Morning Box Score: Illini Cruise to 6-0, Blackhawks Rout Stars
By Tim Bearden in News on Oct 9, 2011 2:16PM
The Blackhawks didn't fail to dazzle at the Madhouse on Madison Saturday night as they overtook the Stars in their home opener. The win stopped a four game losing streak for the Blackhawks against the Stars. Dave Bolland scored two of the Hawks five goals while Patrick Sharp Jonathan Toews each added a goal. Corey Crawford wasn't nearly as busy last night, stopping19 of 21 shots on goal.
It didn't look good in the beginning for the Illini when Shane Wynn of Indiana ran the opening kick-off back 99 yards for a touchdown only 12 seconds into the game. Then Nathan Scheelhaase and A.J. Jenkins stole the show. Jenkins is the leading receiver in the Big Ten and padded his stats on Saturday with six receptions for an astonishing 182 yards and two touchdowns. This is Illinois' best start since 1951 advancing to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten. Next week the Illini play Ohio State, who gave 14th ranked Nebraska some competition last night, to see if they are indeed "the real deal."
(12) Michigan 42, Northwestern 24
The Wildcats looked good early as they attacked the Wolverines' mistakes. Wolverines' QB Denard Robinson threw three interceptions in the first half, helping give Northwestern a 10-point edge at halftime. Then Robinson heated up helping the Wolverines topple Northwestern in the second half with two passing TD's and two rushing TD's outscoring the Wildcats 28-0 in the third and fourth quarters. Northwestern continues to struggle going 0-2 in the Big Ten and 2-3 overall.
Northern Illinois 40, Kent State 10
Defense helped Northern Illinois beat the struggling Kent State only allowing 70 yards and one touchdown in the fourth quarter. Northern Illinois' Chandler Harnish completed 12 out of 15 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 65 yards and one touchdown as Northern Illinois rebounded from a tough loss to Central Michigan to go 3-3 overall.