Illini Cruise To Win, N'western Bounces EIU
Published on September 14 2015 7:08 am
Last Updated on September 14 2015 7:08 am
Written by Millie Lange
Illinois cruised to a 44-0 win against Western Illinois Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
The Fighting Illini have outscored their opponents (Kent State and Western Illinois) 96-3 in the first two games with interim head coach Bill Cubit at the helm.
Wes Lunt finished 33-for-46 for 316 yards and a touchdown. It's the junior quarterback's third 300-yard passing game as a Fighting Illini.
Senior safety Taylor Barton picked off Trenton Norvell twice, returning one for 49 yards. The last Illini with two interceptions in a game was Trulon Henry against Ohio State on Oct. 2, 2010. Barton has totaled three picks in the last two games.
Marchie Murdock scored twice on the day, a 12-yard return after Jaylen Dunlap's blocked punt and a 5-yard reception from Chayce Crouch late in the fourth quarter.
The Illinois defense stifled the Leathernecks - holding them to five first downs on the day and 141 total yards. It's the first time since 1994 the Illinois defense hasn't allowed a touchdown in back-to-back games.
Taylor Zalewski hit three field goals on the day - from 31, 22 and 39 yards respectively.
Northwestern 41, Eastern Illinois 0
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Time of possession weighed heavily in Northwestern’s advantage in the first half Saturday afternoon as the Wildcats built a 27-0 lead at the half winning 41-0 over Eastern Illinois.
The loss ended a 139 consecutive game streak by Eastern Illinois in which the Panthers had scored. The last time EIU was shut out in a game was Oct. 11, 2003, 41-0 loss to Eastern Kentucky.
EIU fell to 0-2 and will host Illinois State next Saturday night in the 104th playing of the Mid-America Classic. Game time is 7 p.m. at O’Brien Field with tickets available by calling 217-581-2106. Northwestern moved to 2-0 on the year.
The Wildcats held the ball for more than 20 minutes in the first half and 37:05 for the game. NU used that time advantage to rush for three first half touchdowns and finish with 265 yards in the first half. Northwestern had 496 total yards for the game.
