Chambana Sun

Illinois triumphs over No. 19 Kansas at Memorial Stadium

Sep 7, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois secured a victory against No. 19 Kansas with a score of 23-17 in front of a sold-out crowd at Memorial Stadium on Saturday evening. The win was propelled by a fourth-quarter comeback and three interceptions from the Illini defense.

This marked Illinois' first sellout since 2016 and their first ranked home win since 2019.

Xavier Scott made significant contributions with three takeaways: an interception in the first quarter, a pick-six in the second quarter, and a forced fumble on the final play of the game. He also recorded eight solo tackles and one sack.

Miles Scott continued his streak with an interception for the third consecutive game.

Zakhari Franklin led the team with nine receptions for 99 yards, while Pat Bryant added three catches for 70 yards, including two key receptions during Illinois' fourth-quarter touchdown drive.

David Olano successfully completed all three field-goal attempts, hitting from distances of 23, 43, and 50 yards.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer completed 16 of his 25 passes for a total of 192 yards.

The Illini defense set the tone early by forcing a turnover on Kansas' first possession when Xavier Scott intercepted a pass. This allowed Illinois to start their offensive drive from their own 33-yard line. They subsequently executed a successful drive that ended with Olano's field goal.

Kansas tied the game early in the second quarter with their own field goal. Despite facing challenges, Illinois managed to cut into Kansas' lead just before halftime thanks to Franklin's one-handed catch followed by Olano's career-long field goal.

Xavier Scott shifted momentum back to Illinois late in the half with his second interception returned for a touchdown, giving Illinois a narrow lead at halftime.

Kansas regained control early in the second half but was again thwarted by Miles Scott’s red-zone interception. The teams exchanged empty drives until Illinois took back the lead through Feagin’s short rush touchdown following significant gains by Bryant.

Olano extended Illinois’ lead to six points with another field goal as time wound down. Xavier Scott sealed the victory by forcing a fumble on Kansas’ final possession, prompting fans to storm the field in celebration.

Illinois will conclude its homestand next week against Central Michigan on Sept. 14 at Memorial Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. CT and streaming available on Peacock.

Head coach Bret Bielema commented on the atmosphere: "I just want to say thank you to anybody and everybody that came here tonight and put that stadium into a level that I've never seen before."

Reflecting on defensive adjustments made during halftime, Bielema said: "We gave a lot of credit to Aaron Henry and the defensive staff... We made some halftime adjustments and some game plan decisions that worked very well."

Xavier Scott remarked on their preparation: "We've talked about this game all week... This is a very different team from last year."

Miles Scott emphasized maintaining focus: "It definitely helps with momentum... We can't get too high, and we can't get too low."

Luke Altmyer appreciated fan support: "I knew that the game was going to be sold out... it will be something I will always remember."

Zakhari Franklin highlighted their practice routines: "We practice a lot of those situations... we executed."