Chambana Sun

Illinois (2-0) vs. Central Michigan (1-1)

Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 14 | 11 a.m. CT

Location: Champaign, Illinois (Memorial Stadium)

Tickets: Buy Tickets at FightingIllini.com

Watch: Peacock (subscription information)

Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network | Listen | SiriusXM (138/196), SXM App

Live Stats: illinois.statbroadcast.com

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois concludes its season-opening three-game homestand on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT, hosting Central Michigan at Memorial Stadium for their Homecoming contest.

The Orange and Blue (2-0) recently secured a victory over No. 19 Kansas, 23-17, on Sept. 7 in front of a sold-out home crowd—their first win over a ranked non-conference opponent since 2011 and their first sellout since 2016. Defensive back Xavier Scott recorded three takeaways in the win: an interception, a pick-six, and a forced fumble. Fellow DB Miles Scott led the team with nine tackles and also made an interception.

Wide receiver Zakhari Franklin led offensively with nine catches for 99 yards, including a notable one-handed catch of 42 yards. WR Pat Bryant had two receptions over 25 yards during the fourth-quarter drive that resulted in the game-winning touchdown. Kicker David Olano went perfect on field-goal attempts, including a career-long kick of 50 yards.

As part of celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Memorial Stadium, Illinois will wear Arched Illini helmets this Saturday—replicas from the period between 1971-87 featuring gray facemasks and specific stripe patterns.

Central Michigan (1-1) comes to Champaign following a significant road loss to FIU last week but opened their season with a dominant home victory over Central Connecticut State on Aug. 29 by scoring nine total touchdowns. Despite their recent defeat, CMU ranks second in the MAC in total scoring and leads in fewest passing yards allowed per game.

The Chippewas are coached by Jim McElwain who has led them to two bowl games and one trip to the MAC Championship Game.

This will be the first meeting between Illinois and Central Michigan in program history. The Illini hosted Toledo last year for another match against a MAC team.

Saturday's game will be broadcast on Peacock requiring fans to purchase subscriptions starting at $7.99 per month or discounted rates for students and military personnel.

Jac Collinsworth (play-by-play), Michael Robinson (analyst), and Caroline Pineda (reporter) will call the game on Peacock while Brian Barnhart (play-by-play), Carey Davis (analyst), and Michael Martin (reporter) handle radio coverage via Busey Bank Illini Sports Network.

Special events include University Chancellor Robert J. Jones sounding the new air raid siren before kickoff as well as returning traditions like Illini Hour offering discounted concessions from ninety minutes before kickoff until thirty minutes prior.

Other activities include "The Freaky Fast 77 Yard Dash" presented by Jimmy John's where an Illinois student races Red Grange’s modern-day version during breaks; fans can interact with Red Grange inside Grange Grove before kickoff.

A pop-up museum celebrating Memorial Stadium's history is installed inside Great West Hall showcasing imagery and artifacts from significant moments throughout its history.

Homecoming week marks its annual celebration with various events such as Party on the Quad Monday evening, Homecoming Parade Friday afternoon followed by Pep Rally adjacent to Grange Grove Friday evening.

Illinois boasts one of college football’s earliest Homecoming traditions initiated by students C.F Williams & W Elmer Ekblaw organizing it back in October1910 when they defeated Chicago.

Illinois starts under head coach Bret Bielema best-ever beginning season securing wins against EIU & #19 Kansas improving overall record leading team into Week3 matchup against Central Michigan striving maintain undefeated status furthering accomplishments towards ranking within AP Top25 polls aiming achieve similar successes seen previously seasons notably ranked continuously throughout October2022 reaching peak#14 positions earlier periods September since1986s marking highest-ranked nonconference victories dating back1995against Arizona

Bret Bielema currently holds20wins19losses becoming first Illinois head coach maintain500 better records through initial39games comparing historical figures Lou Tepper(20wins18losses11995)

Entering Week3 versus CentralMichigan current stats reveal impressive turnovers gained(+35pergame)tied national lead ranking second NCAA interceptions five recovered fumbles maintaining unique distinctions having multiple players securing consecutive interceptions

Key player highlights involve Junior Melvin Priestly rated seventh-best offensive lineman nationally according ProFootballFocus similarly third BigTen standings

Freshman RB Ca’Lil Valentine notable performances carrying eight times totaling twenty-five yards crucial gains final drives contributing successful outcomes

Saturday marks debut encounter between both teams continuing positive streaks against MAC programs previous experiences including last year’s opener Toledo

Connections across rosters reveal Junior DB Torrie Cox Jr faced Chippewas twice during tenure Ohio Bobcats alongside Junior OL Kevin Wigenton II appearances representing MichiganState respectively

Further ties exist involving redshirt freshmen originating nearby regions along respective states contributing diverse backgrounds strengthening overall squad depth providing valuable insights upcoming contests

Complete Game Notes available PDF format ensuring comprehensive coverage details latest updates forthcoming fixtures accessible official platforms providing fans essential resources support favorite teams ensuring engaging memorable experiences ahead

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