9
1:2, 0:0
30
winner
3:0, 0:0
1-2, 0-0
9
30
winner
| team | 1st place | 2nd place | 3rd place | 4th place | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
|
|
7 | 6 | 10 | 7 | 30 |
Match Summary: Football |
RECAP
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois concluded its three-game home series with a 30-9 homecoming victory over Central Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Four consecutive scoring drives between the second and third quarters helped the Fighting Illini to a 3-0 season debut, their best start since 2011.
Patrick Bryant recorded the third 100-yard game of his career, finishing with 102 yards on seven catches. He also had two receiving scores, his second multi-touchdown game of the season and the third of his career.
Luke Altmyer went 19-for-29 with 242 yards and two passing touchdowns, both of which Patrick Bryant on the receiving side.
Josh McCray And Ca’Lil Valentine surpassed the 50-yard mark on the ground, with McCray totaling eight carries and 54 rushing yards, a team-best performance. Valentine averaged 10.6 yards per carry and 53 yards on his five carries, a career-best performance.
Xavier Scott recorded his third interception, tying his team’s most passes, late in the third quarter and his second consecutive game with an interception.
After the Illini defense forced a three-and-out on the Chippewas on their first possession, the Orange and Blues offense quickly found its rhythm. Illinois worked down the field and converted two third down attempts before facing a fourth-and-4 at the CMU 30-yard line. A pass to Franklin, his third of the drive, got the chains moving before Kaden Feagin managed a 14-yard run into the red zone.
Altmyer found a completely open Patrick Bryant on the next play for an 11-yard touchdown to score first and complete a 12-play, 59-yard drive.
Central Michigan was able to cut the deficit with a field goal on its next possession before both teams punted on their next possessions. As CMU advanced into Illinois territory, the Illini forced a turnover, putting the offense back in play near the midfield line.
A 16-yard run by Valentine highlighted the ensuing run down the field, and the Illini extended their lead to 10-3 with a 49-yard field goal. David Olano less than two minutes before half time.
The Chippewas answered with a field goal of their own late in the second quarter, but the Illini came right back and made history in the process.
Illinois took the lead with 36 seconds left, entering CMU territory with a 31-yard pass. Patrick Bryant. Kickers Ethan Moczulski The first field goal attempt at the collegiate level sailed between the goal posts from 59 yards as time expired, setting a new program record.
Illinois scored a double with a scoring drive right after the break. A 17-yard pass to Franklin opened the drive before Collin Dixon A 33-yard catch-and-run brought the Illini into the Chippewa half of the field. On the fourth play of possession, Altmyer found Patrick Bryant for a 20-yard score that gave the home team a 20-6 lead with a touchdown less than two minutes into the second half.
An Illinois sack on third-and-long ended the Chippewas’ next possession, and the Illini used another long drive to extend their lead. 10 plays and 62 yards later, Olano converted his second field goal of the afternoon, this time from 34 yards out.
CMU kicked its third field goal of the day on the next drive, but Illinois answered again. The Illini began their possession in Central Michigan territory and a 22-yard run by Valentine, the longest run of her career, put the home team in the red zone. After the hosts reached the 5-yard line, Feagin found the end zone on a 2-yard run, giving the Illini a 30-9 lead.
Illinois (3-0) travels next week to play No. 23 Nebraska for The Illinis first away game of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for Friday at 7:00 p.m. CT on FOX.
HIGHLIGHTS
Coming soon.
PRESS CONFERENCE
Coming soon.
POST-GAME NOTES
Team notes
Player Notes
QUOTES
Opening speech:
Coming soon.
