Bret Bielema backs up Illinois football hype with one-sided first-half against FCS team
originally appeared on The Sporting News
Illinois’ Week 1 matchup against Western Illinois out of the FCS couldn’t be going any better for coach Bret Bielema.
The Illini have yet to skip a beat, dominating the first-half of play Friday night with little room for error. Sixteen returning starters made up last year’s Citrus Bowl-winning team, and for quarterback Luke Altmyer, Memorial Stadium, at least so far, has been his playground. Illinois leads 31-0 at the break.
Altmyer had three first-half touchdowns, two to Ball State transfer wide receiver Justin Bowick in his first Big Ten action. Altmyer’s 154 yards accounted for 235 total yards of offense, while the defense, led by linebacker Gabe Jacas’ strip-sack fumble, held the Leatherneck offense to under 100 yards for the half and set the tone for what appears to be a long evening.
Running back Aidan Laughery accounted for Illinois’ only non-passing score, as a 25-yard touchdown opened a three-score lead early in the second quarter.
The Illini entered the season ranked No. 12 in the initial AP Poll, which carries significant weight considering the Illini had achieved their first 10-win season since 2001 and have massive Big Ten tilts awaiting them against USC and Ohio State in September and October, respectively.
For now, only time will tell whether the bubble will burst. But, for now, Illinois is rolling early.
