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Commercial-News, Danville, Ill.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Illini wrap up non-conference slate with win
- Story byCommercial-News, Danville, Ill.
- COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Illini wrap up non-conference slate with win
CHAMPAIGN — With Big Ten action ahead, the Illinois football team made sure to end non-conference play in style.
The Illini defeated Southern Illinois 48-10 on Saturday at Gies Memorial Stadium to end non-conference play at 2-1.
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"I thought it was good," Illini quarterback Katin Houser said. "We came out of the gate swinging, were efficient in the first half, hit a bit of a lull in the second half, and then finished strong with some of the younger guys getting reps. Overall, I thought it was a good game, definitely some stuff to clean up, for sure. We've got a big opponent coming up next week, so I'm looking forward to that. But overall, I thought today was solid."
"Obviously, we're excited to get back on track," Illini coach Bret Bielema said. "I will say, being in this position now, six years in, we've played some in-state schools, and I want to give Southern Illinois a lot of credit. That's a very good team for the level that they're at. In preparing against Nick, I thought he was probably one of the better game-plan coaches I've ever faced. The way he does things and works through things was impressive. I was very worried about their quarterback in the run game and what he's been able to do in addition to throwing the ball."
Houser threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns for the Illini, with Collin Dixon had eight catches for 131 yards and two scores. It was the second straight game he went over 100 and with seven scores this season, already broke Pat Bryant 's single season record for touchdown catches at Memorial Stadium.
"Honestly, no. I knew it might be a bigger role, just because I'm an older guy," Dixon said "I started last year, but to have the start to the season we've had, it's been incredible. It's been a lot of fun. I don't think anybody could have imagined this. I just try to go out there and do my job every play and that's really all I think about."
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Ca'Lil Valentine went over 1,000 yards in his career, while Aidan Laughery had a 77-yard touchdown run and Matthew Bailey had a 88-yard interception return.
The Illini will get Big Ten play started at Ohio State on Saturday.
"I think we just must keep this momentum going. I mean, guys are feeling good," junior defensive lineman Joe Barna said. "We were a little bit down on last Sunday, watching that film, but the guys just came together, and they just wanted to practice. We didn't let it break us; we didn't let the loss happen twice. I think we're just going to keep this momentum going."
"You know, I think obviously we're happy with the performance today, but I think we all know that we haven't put our best foot forward, playing four complete quarters of our best football," Laughery said. "So, I think that's kind of, at least, the message that I'm going to push this week: How much better can we get for this game? You know, we haven't played our best game yet. We haven't played a complete game yet, so why not this week?"
