The postponed game was well worth the wait. Regardless of coaching staff rearrangements this past week and key players out with injury, The Fighting Illini took over Kent State, winning 52-3.
The Illini defense started out strong with two tackles for a loss within the first two plays. Kent State attempted to counter the defense by running sprint action, but was instantly put to a stop and unable to make it to red-zone territory.
Just minutes into the first quarter on Illini’s first drive, Lunt fired a 2-yard ball to junior Tyler White for the first touchdown of the game. Kent State was unable to answer, turning the ball over when Illini defensive back Eaton Spence intercepted at Kent State’s 34-yard line. Wes Lunt made the turnover productive and quickly connected to Marchie Murdock for a 34-yard touchdown.
Lunt performed extremely well, finishing 11-for-19 with162 yards and 4 touchdown passes. Known for his inconsistency, the quarterback seems to be starting this season on the right foot.
The Illinois offense only continued to heat up. Lunt threw for two more impressive touchdowns, and Illinois led the Golden Eagles 38-0 at the half.
It was not until the fourth quarter when the Golden Eagles finally found themselves on the board with an impressive 43-yard field goal by redshirt freshman Shane Hynes.
This was their only score of the game, and the Fighting Illini continued to sustain high momentum. Redshirt freshman quarterback Chayce Crouce saw some field time today and connected with Sam Mays for a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Crouce finished 3-for-9 for 46 yards.
Running back Josh Ferguson made some big moves for Illinois today as well, going 76 yards on 12 carries and scoring one touchdown.
Illinois came prepared for this game offensively and defensively. For having a chaotic week, Illinois has persevered. Under new direction by Cubit and seeing the performance today, Illinois may be an underestimated team.
This was a tremendous debut for coach Bill Cubit. As excited as he should be about the win, Cubit mentioned later in the press conference what really made him happy.
“I must have repeated it 100 times, it’s not about you, it’s all about the team. We talk a lot about togetherness and just to see them react in that respect where everyone was pulling for each other.The score was great, im not going to deny that, but to see them react in such a situation I think it’s really comforting,” he said.
Cubit seems to be just what Illinois needed. The happiness and overall atmoshphere seems to have changed dramatically within a weeks time. With his positive attitude and constant encouragement, the culture of the team is bound to change for the better.
Starting Week 1 the right way, Illinois is headed in the right direction.
