CHAMPAIGN, ILL. • Although a once potent offense has fallen on hard times and changes could be in order, Illinois coach Ron Zook said quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase's job is safe.

With Saturday's loss to Michigan, the Illini have scored 42 points during a four-game losing streak while being shut out in the first half.

The Illini turned to freshman Reilly O'Toole for one series in the third quarter — a move that has been made repeatedly this season — but he returned to the bench after overseeing a three-and-out.

"I'm not saying Reilly won't play, but Nathan is battling his tail off," Zook said. "You can't put it all on Nathan. You can't turn the ball over, either. To be successful on offense you can't have these things happening."

Scheelhaase has been ineffective in the first half of the past four games. Against Michigan, he passed for 42 yards and had minus-10 rushing yards before halftime.

Zook said the coaches talked about using O'Toole on the first series of the third quarter but decided against that move.

"I told them at the half, 'Let's not panic,'" Zook said. "Coming in we talked about starting Reilly. We were only down 14 and obviously hadn't done anything. But we'd kind of been going in the second half, so let's stick with Nathan."

Scheelhaase was wearing a walking boot on his left foot after the game. He said he suffered a sprained ankle early in the game but not severe enough to leave.

"I had most of my runs after I sprained it," he said. "It's just a typical sprain. The trainers like to be cautious, so they put me in a boot."

SAME OLD STORY

The Illini had some troubles on special teams again as Ryan Lankford misjudged a punt in the wind and fumbled, giving Michigan field position that led to a field goal. Zook blamed it on the wind.

"I thought maybe he took a peek," Zook said. "He said he didn't. It was into the wind and (the ball) fell on him. He's got to stay with it."

Terry Hawthorne was given a chance later and had a punt return of six yards, the second-longest of the season for Illinois.

Punter Justin DuVernois got quite a workout with nine kicks. He averaged 41.6 yards but had two that went for 15 and 25 yards in the first half. Again, the wind was mentioned.

"It was a windy day and he said it turned on him," Zook said. "I think he's going to be fine."

HULL INJURED

Safety Steve Hull took a hit to the lower back in the first half and experienced numbness in his hands. He was unable to return and was taken for more extensive evaluation.

"He kind of had tingling in his hands," Zook said. "That's something you don't mess with."

Guard Hugh Thornton was unable to play because of a knee injury. Redshirt freshman Alex Hill took his spot.