While we’re quite certain it’s merely a coincidence -- coughcoughnoitsnotcoughcough -- a pair of Illinois starters who have become entangled in some in-season legal issues will be available for the Illini’s Big Ten opener against the No. 2 team in the country.
Bandit linebacker Michael Buchanan was charged earlier this month with DUI and has missed the past two games because of the arrest. Miraculously, he has been cleared for Saturday’s game against Ohio State.
Teammate and guard Hugh Thornton was involved in a bar fight and hit with a pair of charges during the team’s bye this past weekend but, amazingly, will not be subject to suspension at this point in time.
Neither player will start the game, but are expected to see extensive action.
Head coach Ron Zook said both players face other internal discipline for their legal issues.