Illinois is off to a 2-0 start entering Saturday’s home game against Central Michigan. The Illini haven’t won three in a row to open a season since 2011.
Off to the best start in coach Bret Bielema’s four years and coming off a 23-17 victory over then-No. 19 Kansas in front of a rare sellout crowd at Memorial Stadium, the Illini will try to avoid a letdown against a Chippewas team that lost 52-16 last week at Florida International and was plagued by turnovers (six) and penalties (10 for 70 yards).
Central Michigan (1-1) opened the season with a 66-10 home win over Central Connecticut State. The Chippewas are second in the Mid-American Conference in total scoring (82 points) and one of three FBS teams that has returned a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown.
A win or at least a competitive effort versus Illinois would get Central Michigan’s season back on track.
Time/TV: 11 a.m. Saturday, Peacock.
Line: Illinois by 18½.
Series: First meeting.
Key matchup
Illinois passing attack vs. Central Michigan pass defense
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer burned Kansas last week with long completions, going 16 of 25 for 192 yards. Zakhari Franklin caught nine passes for 99 yards while Pat Bryant had three catches for 70 yards, including 38- and 27-yarders on Illinois’ game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. The Chippewas lead the MAC in passing yards allowed (107.5 per game).
Players to watch
Illinois: DB Xavier Scott. He was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and earned national defensive player of the week honors after he had two interceptions — returning one for a touchdown — a forced fumble, a sack and eight tackles against Kansas. He’s the only player in the nation to force three turnovers in a game this season.
Central Michigan: QB Joe Labas. In his Chippewas debut and first game since he started the 2022 Music City Bowl, the Iowa transfer completed 18 of 24 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns in the opener. But he threw five interceptions in the loss to FIU.
Facts & figures
Illinois is tied for the national lead in takeaways (8) and is second in both interceptions (5) and fumble recoveries (3). That’s not good news for Central Michigan, which had six turnovers in its loss to FIU, including the five interceptions by Labas. … Illinois barely missed making this week’s AP Top 25. The Illini led the list of 18 teams also receiving votes. … Sixth-year Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain has taken the Chippewas to two bowl games (2019 New Mexico Bowl and 2021 Sun Bowl) and one MAC championship game (2018). The only win in those games was a 24-21 victory over Washington State in the Sun Bowl. He’s 30-29 as Central Michigan’s coach.
