Decker, Benn provide similar threats at WR

By MYRON P. MEDCALF, Star Tribune

Last update: October 7, 2008 - 10:48 PM

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Gophers junior Eric Decker won't be the only standout receiver on the field Saturday when Minnesota travels to Illinois.

Illinois sophomore Arrelious Benn is third in the Big Ten with 76.4 receiving yards per game and has scored two touchdowns. Illinois coach Ron Zook recently challenged Benn to run crisper routes.

He's responded with 232 receiving yards in his past two games, including a career-high 122-yard performance in a 45-20 victory at Michigan on Saturday.

Zook and Gophers coach Tim Brewster seemed to describe the same player when they talked about the opposing team's top receiving target.

"He is a real threat," Brew-ster said of Benn. "Big, physical guy, 215 pounds, great speed. I tell you, the interesting thing they do with him is they motion him back to the backfield, and he's a tailback. He runs the football. He's a tremendous threat [for] them."

Zook is most concerned with Decker's playmaking ability, saying the Illini defense will have to shadow Decker to stop him.

"The one thing about it, [Adam] Weber knows where he's at all the time," Zook said. "And we told our kids two things: No. 1, you better know where he's at all the time, and you better play technique on the guy because he's a big, strong, physical guy. He's a tough guy. He can run. He can block. He really is a great football player."

Looking for crowd, noise

After competing in two stadiums in two consecutive weeks that hold more than 100,000 fans -- at Penn State and Michigan -- the Illini want a packed house for their Homecoming game against the Gophers. Zook has reportedly asked for Illini fans to not only pack the 62,000-seat Memorial Stadium but to have an impact on the game by making a lot of noise.

Injury update

Cornerback Marcus Sherels, who hurt his shoulder last Saturday, took limited part in practice Tuesday, according to Brewster. Sherels is day-to-day, but Brewster said he expects Sherels to play Saturday.

"Our doctors seem to think he's got a great chance to play Saturday," Brewster said.

Etc.

• Left tackle Dom Alford (ankle) is 100 percent and back atop the depth chart. Ned Tavale will start at right guard.

Staff writer Kent Youngblood contributed to this report.

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