Illinois So Far This Season

Illinois started out the season with a disappointing loss to Missouri, 37-9. In that game Missouri had its way with the Illinois defense, scoring in every quarter, with 442 total yards, 325 in the air, and 117 on the ground. Blaine Gabbert looked very comfortable in his first start as QB for Missouri with 319 yards in the air and three touchdowns. Illinois only managed a field goal in the second quarter and a touchdown fourth quarter. In the second game of the season, Illinois dominated Illinois State, 45-17. QB Eddie McGee replaced the injured Juice Williams, who was pulled in the fourth quarter of the Missouri game. McGee threw for 164 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Illinois relied on the ground game, racking up 384 yards, led by RB Jason Ford with 137 of those yards. Illinois had a bye last week. The team ranks second in the Big Ten and 13th nationally with 247 rushing yards/game.