Illini raring for revenge, chance to snap skid vs. Michigan

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Purdue's defense pressures Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue won the game 21-14. (AP Photo/The Journal & Courier, Brent Drinkut) MANDATORY CREDIT; NO SALES

Updated: December 13, 2011 9:07AM

CHAMPAIGN — Revenge is a dish best served cold.

But the temperature is expected to reach the high 50s on Saturday, mild for November in Champaign, and Illinois will need to heat up an offense that has scored an icy 28 points during its three-game losing streak.

While they’re not dwelling on it publicly, the Illini (6-3, 2-3 Big Ten) are seeking payback for their
67-65 triple-overtime heart-breaker against Michigan (7-2, 3-2) last year in Ann Arbor.

‘‘It was a tough loss,’’ quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase said of the highest-scoring Big Ten game. ‘‘Any time you have a battle like that, it’s tough to come out on the wrong end of things, especially with me getting sacked on that last two-point conversion and their crowd going crazy.

‘‘You remember it. You do what you can to not feel that way again, that’s for sure. It’ll be fun to look back on it in 20 years, but not so much just a year later.’’

The good news is, Illinois is eager to get back at it after using its bye week to regroup on offense.

And while Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson is second in the Big Ten in total offense — he’s fifth in rushing, sixth in passing — the Illinois defense, which has been surprisingly effective, has done its best work against spread offenses.

Attitude and determination will be critical for a team that has hit the skids after a 6-0 start.

‘‘They were hurt last week,’’ coach Ron Zook said, ‘‘but I think the way we’ve practiced, they’re looking forward to getting back out there and going. I think we really made some progress in the Penn State game.’’

The Illini hope to have a solid game from senior running back Jason Ford, who has rushed for 183 yards in the last two games after managing only 117 yards in the previous four games.

A running threat would help open up a passing game that has slipped.

For Illinois to be successful, the offense also will need to help out the defense by keeping it off the field.

‘‘I see [a Michigan] offense that has fantastic talent,’’ Illini defensive coordinator Vic Koenning said. ‘‘We’re going to have to play our very best football to have a chance to win.’’

While Illinois has lost momentum and its swagger in the last three games, it still has a chance to have a satisfying season if it can find some success in its final three games. With Wisconsin coming to Champaign next week before the finale at Minnesota, that won’t be easy.

But momentum could change quickly with a victory against ­Michigan.

‘‘It’s a three-game season,’’ Zook said. ‘‘This game is very important. It’s critical that we get back to playing the way we’re capable of ­playing.’’