These are heady times for Illinois football.
Back in the top 10 for the first time in 24 years, the ninth-ranked Fighting Illini conclude non-conference play Saturday night when Western Michigan makes the trip south to Champaign.
Illinois (2-0) has looked the part of a top 10 team so far, routing FCS opponent Western Illinois in its opener and then traveling to Durham, N.C., for a 45-19 victory last weekend at Duke. The game was close in the first half before the Illini blew it open in the second.
Illinois seems bent on following a 10-win 2024 with a more memorable 2025. It has displayed big-play ability on both sides of the ball, getting 296 passing yards from quarterback Luke Altmyer at Duke and also forcing five turnovers, four of which were fumbles.
Although the Illini are heavy favorites to go into next week’s Big Ten opener at No. 22 Indiana with an undefeated mark, coach Bret Bielema isn’t going to overlook a Mid-American Conference foe.
“Western Michigan is a very good team,” he said. “We know we’re going to get their best shot. Every week is an opportunity to improve.”
Altmyer has been efficient so far, completing 39 of his 52 passes for 513 yards and six touchdowns without an interception. Six-foot-3, 255-pound running back Kaden Feagin, a converted high school quarterback, leads a balanced rushing attack with 122 yards and two scores.
How long has it been since Illinois has been ranked this highly? It was in 2001 when the Illini finished the regular season with seven straight wins and went to the Sugar Bowl.
“Obviously very excited and there are a lot of great things for people to talk about,” Bielema said. “But I really do think these guys are all about the game in front of them.”
While the Illini are riding high, Western Michigan (0-2) still is seeking its first win after a 33-30 overtime loss last week to North Texas. The Broncos led 24-10 in the third quarter and 27-17 early in the fourth quarter but couldn’t finish the game out.
“We’ve got to put 60 minutes together,” Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor said. “Not 30 minutes, 35 minutes or 50 minutes. I know our players are preparing the right way, doing things the right way. The outcomes will take care of themselves.”
The bright spot was an offense which struggled in a season-opening 23-6 defeat at Michigan State. Former 1,000-yard rusher Jalen Buckley collected 112 yards on 30 carries and quarterback Broc Lowry ran for two touchdowns.
To have a chance at the upset, the Broncos will need to get a little production from the passing game. Lowry and Brady Jones have combined to complete 23 of 47 passes for 275 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Taylor said a decision on a starting quarterback will remain a week-to-week assessment.
Western Michigan could also use some of the pass rush it’s gotten in the first two games that’s led to seven sacks.
“We’re so much better than we were last year because of our techniques and fundamentals,” Taylor said.
Illinois holds a 4-2 record in the all-time series, although Western Michigan scored a 34-10 road victory when they last met in 2016.
