CHAMPAIGN, Ailing. (AP) — Hank Beatty returned a punt 69 yards for a third-quarter landing and broke Purple Grange’s 102-year-old Illinois file for yards on punt returns to assist the No. 11 Illini rout Western Illinois 52-3 on Friday night time to open the season.
Beatty had 4 returns for 133 yards to interrupt Grange’s mark of 125 set in opposition to Nebraska on Oct. 6, 1923. The TD return was Illini’s first since D’Angelo Bailey did it in opposition to Ohio State in 2013.
Beatty additionally led Illinois in receiving with 108 yards on 5 catches, with a 59-yarder for a landing.
Luke Altmyer was 17 of 21 with three touchdowns passes in an interception-free efficiency. Aidan Laughery ran for 109 yards on 9 carries and two TDs.
Chris Irvin was 14 of 29 for 134 yards for Western Illinois. Antonio Chadha made a 20-yard subject purpose within the fourth quarter.
The Illini led 31-0 at halftime, with Altmyer throwing all three of his TD passes — two to Justin Bowick in his first recreation at Illinois since transferring from Ball State.
The takeaway
Western Illinois: There wasn’t rather a lot for the Leathernecks to be glad about after being overmatched by one of many nation’s higher groups.
Illinois: Coach Bret Bielema hoped his workforce caught the eye of some AP ballot voters. “Some folks didn’t vote for us in any respect,” he mentioned. “So our success from final season (a workforce record-tying 10 wins) was momentary of their eyes.”
Up subsequent
Western Illinois: At Northwestern on Sept. 5.
Illinois: At Duke on Sept. 6.
