Ron Zook's Last Stand: Illinois Fighting Illini Victorious in Week 2
Led by the stellar performances of Nathan Scheelhaase and Mikel LeShoure, the Fighting Illini gained over 400 hundred yards of offense en route to a 35-3 victory over the Southern Illinois Salukis, making it 13 consecutive home openers that the Illini have won.
Unlike against Missouri in Week 1, the Illini offense was strong and balanced throughout the entire game.
The Illini opened the scoring when Scheelhaase connected with A.J. Jenkins for a 54-yard touchdown reception. It was the second time in two weeks that Scheelhaase and Jenkins have combined for a touchdown.
LeShoure led the way for the Illini rushing attack with 115 yards and two touchdowns.
After committing four turnovers, three of which were interceptions, in the season opener against the Missouri Tigers, Scheelhaase showed signs of improvement, completing 14 of 18 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception.
Jenkins continued to make it known that he is the No. 1 wideout by catching five passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.
The Fighting Illini defense held a Salukis' offense that produced 70 points and almost 500 hundred yards of offense the week before to three points and only 230 yards of offense.
The hampered Illini defense continued its strong play, as Travon Bellamy and Ian Thomas led the way with 11 tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery between the two of them.
Although the time of possession was about equal, the Fighting Illini defense allowed the Salukis to convert only three third downs and only one red zone opportunity.
The Salukis had some decent scoring opportunities, with their best chance coming after Illini punt returner Jack Ramsey mishandled a punt at the Illinois 17-yard line, but were only able to muster three points.
The Salukis’ top performers were quarterback Chris Dieker, who completed 19 of 35 passes for 168 yards, and wide receiver Joe Allaria, who caught nine of Dieker’s passes for 94 yards.
The Fighting Illini, despite playing an FCS opponent, showed signs of improvement in their first victory of the season. They look to build on their success against Southern Illinois as the Illini welcome the Northern Illinois Huskies to Memorial Stadium next Saturday.
