Illinois Opens with Solid Win Over Eastern, 45-0

By Jeff Mayfield

[August 30, 2024] 

The University of Illinois kicked off the 2024 football campaign with a solid 45-0 victory over the Eastern Illinois Panthers. The Fighting Illini used a balanced attack, a bevy of contributors, and a hungry defense that forced four turnovers on the way to the win.

For the most part, Illinois was clicking in all 3 phases of the game much to the delight of nearly 45,000 patrons on opening night. The Illini rolled up 426 total yards on offense including 26 first downs while limited the Panthers to 196 yards and only 49 rushing.

After their promising first drive evaporated, Illini QB Luke Altmyer found receiver Pat Bryant for a 15-yard td toss capping a 10-play 77-yard drive. Three minutes later Altmyer found Tanner Arkin for a 5-yard td flip. David Olano tacked on a field goal, another td catch by Bryant, and a pretty td reception by Malik Elzy along with a cool dance right in front of the student section gave Illinois lots of breathing room as they ran to the locker room with a 31-0 halftime lead.

From there the Illini scored once in the third quarter and once in the fourth as they took their foot off the gas enroute to a convincing win. Luke Altmyer finished the night 19 of 24 with 213 passing yards and a career high four touchdowns.

Two former local area standouts made good in their appearances as well. Kaden Feagin rushed for 108 yards on the night while Aidan Laughery finished with 79 rushing yards.

It was good to get the win under the belt as the Illini will really find out what they have when they host the Kansas Jayhawks a week from Saturday at 6pm.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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