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The Illini face an uphill battle against Wisconsin on Saturday, as one of the best rushing attacks in the country is going to face one of the worst rushing defenses in the country, and oh the carnage that could ensue.
In other words, the Illini will need just about every break they can get for this game, and it's possible they might catch one. Wisconsin receiver Jared Abbrederis -- who lit the Illini up for seven receptions and 117 yards last season -- suffered a "head injury" against Northwestern on Saturday. A "head injury" which is no doubt a concussion.
Well, there's no definitive answer for his status for this week, but he hasn't been cleared to play as of now.
Andersen on Abbrederis' status: "We'll know more in the next 48 hours. If Jared has the opportunity, he'll go. I feel good" #Badgers
— Badger Football (@BadgerFootball) October 14, 2013
Again, the main concern for the Illini should be Melvin Gordon and James White, but if Abbrederis can't go it might make it more feasible to bring an extra defender into the box on defense. Because Abbrederis is a very large portion of Wisconsin's passing game.
The Badgers have completed 99 passes on the season, and Abbrederis has caught 35 of them. The next leading receiver on the team is James White with 18 receptions.
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