Bret Bielema Douglas C. and Linda M. Mills Endowed Head Football Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Bret Bielema Douglas C. and Linda M. Mills Endowed Head Football Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois secured a Homecoming victory over Central Michigan with a 30-9 win at Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon, closing their three-game homestand and advancing to 3-0 for the season. This marks their best start since 2011.
The Fighting Illini were propelled by four consecutive scoring drives between the second and third quarters. Pat Bryant recorded his third career 100-yard game, finishing with 102 yards on seven catches and two touchdowns. Luke Altmyer completed 19 of his 29 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns, both caught by Bryant.
Josh McCray led the ground attack with eight carries totaling 54 rushing yards, while Ca'Lil Valentine added 53 yards on five carries. Xavier Scott registered his team-leading third interception late in the third quarter.
The Illini defense set the tone early by forcing a three-and-out on Central Michigan's opening possession. The offense responded with a methodical drive that culminated in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Altmyer to Bryant. A subsequent field goal from David Olano extended Illinois' lead to 10-3 just before halftime. Ethan Moczulski made history with a program-record-setting 59-yard field goal as time expired in the first half.
In the second half, Illinois quickly extended their lead with another touchdown pass from Altmyer to Bryant. The defense continued its strong performance, leading to another field goal by Olano and a late rushing touchdown by Kaden Feagin.
Head Coach Bret Bielema acknowledged areas needing improvement despite the win: "It wasn't pretty... I think we made this a little more difficult than it needed to be." He also highlighted resilience within his team: "I thought our players persevered, especially in the second half."
Pat Bryant commented on his growing connection with quarterback Luke Altmyer: "It's mainly due to all the work we put in over the summer." Ethan Moczulski expressed satisfaction after making his record-setting field goal: "It felt smooth and I knew right off my foot that it was going in."
Illinois (3-0) will face No. 23 Nebraska next week for their first road game of the season, scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. CT on FOX.
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