BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WCIA) — Illinois’ Big Ten opener ended in the most lopsided performance of the Bret Bielema era.
Ranked ninth, Illinois went up against 19th-ranked Indiana in a match that many believed had crucial implications for the postseason. Unfortunately, Illinois struggled to score any points after their first-quarter touchdown.
Indiana initially pulled ahead, but then Illinois’ Luke Altmyer connected with Collin Dixon for a 59-yard touchdown pass. Indiana responded swiftly, regaining their lead, and compounding Illinois’ woes when Miles Scott was ejected for a targeting penalty, weakening their already limited defensive back lineup.
David Olano kicked a field goal as time expired in the first half to trail 35-10 heading into the locker room.
In the second half, Indiana continued to impress with both their offensive and defensive plays. Luke Altmyer was brought down seven times, with five of those sacks occurring in the first half.
Indiana defeated Illinois 63-10 in statistically the most lopsided loss of the Bielema era, topping last year’s 38-9 loss at Oregon.
The Illini await their AP Poll fate and prepare to welcome USC to town for Big Noon Kickoff.
