Illini Roll Over Central Michigan, 30-9

By Hayden Hageman

[September 16, 2024] 

[LDN reporters Jeff Mayfield & Greg Taylor were on assignment elsewhere. So, I had my Illini buddy, Hayden Hageman to report on the game for us-Here is his report-great job, Hayden!]

Champaign-Urbana-Hayden Hageman - age 13, Le Roy, Illinois - 8th grade

Hi my name is Hayden Hageman and I have been attending Illini sporting events for as long as I can remember! I wasn’t able to get to Saturday’s game until almost half-time (I had Jr High baseball practice - we are currently 9-8 - Go Panthers!) but the one thing that I noticed was the large orange and blue crowd and the excitement that seemed to carry over from the big win last Saturday against Kansas. Coach B’s first season at Illinois, my dad and I went to one of the coach’s shows on Wednesday night. I had the opportunity to ask Coach B a question, and I asked him if they would ever wear all orange (helmet, jersey, and pants). Last Saturday, that was the uniform of choice and we earned one of the biggest victories at Memorial Stadium in recent memory.

As the game progressed, the two most notable positives for the Fighting Illini - on offense was WR Pat Bryant and on defense was DB Xavier Scott.

Starting on offense, Pat Bryant’s second touchdown of the day was an incredible second effort where he broke 2 tackles to get in the endzone.

The depth of the Illini’s running backs seem to be more impressive with Ca’lil Valentine. Luke Altmeyer continues to run the offense well and finds a lot of orange and blue for completions.

On defense, Coach Henry’s squad has been really impressive and fun to watch. Most notably, defensive back Xavier Scott, who earned his 3rd interception of the season as the Chippewas were threatening to score. In the excitement of the play, my dad had told me that he bought me the new Xavier Scott shirt (X gonna take it from you).

While they aren’t home again until October 12th, two top 25 match-ups await with Nebraska next and then Penn State. Illinois makes their first top 25 appearance since 2022. Looking forward to traveling along side the Illini in November to one of my favorite places; Wrigley Field - beat the Cats! Thanks Mr. Mayfield for allowing me to contribute. I-L-L!

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