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Illinois Postgame Notes

1. In his first series of the game, senior Dustin Ward led the Illini on an 80-yard second-quarter drive that ended with a four-yard touchdown pass to senior fullback Cary Davis. It marked Davis' first touchdown of the season and his first touchdown since the Ohio State game on Nov. 17, 2001. Ward's touchdown pass was his first since last year's Homecoming game vs. Indiana (10/26/02) when he threw for two touchdowns.

2. Ward's 221 passing yards marked the first time he has gone over the 200-yard mark since the Purdue game on Oct. 12, 2002 and was the first time an Illinois quarterback has had over 200 passing yards since Jon Beutjer threw for 207 yards vs. Wisconsin on Sept. 27.

3. Steve Weatherford's 66-yard punt in the third quarter was a career long and an Illinois' season best. Weatherford also booted a 60-yard punt in the second quarter. The last time an Illinois punter had two 60-yard punts in a game was Dike Eddleman against Iowa in 1948 (88 and 74 yards).

4. Freshman tight end Melvin Bryant had career highs in receptions with three and yards with 33. His previous highs were two receptions vs. Missouri and Michigan State and 29 yards vs. Missouri.

5. John Gockman's 2nd quarter extra point extended Illinois' consecutive extra point streak to 188.

6. Freshman running back Pierre Thomas carried the ball a career-high 15 times for 70 yards while filling in for the injured E.B. Halsey. His previous high for carries in a game was 10, set last week at Michigan.