Herald and Review from Decatur, Illinois • Page 18

Decatar, Illinois, Friday, November 7, MM Page B2 -College football ii Wm't'X 'i i 1,1 hi hi i nm i '-v Running back Uasi Latu, right, gets a big block from tackle Chris Geile in Saturday's thrashing of Winona State. Powers: drive toward collision EVANSTON (AP) Michigan's undefeated and third-ranked Wolverines and llth-ranked Ohio State don't appear to have any serious obstacles to hurdle in their drive toward a confrontation for the Big Ten title and the Rose Bowl bid. Michigan is at Purdue, 2-6, on Saturday and then returns home to meet Minnesota before its Nov. 22 date at Ohio State. Ohio State, 7-2 overall and tied with Michigan at 5-0 for first place in the Big Ten, takes on 2-6 Northwestern this week and goes to 3-6 Wisconsin before meeting Michigan.

Coaches Bo Schembechler of Michigan and Earle Bruce of Ohio State, in the weekly Big Ten teleconference hookup Wednesday, assessed their respective powers as did a couple of other coaches. "We have the potential to score quickly," Schembechler said. "We are an effective passing team. You can't load up on our running game because we can throw. We're really a good passing team." But Schembechler insisted there has been no change in his coaching philosophy.

"There has been no change in my strategy offensively," said Schembechler. "I'm not satisfied with our offense until we rush for 200 yards a game. We don't throw more, it's just that our passing is more effective." The reason is quarterback Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh led the nation in passing efficiency last and this week be climbed back into the No. 1 spot again, ahead of Vinnie Tes-taverde of top-ranked Miami.

"Harbaugh is as outstanding a player as there is in the country," said Schembechler, who does not like to get into discussions involving post-season awards. Ohio State opened the season with losses against Alabama and Washington but the Buckeyes since have won seven straight. Bruce thinks his team jelled for several reasons. "Basically, the turnaround came in our closing drive against Colorado when we kicked a field goal to win (13-10)." He added: "We never were beaten up or dominated by any one team. We have talented players and all we had to do was stop self-destructing.

If we stay healthy, we're as good as anyone in the league." Last Saturday, Ohio State slugged Iowa 31-10 at Iowa City. Earlier in the season, Iowa lost to Michigan 20-17. Last Saturday, Michigan trampled Illinois 69-13. Earlier in the season, Illinois lost to Ohio State 14-0. "I thought Ohio State was truly outstanding," said Iowa Coach Hay-den Fry.

"They made the big plays on offense and really did a number on us defensively. (Linebacker Eric) Kumerow is the best defensive player we've seen all year. "Cris Carter is the finest wide-receiver in the country," added Fry, "and Ohio State played the best defensive game we've seen this year." Illinois' Mike White said he would like to go and see the Michigan-Ohio State game. But, he added, "I have other things to do that day. It should be a heckuva game.

"We played Ohio State when they were still trying to find themselves," said White. "They were not at the peak they are right now. On paper, they have better personnel. "Michigan was executing flawlessly, unbelievble," White said. "When we gave them an opportu-.

nity, they took advantage. Harbaugh is the best quarterback in the country and that includes Testaverde. "It's tough to choose between Michigan and Ohio State." slaedoiiit receivei Playoff berth likely By JEFF RIVERS HrM A Rtvitw Sports Wrtltr CHARLESTON Anonymity follows Roy Banks better than any defensive back ever could. No matter what Eastern Illinois' I all-time lead jt ing receiver does, he gets little notice. Consider last Saturday, when Banks passed the mark in career reception yardage.

The yard came on a simple 14- 1 '1 1 Information Director. Dave Kid-well, the at-large berths are usually given to the highest ranked teams not already in the playoffs. If Eastern loses against Indiana State, it still has a good shot-at an at-large berth if it beats Western Kentucky in its regular season finale. Eastern is 8-1 and ranked No. 4 in the Southern, 7-3, is ranked 16th and should, make the playoffs if it wins its remaining game against Western Saturday.

The playoffs begin Saturday, Nov. 29 and conclude with' the championship game Frday, Dec. 19 in Tacoma, Wash. Eastern Illinois can wrap up an NCAA Division I-AA playoff berth with a victory over Indiana State Saturday in Terre Haute. The win would give Eastern a share of the Gateway Conference championship with Southern Illinois at 5-1.

Since Eastern beat Southern 52-7 earlier in the year, Eastern would get an automatic berth as conference winner. The conference runner-up still has a shot at an at-large berth in the 16-team playoff. Seven of the berths go -to conference champions, two go to the top two independent teams in the NCAA poll and the other seven spots are at-large berths. According to Eastern Sports Banks Roy yard sideline pass in the third quarter as Eastern was thrashing Winona State 64-0. Only the iifth receiver in NCAA Class 1-AA to surpass that mark, Banks finally seemed certain to get his due.

