard catch in the second quarter today that converted a first down.

8. With his 20 completions today, senior quarterback Jon Beutjer moved into sixth place on the Illini career passing completions list with 447, passing Johnny Johnson's mark of 432.

9. Senior Mike Gawelek set a career high in tackles today with 16, eclipsing his old mark of 8 tackles coming at Wisconsin two weeks ago.

10. Redshirt freshman Anthony Thornhill's 10 tackles were a career high today, surpassing his 9-tackle performance last week at Michigan State.