Overview

• Hank Beatty logged four punt returns for 133 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown, surpassing Red Grange’s 1923 Illinois single-game record of 125 yards.
• Quarterback Luke Altmyer went 17-of-21 for 217 yards with three touchdown passes and no interceptions as Illinois built a 31-0 halftime lead.
• Beatty also led the receiving corps with five catches for 108 yards, highlighted by a 59-yard scoring play.
• Aidan Laughery rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries, while transfer Justin Bowick caught two first-half TDs.
• Illinois recorded its first punt-return touchdown since 2013, held Western Illinois to 163 total yards, and turns to a tougher road test at Duke on Sept. 6 after coach Bret Bielema noted the result should resonate with AP poll voters.