School officials stopped the game and then handed the ball to quarterback Sean Payton. Foiled again. Banks' catch came on the same play that Payton crossed 10,000 yards passing for a career. Once again, Payton had overshadowed him, but Banks isn't complaining. "It doesn't bother me that he gets more attention," said the 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior from Detroit.

"And it wouldn't bother him if I got more attention. We do it together." The collaboration has worked to the tune of 174 catches for 3,007 yards and 35 touchdowns, so it's fitting that they both reached milestones at the same time. "It was kind of appropriate that he was at the end of the catch," said Payton. "I have 10,000 yards, and 3,000 of those are his. He's one of the best receivers in the country." offensive team.

That's the difference." Eastern is gearing up for a probable berth in the Class 1-AA playoffs, but no matter how Eastern finishes, Banks isn't through playing football. The pro scouts like his speed (4.48 in the 40) and his. soft hands. "I think I have a legitimate shot at the NFL," he said. "I have good concentration.

I don't have big hands, but I have strong hands, plus I have good speed. "I'm going to give football another shot. If I don't make it in the NFL, I'll go and try out for the Canadian League." Banks will make it. Unless there's a defense back named Joe Anonymous covering him. The public may not know him, but Eastern's opponents are aware of Banks.

After catching 69 passes his sophomore year and 59 his junior season, the two-time honorable mention Ail-American has been limited to 43 receptions for 844 yards and 10-touchdowns this season. "My goal was to get 65 or 70 passes, but early in the season I was seeing a lot of double coverage," said Banks. Maybe I can get in the high 50s. I'm happy we're winning, so I can't dwell on personal goals." Eastern is 8-1 this year after finishing 6-5 last year with basically the same personnel. Why? "It's togetherness," said Banks.

"We're not a separate defensive and Photos by Daniel Mount Quarterback Sean Payton, with Coach Al Molde, owes 3,000 of his passing yards to receiver Roy Banks. Millikin tradition continues Players' wishes may come true I HI do is jtjst rush Might ilirougKtteiltrie I before tW. Go blast tlife Aric Anderson, a 6-2, 225-pound defensive end, will play fullback and linebacker Al Lott will be a wingback. "We'll probably have our defensive line play offensive line," said Stephens. "That means there's going to be a lot of holding penalties, I'm sure." One player who may get to tug on a few jerseys is punterplacekicker Andy Hastings.

Although he's another player who'd prefer to play quarterback, be will likely fill in at tight end. "I was going to play tight end last year anyway," said Hastings. "I could see catching a few passes." While Cardamone is accustomed to throwing passes, he will fulfull his desire to play middle linebacker. "I can't wait," said Cardamone. "I want to blindside the quarterback just like I've been bUndsided for four years.

The thought of careers ending has permeated practice all week. Millikin has 15 seniors who will be playing their last collegiate football game. "Our Athletic Director Merle Chapman commented to me that be never saw a group of kids so sad," said Poelker. "These seniors really don't want it to end. They've had a good time and have been very successful.

If they win Saturday, they'll have gone 8-1, 7-2, and 7-2." By J. MICHAEL FLANAGAN HtfiM A Rivitv Sports WrHvr Whether they are bulky linemen or soft-throwing cornerbacks, every football player has a secret ambition to play quarterback. Saturday, some Millikin players may get their shot at the dream. "It's always been a tradition here to start the seniors in their filial game," said Millikin Coach Carl Poelker. "It's also been a tradition to let the players play a position they've always wanted to play.

If we have the game under control, we'll do That translates into some familiar players playing in some most unfamiliar positions when Millikin (6-2) takes on North Park at MacArthur High School at 1 p.m. "We're trying to persuade the players to play certain positions," said Poelker with a smile. "If we didn't, we'd have everyone wanting to take the center snap." Inside sources indicate the leading candidate to relieve John Cardamone at quarterback is safety Marc Daniels. "Yeah, he's a captain and he's trying to pull rank on us," said cornerback Don Stephens in mock disgust. "My arm feels pretty good," said Daniels.

"I'll be ready to throw some long ones. "I'm a captain, and it's my job to be a leader," he continued, tongue in cheek. "I guess 1 yil8. tbdaNr that means playing quarterback." If the situation allows Daniels to play quarterback, Millikin fans will also be treated to an unusual backfield trio. Stephens expressed his desire to play halfback.

"I was all-state at running back in high school (Taylorville)," said Stephens. "I kind of miss it. The only problem is I've gotten used to hitting other guys. Now, I might be the one getting hit" Photo by Doug Qaumon Coach Carl Poelker knows there's a time to show your muscle, and a time to show your lighter side. His players may play their "fantasy" positions Saturday..