Until Saturday, Braylon Edwards averaged more than 15 receptions per game for Michigan.

But when the wide receiver – who leads the Wolverines in scoring and receptions – arrived at Memorial Stadium, the Illini were ready for him.

“Just going in we had a game plan against him,” said Illinois freshman safety Justin Harrison. “We knew they had a good receiving core but they liked to give the ball to him a lot, so we put one of our best defensive backs on him, Kelvin Hayden, and he just kind of locked him down all game.”

Hayden and the Illini defense held Edwards to just three receptions for 18 yards and kept him scoreless – something only Notre Dame had managed to do this season.

“We wanted to match (Hayden) up on him as much as we could whenever he was outside and Kelvin did a nice job on him,” said Illinois head coach Ron Turner. “Kelvin wanted that match-up. Kelvin came in really focused and I think Kelvin played an outstanding game. Other than that, he’s a great player, (Edwards is) a tremendous player, and if you’re holding him to three catches and 18 yards, you’re going to give yourself a chance.”

Hayden grabbed his third interception of the season in the second quarter and returned it 28 yards.

Windy Weather

Saturday was the first taste of real fall weather at Memorial Stadium, with the temperature topping out at 48 degrees. A west wind that reached 35 mph made conditions difficult on the field but did not impact the Illini’s game plan.

“It was windy, probably one of the windiest games I’ve ever played in,” said Illinois quarterback Jon Beutjer. “But that’s not really a factor. You’ve just got to go out there and play. Coach Turner reminded us before the game that we’re still going to be aggressive, throw the ball even though it’s windy, and I was excited to hear that.”

Thomas’ Touchdown

Illinois sophomore Pierre Thomas made his first career touchdown reception in the same game he recorded a career-high seven receptions

The running back leads Illinois in touchdowns with seven, including two Saturday.

Michigan’s true-freshman running back Michael Hart earned ABC Player of the Game honors behind a huge rushing game.

Hart rushed 40 times – the fourth-highest number in Michigan history – for 234 yards, scoring one touchdown. Saturday he also became the sixth Michigan true freshman to run for at least 500 yards in a single season.

“We’ve got to stop him. We’ve got to make those be less,” Turner said. “I think it’s a team deal. Offensively, we’ve got to help our defense.”

Eighty years young

Saturday’s game marked the symbolic 80th anniversary of Memorial Stadium’s dedication.

The stadium was officially dedicated Oct. 18, 1924, when the Illini took on the Wolverines. Led by Red Grange’s six touchdowns, 402 yards gained and six passes for 64 yards, the Illini easily defeated Michigan 39-14.

The first game played at Memorial Stadium was Nov. 3, 1923, against Chicago. The Illini won that game 7-0.

Quote of the Game

“I better be quiet and be careful what I say. But it was quite obvious we were playing Michigan today. I’ll just say that. We’ll leave it at that.”

– Ron Turner on the officiating at Saturday’s game