Illini take care of business in season opener, cruise past Western Illinois
Up next
Author
Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – It’d be hard for Illinois fans to find much to complain about after Illini football’s season opener.

Bret Bielema’s team rolled past Western Illinois, winning 52-6.

Illinois forced a turnover on downs on Western’s first drive and didn’t look back. Senior quarterback Luke Altmyer found tight end Tanner Arkin for the first touchdown of the season.

A touchdown from Aidan Laughery and two from Ball State transfer Justin Bowick, plus a field goal from David Olano, boosted Illinois to a 31-0 halftime lead.

The game featured a whole bunch of local talent on display in orange and blue. Gibson City native Aidan Laughery ran for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Rochester’s Hank Beatty had 108 receiving yards and returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown. Beatty’s score was the first punt return touchdown for the Illini since 2013.

Plus, Atwood’s Kaden Feagin ran for 74 yards and a touchdown.

Luke Altmyer finished the day 17-for-21 passing with 217 yards and three touchdowns.
Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp
You May Also Like
Augusta woman plans taking matters into her own hands to feed hungry children

Augusta Woman Empowers Change: Launches Initiative to Combat Child Hunger

AUGUSTA, Ga. – As hunger persists as a pressing issue, many organizations…
Hard-line Democrats lean in to ObamaCare fight after Tuesday sweep

Democrats Double Down on ObamaCare: How Tuesday’s Victory Fuels Health Care Reform Momentum

In a strategic move, Democrats are gearing up to make health care…
These are the airports that will reduce flights during the government shutdown

Government Shutdown Forces Major Flight Reductions at Key US Airports: What Travelers Need to Know

In response to the ongoing government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)…
Panhandle Slim art exhibit opens at SSU

Discover the Vibrant World of Panhandle Slim: New Art Exhibit Launches at SSU

In Savannah, Georgia, a captivating new art exhibition by local folk artist…
Supreme Court lets Trump block transgender and nonbinary people from choosing passport sex markers

Supreme Court Ruling: What It Means for Transgender and Nonbinary Passport Rights Under Trump

WASHINGTON – In a significant move on Thursday, the Supreme Court granted…
Vance calls court order to fully fund SNAP 'absurd ruling'

Senator Vance Criticizes Court’s Mandate to Fully Fund SNAP as ‘Absurd Ruling

On Thursday, Vice President Vance voiced strong opposition to a federal court’s…
Pillsbury project update: Silver coating removed, smiley face up next

Pillsbury Project Progress: Smiley Face Transformation Begins After Silver Coating Removal

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Efforts to dismantle the long-standing Pillsbury plant in…
Seminole High School in Sanford placed on Code Yellow lockdown due to police activity

Police Activity Prompts Code Yellow Lockdown at Seminole High School in Sanford

SANFORD, Fla. – Seminole High School in Sanford has been placed under…