Nov. 23--CHAMPAIGN -- A career backup quarterback, a cast-aside running back and a walk-on kicker appropriately enough kept the sliver of hope alive for Illinois, which gradually is exhibiting a never-say-die attitude.
After a 16-14 victory Saturday against Penn State, the Illini didn't have many fans to celebrate with as a sparse crowd showed up for the home finale at Memorial Stadium. But they had each other.
As seldom-used kicker David Reisner's 36-yard field goal sailed through the uprights with eight seconds left, teammates mobbed him and rejoiced in a rare Big Ten victory, just the third conference triumph in three seasons for the Illini (5-6, 2-5).
But this one kept their bowl eligibility hopes alive -- and is also an item for athletic director Mike Thomas to place on his "reasons not to fire" side of the list for coach Tim Beckman.
"We're getting better," Beckman said. "I want to win 15. That's what we all want to win. We're making strides getting better and better each and every day. We met the mark of being better than last year but we're not done yet."
The Illini must beat rival Northwestern next weekend on the road in the regular-season finale to become bowl eligible for the first time under Beckman.
They inspired a little more hope after Saturday's victory.
Quarterback Reilly O'Toole, who relieved struggling starter Wes Lunt in the second quarter, came to the rescue as he has many times in his career. O'Toole has had a major role in both Big Ten victories this season, including against Minnesota on Oct. 25.
He completed 18 of 25 passes for 157 yards. He tossed a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Matt LaCosse on his opening drive to tie the game 7-7.
"When I got here, I didn't think (O'Toole) would want to compete," offensive coordinator Bill Cubit said of O'Toole. "I thought he just wanted to be one of the guys. I give him so much credit. He matured."
Now, he's arguably the guy.
Of course, against the Nittany Lions that title could be shared among Illini players.
Senior running back Donovonn Young, who has been demoted through the years, got a shot against Penn State (6-5, 2-5) after the running game has struggled with Josh Ferguson in the lead. He responded with a season-high 62 yards on 14 carries, including 38 yards in the fourth quarter when the Illini were rallying.
The Illini trailed 14-10 after Penn State scored early in the fourth quarter before a 25-yard Reisner field goal cut the lead to 14-13. When Illinois failed to convert third-and-4 on its next possession, Reisner's 50-yard field goal attempt with the wind sailed wide left.
He said he never felt so encouraged after a miss, which ultimately helped give him confidence to kick the game-winner on the next drive.
That and some encouraging words from Cubit.
"Hey, when you make this thing you'll probably get a date on campus," Cubit said he told Reisner.
The Illini still are shooting for a bowl game date. After beating Penn State, that hope remains.
"For us to be in position to go to a postseason game and for it to come down to the last game," O'Toole said, "how ridiculous is that?"
sryan@tribpub.com
Twitter @sryantribune
