GAME DAY · WEEK 1

Western Illinois vs Illinois

Western Illinois

0-1

Illinois

#12 · 1-0

Final · 3 - 52

WEEK 1 · NON-CONF Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign

Fri, Aug 29 11:30 PM Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign

Recap

Illinois dominated from start to finish in a lopsided 52-3 victory over Western Illinois at Memorial Stadium. Luke Altmyer threw three touchdown passes, including two to Justin Bowick, as the Fighting Illini built a commanding 31-0 halftime lead. Aidan Laughery added two explosive touchdown runs, including a 57-yarder, while Hank Beatty electrified the crowd with a 69-yard punt return touchdown to help the Illini cruise to the season-opening win.

KEY PERFORMERS

The difference-makers on both sidelines.

Western Illinois