Jacob Charest News

While Paul Petrino introduced himself as the new offensive coordinator at Illinois on Monday, he ran through a list of his philosophies, including an emphasis on running the ball, using a pro-style offense and maybe most important to Illinois' success, putting the ball in the hands of their most talented players.

Before the season started, I wrote an article about whether or not Ron Zook should be on the hot seat.A Now, there is no need for debate, the answer is obvious.

Ron Zook always has spoken reverently of Juice Williams, but in recent weeks the mere mention of the senior quarterback's name has been enough to generate tears.

Every list of college juniors who could jump to the NFL after this season includes Illinois wide receiver Arrelious Benn , who still projects well to the next level despite a disappointing 2009 campaign.

Answer: Cal. Missouri. Rutgers. Cincinnati . Question: Can you name four schools that got dramatically better in football in between the time Illinois scheduled them and the time they actually played? The latest member of that club, Cincinnati , has made an immense jump.

Minnesota safety Kyle Theret tackles Illinois running back Jason Ford during second-half action on Saturday, November 7, 2009, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mikel Leshore is the leading rusher with 536 yards and three touchdowns on 88 carries.

Only one Big Ten team is in action this week, so I've limited this to four items.

ILLINOIS: The Illini suffered their seventh loss of the season over the weekend, dropping a 21-16 decision to Northwestern.

Georgia Tech clinched the ACC Coastal division with a 2nd straight dominating win over Duke.

CHAMPAIGNa 'Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was three years old when Illinois coach Ron Zook began his coaching career at Murray State, five years old when Zook left Murray State for Cincinnati, and eight years old when Zook took over as defensive coordinator at Kansas.

University of Illinois football players and coaches have all thought about it and talked about it.

Illinois linebacker Ian Thomas brings down Northwestern running back Jacob Schmidt during the first half.

Mike Kafka spent the third quarter carving up the Illinois' defense and building a 21-3 lead for Northwestern.

Like most football fans, the Illini believed. Why wouldn't they? A three-year starter at quarterback.

For most of the season, Jacob Charest was the No. 3 quarterback for Illinois and thus able to spend Sunday afternoons with his girlfriend or playing video games.

Illinois will start redshirt freshman Jacob Charest at quarterback Saturday against Northwestern, a source told ESPN.com's Joe Schad.

Along with playing for the win, in-state bragging rights and a chance to go to a bowl game, the Illini players will be playing for something else on Saturday - a hat.

Northwestern vs. Illinois , Saturday, Noon ET Line: Illinois by 5. Series Record: Illinois leads, 52-45-5. Last meeting: 2008, Northwestern 27-10. What's at Stake Northwestern has two shots left to improve its bowl position, while Illinois, with three games left, is fighting the odds to win out and gain bowl eligibility after a 1-6 start.

Illini's Charest getting ready for possible start against Northwestern CHAMPAIGN, Ill.