Around Big Ten Football: Week 3 News and Notes

Big Ten Football News And Notes For Week 3

-Illinois senior FB Zach Becker is out for the remainder of the season after suffering a broken leg during Saturday’s game against the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State. It effectively ends a disappointing two-year span for Becker. He played but 3 games last season before a foot injury sidelined him for the season.

-Purdue senior QB Robert Marve has been medically cleared to play for this Saturday’s game against Southeast Missouri State. Marve tore his ACL in week 4 of last year’s campaign and missed most of spring camp with right knee soreness. Caleb TerBush is slated to get the start this Saturday, but coach Hope expects to play both QBs at some point. “Some continuity is important to our football team. He(Marve) can help us win. We want Robert Marve to play, we want him in the games,” Hope said.

-Minnesota coach Jerry Kill plans on coaching this Saturday after suffering a seizure in the final minute of play in this past weekend’s New Mexico State-Minnesota game. Kill was down on the field for around 15 minutes before being carted off the field and transported to a local hospital. He returned to practice today for the Gophers.

-Dan Persa is close to his return for the Northwestern Wildcats. Persa, who is still recovering from a torn Achilles’ tendon he suffered last year, dressed this past Saturday against Eastern Illinois but didn’t see any game action. Persa’s plan is to play this Saturday against Army. However, if he sits out his third straight game, he promises it will be his last. He believes he’ll be 100% for next week’s game versus in-state rival Illinois.

-Wisconsin starting CB Devin Smith will miss the remainder of the 2011 season after undergoing foot surgery on Monday. He will use a medical redshirt and return next year as a fifth-year senior. Junior Marcus Cromartie will take over his duties starting this Saturday against Northern Illinois.