It is Homecoming! Illinois (2-0) vs. Central Michigan (1-1)
Illinois and Central Michigan will square off for the first time in program history.
Illinois is 20-6 all-time against current MAC programs, including a 1-0 mark under head coach Bret Bielema following the team's 30-28 victory over Toledo in the 2023 season opener at Memorial Stadium.
Date/Time Saturday, Sept. 14 | 11 a.m. CT
Location Champaign, Illinois (Memorial Stadium) [For Judge Judy]
TV Peacock (subscription information). Jac Collinsworth (play-by-play), Michael Robinson (analyst), and Caroline Pineda (reporter) have the call on Peacock.
Radio Busey Bank Illini Sports Network | SiriusXM (138/196). Brian Barnhart (play-by-play), Carey Davis (analyst), and Michael Martin (reporter) on the call.
Helmet Arched Illini. The program wore the Arched Illini helmets from 1971-87. The 2024 edition will feature gray facemasks and a blue-white-orange-white-blue center stripe cadence.
Air Raid Siren This week's sounder University of Illinois Chancellor Robert J. Jones. [BORING!]
Central Michigan (1-1) arrives in Champaign following a 52-16 road loss at FIU last week. The Chippewas opened their season on Aug. 29 with a 66-10 home victory over Central Connecticut State, a performance that saw CMU score nine total touchdowns. Despite its most recent defeat, Central Michigan ranks second in the MAC in total scoring (82 points), leads the conference in fewest passing yards allowed (107.5 yards/game), and is one of three FBS teams that has returned both a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown thus far this season.
The Chippewas are led by sixth-year head coach Jim McElwain, who has guided CMU to two bowl games and one trip to the MAC Championship Game.
Illinois cornerback Xavier Scott was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday. Scott forced three turnovers in Illinois' 23-17 win over #19 Kansas, helping the Illini to their highest ranked nonconference win since 1995.
All stolen from Fightingillini.com!
Odds from Vegasinsider.com
Opened: Illinois -18.5 (there has to be a typo on the website as it has Illinois +18.5)
Currently: Illinois -19.5 to -20 Smart money on Illinois!
O/U: Opened 53. Currently 50.5 to 51.5
Moneyline: Opened Illinois -1000. Currently -1100 to -1430. People betting on Illinois!