CHAMPAIGN — Bill Cubit wanted more from Malik Turner.
Needed to see more. On the practice field and during games.
Message received.
Turner’s 50-yard reception on a deep pass from Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt down the middle of the field set up the game-winning 1-yard touchdown reception by Geronimo Allison.
“Malik had a pretty tough day up until that big catch there,” the Illinois interim coach said. “He got it when it counted. I believe in these kids.”
Turner finished with four receptions for 70 yards, but his biggest reception of the day happened in the most pressure-packed moment of his young Illini career.