Strong quarterbacks lead Hoosiers, Illini

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois was in many ways similar to Indiana heading into Saturday's game.\nLike the Hoosiers, the Fighting Illini entered the game after a disappointing loss last weekend. Like IU, Illinois needed a late season surge to qualify for postseason play. Like their opponent, the Fighting Illini had a junior quarterback, who knows how to make big plays.\nIU quarterback junior Antwaan Randle El and Illinois' Kurt Kittner made their share of big plays. Without Randle El's impressive performance, it's doubtful the IU option would have been so effective. And without Kittner playing a mistake-free game, the Fighting Illini might not have escaped with a 42-35 victory.\nLast week, Illinois coach Ron Turner said Randle El was the best player in college football. After watching him gain 209 yards rushing against his team, Turner's opinion remains unchanged.\n"He is a great player and a great competitor," Turner said. "I said at the start of the week he might be the best quarterback in the country. He is something special."\nTurner's players were also impressed with Randle El, who carried the ball 32 times against the Fighting Illini. Randle El regularly receives praise for his quickness, elusiveness and playmaking abilities. \nRandle El has shown grit and toughness the entire season. After most games Randle El's offensive moves and ability to run the option overshadow his resilience.\nIn addition to playing quarterback, Randle El is IU's punter, a position vulnerable to physical contact. Illinois took advantage of Randle El's play as a punter in the fourth quarter. \nAfter a punt, Randle El was thrown to the ground and then pushed around by five Illinois players. Randle El quickly bounced up and verbally sparred with the crowd circled around him. Illinois was flagged for roughing the kicker and the Hoosiers received an automatic first down.\nIllinois defensive tackle Fred Wakefield said when Randle El got up he told the players gathered around him, "I will take you all on."\n"You got to give him credit," Wakefield said. "He was ready to fight and he's a great competitor."\nKittner is also a competitor. Last weekend at Michigan State, Kittner had one of his worst games as a college quarterback, completing 13-of-29 passes for 104 yards. \nKittner rebounded against IU, connecting on 21-of-29 passes for 277 yards. He also tossed three touchdown passes and rushed for the game-winning touchdown with 25 seconds remaining.\n"We knew if we had the ball last we would win the game," Kittner said.\nLike Randle El, Kittner is a leader. Last Monday, Kittner was the last player to leave the practice field and had no reservations about taking accountability for his poor play against Michigan State.\n"I said at the beginning of the week I was going to do more than I've ever done all year and that was exactly what I did," Kittner said.\nThe win improved the Fighting Illini's record to 5-4 and 2-4 in the Big Ten. If the Fighting Illini defeat Ohio State or Northwestern they become bowl eligible. If Illinois is going to qualify for a bowl it's a good bet Kittner will have a big part in determining his team's fate.