CHAMPAIGN, Ill. _ Illinois may have more issues than its record after falling, 40-17, to Minnesota in Saturday's homecoming game.
The Illini (2-6, 1-4 Big Ten) saw key players leave the field with injuries during the loss to the Gophers (6-2, 3-2).
Illinois wide receiver Malik Turner lay motionless on the field for several minutes before being placed on a stretcher in a neck brace and carted off the field. He was taken to a local hospital for precautionary measures, a team spokesman said.
Safety Duke McGhee was ejected for targeting on the hit to Turner in the first quarter.
Receiver Dominic Thieman left the game in the third quarter with an apparent right leg injury. And running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn headed to the locker room in the fourth quarter with his left shoe off, later returning to the sideline to watch the remainder of the game.
Big Ten Network reported that backup quarterback Chayce Crouch will remain out for the season.
The Illini were also plagued with costly turnovers and poor special teams play.
Quarterback Jeff George, Jr., who was making his second-straight start, fumbled twice to lead to a touchdown and a field goal by the Gophers. Darius Mosley also muffed a punt that led to a Minnesota touchdown.
George was also sacked for a safety in the fourth quarter to add to the Illini woes.
Minnesota became bowl eligible with the victory.
Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt, the team's starter, was dressed on the sideline for the first time since suffering a back injury on Oct. 8 against Purdue but he did not play.
After George's fumble, Minnesota running back Shannon Brooks ran the ball in from nine yards out for a quick 7-0 lead. Minnesota recovered a Darius Mosley muffed a punt later in the first quarter setting up a 20-yard run by Rodney Smith on the first play of the series for a 14-7 lead.
