Northwestern, Illinois will run offense in same direction

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The Wrigley Field marquee was painted purple in preparation for this Saturday's Allstate Wrigleyville Classic between Northwestern and Illinois.

Northwestern, Illinois and the Big Ten have agreed to run their offenses in only one direction Saturday at Wrigley Field because of concerns that the stadium's outfield wall is too close to the field behind one end zone.

Illinois sports information director Kent Brown said Friday the conferences and schools agreed that the offenses will run only toward the west end zone.

Brown said the schools and conference were concerned that plays could run into the outfield wall behind the east end zone. The wall is heavily padded for the game but still only a couple of feet from the field.

"It's a little different and the decision is a little late," Big Ten

commissioner Jim Delany told USA TODAY Friday. But, he added, "it's the safest way for the players to play the game." Delany said the league even considered shortening the end zone to seven yards instead of 10.

Illinois coach Ron Zook and some of his players said this week they were very aware of proximity of the wall to the field. Zook had said it could affect the play calling.

The Big Ten released a statement with these rule changes:

--All offensive plays will head toward the West end zone, including all

extra points and all overtime possessions.

--All kickoffs will be kicked toward the East end zone.

--After every change of possession, the ball will be repositioned for the

offense to head toward the West end zone.

--As a result of a coin toss held by the conference office Friday morning,

Illinois will occupy the West team bench in the first half and Northwestern

will occupy the West team bench in the second half and for all overtime

periods.

Delany made these comments in a release from the Big Ten:

"The health and safety of our student-athletes is of the utmost importance. Both Illinois and Northwestern

did significant due diligence over the past 18 months, but after seeing the

actual layout of the field, all parties felt that it was appropriate to

adjust the rules to further enhance the safety of our student-athletes.

Wrigley Field is one of the most historic venues in the country, and playing

the Illinois-Northwestern game at this facility will provide a

once-in-a-lifetime experience for student-athletes, coaches and fans."