Oct. 28--CHAMPAIGN -- Desperate for hope in the final stretch of the season, Illinois may have found a sliver of it.
Starting quarterback Wes Lunt might return for the final three games, coach Tim Beckman said Monday.
Lunt, who has been out with a fractured leg since the Oct. 4 loss to Purdue, is making progress that Beckman described as "great" and "awesome." Beckman said he is optimistic Lunt could play in the Nov. 15 home game against Iowa, which follows a week off.
"He might sprinkle in and do some things this week throwing the ball, but not in a competitive atmosphere," Beckman said. "Wes knew he was going to get himself back on the field."
The Illini (4-4, 1-3 Big Ten) plan to use Reilly O'Toole and Aaron Bailey on Saturday at Ohio State (6-1, 3-0) after getting their first conference win against Minnesota.
Despite being ineffective in his lone series against the Gophers, Bailey wasn't discouraged, coaches said.
"Aaron knows how we feel about him," Beckman said. "He understands he's capable of running this offense. He knows he's going to get his opportunity Saturday in Columbus. He'll try to take advantage."
Beckman did not elaborate on how much Bailey would play or when he would enter the game.
Meanwhile, reports out of Columbus on Monday said Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (sprained MCL) would be limited in practice this week but is expected to play against the Illini.
Cubit to travel: University officials have reached a decision on discipline for football assistant Ryan Cubit, who was arrested Oct. 12 on a DUI charge.
Beckman declined to discuss details. He said Cubit, the Illini's director of student-athlete development and the son of offensive coordinator Bill Cubit, was not at the Minnesota game but will attend Saturday's game in Columbus.
"It's been taken care of," Beckman said.
Extra points: Defensive lineman Carroll Phillips, who did not play against Minnesota, will miss six to nine months with an "upper extremity" injury, Beckman said. Phillips was injured Oct. 11 at Wisconsin. ... Punter Justin DuVernois was named Big Ten special teams player of the week after averaging 48.7 yards against Minnesota. He pinned four of his nine punts inside the 20 with two inside the 10. "He's been phenomenal," Beckman said.
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