Illinois placekicker John Gockman made his 10th field goal of the season
with his 28-yarder in the second quarter. He is now 10-12 (.833) on the
year.
Illinois special teams blocked two kicks vs. the Boilermakers. De Derrick
strong blocked a Purdue extra point in the first quarter, his second block
of the year, fourth of his career. Linebacker Christian Morton got the block
on a field goal attempt at the end of the 1st half, the second of his
career. Illinois has blocked fourteen kicks in 30 games, dating back to the
2001 season. The last time Illinois blocked two kicks in one game was vs.
Missouri. (8/31/02)
Illinois freshman running back Eb Halsey moved to sixth on the freshman
rushing list, edging Steve Feagn's 388 mark in 1988.
Halsey scored his fifth touchdown of the season, his first on special teams
following a 41-yard punt return. The last time Illinois scored on a punt
return was Eugene Wilson's 70-yd return vs. Southern Miss in 2002. It was
Illinois 2nd special teams touchdown of the season (Travis Williams' 66 yard
blocked kick return). Halsey becomes the first true freshman to score on a
punt return since Eugene Wilson's 65- yard touchdown vs. Arkansas St. in
1999.
