CHAMPAIGN — Illinois gained its second victory of the season Saturday by beating Western Kentucky 42-34. The Illini are content with a 2-0 start, as they should be. But they still have plenty left to improve upon, especially their kicking game.
Offense: B+. It’s tempting to give the Illini an A after they racked up 520 yards of offense and quarterback Wes Lunt had 456 passing yards and three touchdowns. But the Illini failed again to establish a run game and had three turnovers. Josh Ferguson was limited with cramps as Donovonn Young led the way with 47 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Defense: B. The defense held Western Kentucky when it needed to and came up with three takeaways. That’s like a takeaway buffet compared with last season for the Illini. Yet the Illini still need to tighten up and improve on tackling.
Special teams: D. This is a sore spot. V’Angelo Bentley is a dependable return man, and the punting looked improved. But Taylor Zalewski missed two field goals, and another kickoff this week went out of bounds. Coach Tim Beckman said competition will ensue this week.
Coaching: B. The Illini looked prepared and composed, but they still fell behind to a lesser opponent. They won’t be able to keep relying on fourth-quarter rallies. Beckman and his staff could also sigh with relief that the two sideline interference calls in the game went against Western Kentucky.
