College

Peters ‘Ready to Go’ for Redbox Bowl; Hansen, Imatorbhebhe Game-Time Decisions

The Illini will get their top QB back for the Redbox Bowl, but a key wideout and linebacker will be game-time decisions.

by
Jonnie Nonnie
December 27, 2019

When meeting with the media in San Francisco this afternoon, Illini head coach Lovie Smith confirmed that quarterback Brandon Peters will play in the Redbox Bowl on Monday.

#illini Lovie Smith: Brandon Peters "is ready to go"
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 27, 2019

Peters missed the final game of the regular season against Northwestern due to a concussion he suffered in the final minutes of the game at Iowa on November 23rd. He also sat out the matchup against his former school, Michigan, on October 12th due to a concussion suffered at Minnesota the previous week. Luckily, the graduate transfer quarterback has not had any further setbacks following those two instances.

#illini Brandon Peters said he was cleared Monday after NW game. Tried to convince medical staff to let him play, but they wouldn't. Said he has no long-term concerns after two concussions this season.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 27, 2019

In additional Illinois injury news, no clear answer was given on the status of wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe or linebacker Jake Hansen.

#Illini Lovie: “All of our guys that are injured are getting better. We’ll wait until game time to see who is ready to go.”

CC: Josh Imatorbhebhe and Jake Hansen
— Bret Beherns (@WCIA3Bret) December 27, 2019

Imatorbhebhe, by far the Illini’s best receiver this season, sat out the regular-season finale against Northwestern. Hansen, who has been a staple of the Illinois defense, has not played since the Illini hosted Rutgers on November 2nd. We will have to wait until game time to find out their statuses for the Redbox Bowl, which kicks off at 3 PM central time on Monday.

Featured Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images