Peter Weiden Director of Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Peter Weiden Director of Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois will face Central Michigan in a Homecoming game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 14. The kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.
Illinois, currently holding a 2-0 record, will don Arched Illini throwback helmets for the event. Last week, they achieved their first ranked home win since 2019 by defeating No. 19 Kansas with a score of 10-0 in the fourth quarter. "There are a lot of positives," said head coach Bret Bielema after the game. "To go out there and play the way we did, make it a four-quarter game, and at the end have that environment and celebration is a memorable thing."
Central Michigan comes into this match with a 1-1 record following a significant loss to Florida International last week. Despite outgaining FIU in yardage and time of possession, CMU struggled with turnovers, ending with a -6 turnover margin.
Bielema expressed respect for CMU's head coach Jim McElwain and his staff: "I have a tremendous amount of respect for their head coach, Jim McElwain... It's just a really impressive staff." He added that playing an early kickoff Homecoming game is exciting but also presents challenges.
Illinois has excelled in managing turnovers this season, recording only one turnover so far. Defensive coordinator Aaron Henry praised his team's preparation: "Their mentality coming into that week, I thought they prepared the right way." In contrast, CMU has struggled with turnovers and holds one of the worst turnover margins in FBS through two weeks.
Saturday's contest will be Illinois' earliest Homecoming game ever and marks its first nonconference Homecoming opponent since 2007. Illinois holds an all-time record of 47-62-2 in Homecoming games.
Central Michigan's offense is led by quarterback Joe Labas, who has accumulated 493 passing yards and five touchdowns but also five interceptions. Running back Myles Bailey leads the team in rushing yards and touchdowns. On defense, Elijah Rikard tops tackles while Jonah Pace leads in tackles for loss.
The Chippewas have also scored two special teams touchdowns this season via Stephon Bracey Jr.'s kickoff return and Donte Kent's punt return.
The game will be broadcast on Peacock.
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