Turner confident Illini can climb out of the Big Ten basement

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- It took Ron Turner five years to get the Illini to the top of the Big Ten. It's taken them five games to drop back to the bottom.

Illinois (1-4, 0-1 Big Ten) has the worst record in the conference after a 45-28 loss to Michigan on Saturday. The Illini, who returned 14 starters, weren't expected to repeat as Big Ten champions, but they weren't supposed to fall this far either.

The Illini's only win has come against Arkansas State, a team that's in danger of losing its Division I-A status because of low attendance.

Turner and his players say there is still time to clean up the mistakes and finish with a winning record. Problem is, they've said that last two weeks and things aren't getting any better.

"The key is that we don't panic," Turner said. "We still have a lot of football left to play and I still think we can be a good team."

Nebraska: Coach Frank Solich announced that at least four players will be getting their first start Saturday against Div. I-AA McNeese State, and didn't rule out replacing starter Jammal Lord with either Mike Stuntz or Curt Dukes at quarterback.

Also Tuesday, Nebraska running back Thunder Collins was told he could play Saturday after an NCAA committee restored his eligibility.

-- From wire reports