Benn "probable" for Illinois State

Ron Zook said Sunday that All-American receiver Arrelious Benn's ankle injury wasn't as bad as originally feared. He considers him "probable" for Saturday's home opener against Football Championship Subdivision foe Illinois State.

Running backs Jason Ford and Daniel Dufrene also are considered probable with their sprained ankles.

After hurting his left ankle on the third play of Illinois' 37-9 loss to Missouri, Benn had X-rays at the Edward Jones Dome that showed no break." Zook also feared a high-ankle sprain, but that's apparently not the case.

"I don't think you take a chance on a guy, particularly in the first game, and he's as good a player as he is," Zook said.

Other errata:
--"I guess the thing that I'm probably the most upset about, we didn't go fight," Zook said. "Missouri came in there to fight. You've got to go for the jugular. They did and we didn't."

--Zook has received plenty of e-mail from fans and non-well wishers following the game. He said he responded to several fans, but hasn't had time to get to them all.

--He also received notice from assistant head coach Reggie Mitchell at about 11 p.m. Saturday night that several players were reviewing the game tape in the team room.

--Backup guard Graham Pocic and backup tackle Corey Lewis looked solid and should get more time in weeks to come.