Overview

• Illinois is 2-0 and ranked No. 9, its highest AP poll position since 2001, with a six-game winning streak and a 95-22 scoring edge through two games.
• Bret Bielema cautioned that Western Michigan will deliver its best shot even with Illinois listed as a 27.5-point favorite at BetMGM.
• Receiver and returner Hank Beatty has emerged as a catalyst, breaking a 102-year-old Illinois punt-return record and leading the nation with 394 all-purpose yards.
• Western Michigan is 0-2 after an overtime loss to North Texas, leaning on RB Jalen Buckley while Broc Lowry and Brady Jones continue a week-to-week quarterback competition.
• Saturday’s sold-out crowd (60,670) opens the Gies Memorial Stadium era, with Illinois noting multiple home sellouts as the program’s profile rises.