Illinois Rout Southern Illinois 48-10

Illinois defeated Southern Illinois 48-10 in Champaign, improving to 2-1. Katin Houser completed 23 of 29 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns, both to Collin Dixon. Dixon caught eight passes for 131 yards and reached seven touchdown receptions this season, a single-season record at Gies Memorial Stadium. One play after Houser's first sack of the season, Aiden Laughery ran 77 yards for a go-ahead touchdown late in the first quarter, making it 14-7. Matthew Bailey returned an interception 88 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Hudson Clement had five catches for 69 yards and a 30-game reception streak. Sebastian Vargas intercepted a pass in the end zone in the third quarter. Southern Illinois finished with 257 total yards and 29 rushing yards. D.J. Williams went 20-of-38 passing and had 7 rushing yards on seven carries. Illinois coach Bret Bielema said Collin's start is incredible and called him extremely talented, humble, and hardworking every day. Southern Illinois coach Nick Hill said there were some good moments but the bottom line is a 48-10 loss and a quiet locker room, with Missouri Valley Football Conference games ahead. Illinois is 21-0 against FCS teams since 1978; Bielema is 4-0 versus FCS, outscoring them 176-13. The record lists no left-rated coverage.