Illinois routs Charleston Southern behind Reilly O’Toole’s record day
BY HERB GOULD hgould@suntimes.com September 15, 2012 4:34PM
Illinois quarterback Reilly O'Toole (4) passes the ball during the first half of the NCAA college football game against Charleston Southern, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
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Updated: September 15, 2012 6:26PM
CHAMPAIGN — Despite playing without quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois cruised past FCS opponent Charleston Southern 44-0 before an announced crowd of 45,369 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Backup quarterback Reilly O’Toole had a big day, completing 26 of 31 passes for 333 yards and five touchdown. His completion percentage of .839 is a school record.
The Illini (2-1) opened a 37-0 lead after three quarters on the Buccaneers (0-3).
Besides Scheelhaase (ankle), top offensive lineman Graham Pocic (knee) and leading rusher Josh Ferguson (concussion) also sat out.
Charleston Southern was the first of three consecutive home opponents for Illinois, which will face WAC-favorite Louisiana Tech and wounded but dangerous Penn State next.
