Western Kentucky @ Illinois preview

While one game doesn’t necessarily translate into a trend, Illinois appears to be in much better shape defensively than a year ago heading into Saturday’s contest against high-scoring Western Kentucky. In last week’s victory over FCS member Youngstown State, the Fighting Illini defense yielded three field goals through the first three quarters before the Penguins reached the end zone in the fourth. Illinois, which finished 106th nationally in points allowed last season (35.4 per game), also limited Youngstown State on third down (5-of-20).

The next step for the Illinois is creating turnovers, which was a huge issue a year ago. “Again, that’s the Achilles’ heel that we have got to change, and that is we’ve got to take the football away,” Illinois coach Tim Beckman said in a conference call. “We have got to continue to strive on ball awareness, pulling the ball out when we’re gang tackling, and continue to create that pressure on the quarterback because balls will be thrown that we can intercept, then.” Meanwhile, Western Kentucky opened the Jeff Brohm coaching era in dominating fashion last weekend as the Hilltoppers dismantled Bowling Green, one of the favorites in the Mid-American Conference, 59-31.

TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Illinois -6

ABOUT WESTERN KENTUCKY (1-0): Quarterback Brandon Doughty broke school marks in passing yards (569), touchdowns (six) and total offense for the team (708) against Bowling Green. His six touchdown passes tied a Conference USA record while his 569 yards ranked third and 46 completions ranked fourth in league history. His favorite targets are wideouts Taywan Taylor and Jared Dangerfield, who combined for 22 receptions for 277 yards and three touchdowns.

ABOUT ILLINOIS (1-0): The Fighting Illini look to improve to 2-0 for the second straight season. After a slow start, quarterback Wes Lunt went 9-of-11 for 155 yards and three touchdowns in the fourth quarter against over Youngstown State. Geronimo Allison, Mike Dudek, and Malik Turner accounted for nine catches, 146 yards and a touchdown in their debuts.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Western Kentucky is one of eight teams since 2000 to open its season with 700 or more yards against an FBS opponent.

2. V’Angelo Bentley averaged 43.5 yards on a pair of kickoff returns versus Youngstown State - best among Big Ten players and fourth-highest in the nation.

3. Butkus Award candidate Mason Monheim recorded 14 tackles against Youngstown State, one shy of his personal high.

PREDICTION: Illinois 42, Western Kentucky 35