Will Illinois Football have their Star Defensive Back vs Michigan?

It is Michigan week for Illinois Football, and the Illini will certainly need all the help they can get to fend off the reigning National Champions at home. Star defensive back Xavier Scott was notably absent during the last game vs Purdue. Coach Bret Bielema provided the current status update of his 5-1 team and of course, further elaborated on the injury of Scott. Luckily for the Illini, it does seem like good news regarding the junior DB’s status.

Oct 12, 2024; Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Xavier Scott

Xavier Scott’s absence was apparent, as Purdue’s offense tore off 46 points in the 2nd half of Saturday’s nail-biting OT victory. The Illini defensive line underperformed vs the Boilermakers and allowed Ryan Browne to get hot vs Illinois talented secondary. Luckily for the Illini, they got the win regardless, and Scott will be back to face the Wolverines on Saturday.

“Xavier, I saw him working out this morning. He was actually was gonna go, tried to go, just didn’t feel it was right. He didn’t think he put himself in a position to help the team on Saturday. So right now, he is cleared for practice tomorrow. I really don’t expect any issues with him moving forward.”

The game vs Michigan could be a program-changing win. The Illini have certainly elevated their status with the win vs Kansas and Nebraska. However, this game at home is a sell-out crowd vs the defending national champs. Also, if the Illini do win this game, they will officially clinch bowl eligibility. With Scott back, the Illini’s chances certainly improve.

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