A surprise scratch from last week’s blowout loss to Nebraska, Wes Lunt is set to return to Illinois’ starting lineup this week.
On the Illini’s injury report ahead of Saturday’s game against Purdue, the quarterback is listed as “cleared to play.” Presumably, that means Lunt will be under center when the Illini take the field against the Boilermakers.
Lunt suffered what was described as a minor injury to his right knee in the Sept. 20 win over Texas State. Officially, it was diagnosed as a sprain. The team, though, had initially feared the worst.
“I think we’re really, really fortunate that it wasn’t a major injury,” offensive coordinator Bill Cubit said earlier in the week.
With Lunt out, Reilly O’Toole got the start against the Cornhuskers... and didn’t fare well. In the loss, the senior completed just 17-of-38 passes and tossed three interceptions.
Lunt, meanwhile, is 31st nationally and fourth among Big Ten quarterbacks in passing efficiency (154.1) in his first season as the Illini’s starter after transferring in from Oklahoma State. He’s thrown 11 touchdowns versus three interceptions in 152 attempts spread over the four games in which he’s played.