Oct. 27--CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois interim coach Bill Cubit scanned the roster for solutions. He didn't find any.
With the news Monday that tight end Tyler White is likely out for Saturday's game at Penn State because of a knee injury, the Illini's offensive options are dwindling.
"I went over that personnel," Cubit said. "On Sunday I went down (the roster) -- who else can help us mentally and physically? There's just nothing else we can do. We're constantly trying to find ways to get some game-breakers out there."
Cubit said White was expected to undergo an MRI later Monday. Reserve tight end Andrew Davis, a junior-college transfer, isn't likely to get on the field, and Cubit said the Illini will likely use four-receiver sets.
"It's really the only time we move the ball," he said.
The injury list is "staggering," as guard Teddy Karras said after Saturday's 24-13 loss to Wisconsin.
The Illini (4-3, 1-2 Big Ten) have been without running back Josh Ferguson, who also figures heavily into the passing game, for the last two games plus three quarters of the Nebraska game because of a shoulder injury.
"He's been running better," Cubit said, noting he would know more after Monday's evaluations.
Tight end Tim Clary has been out the last four games with a hand injury and does not figure to return this season. Top receiver Mikey Dudek is out for the season, and receiver Justin Hardee is likely to follow the same redshirt route.
Receiver Marchie Murdock, who missed the Wisconsin game, will be evaluated this week after suffering a thigh bruise.
"As coaches, we just have to keep finding different ways," Cubit said.
The injuries are causing issues in the red zone, where the Illini rank last in the Big Ten, converting on only 19 of 26 trips with 13 touchdowns.
"Normally the tight ends cut off the edge pressure," Cubit said. "It's hard because you really need two of them. Right now it's hard to even line up because of injuries. Once we get inside the 1 or 2, we're OK. That 12-and-in (area) is a little more difficult."
Road trippin': Four of Illinois last five games are away from Memorial Stadium, starting at Penn State (6-2, 3-1). The Illini are 0-2 on the road.
"We've got to treat every game, home or away, like our game," defensive end Jihad Ward said. "Same 100 yards. We've seen plenty of stadiums. It doesn't matter what field it is."
Extra points: Illinois receivers have dropped 40 passes after four against Wisconsin, Cubit said. ... Safety Clayton Fejedelem left the Wisconsin game but returned after an injury. Cubit said the senior will be available against Penn State. ... Beaver Stadium will have new sod for Saturday's game after the old surface was replaced Oct. 15.
sryan@tribpub.com
