Mike Cagley, Co-Host Sports Spectacular

September 1, 2025

The Fighting Illini went out and did what they should’ve done. They destroyed Western Illinois 52-3 and even covered the spread for those who track such things. Many fans take an easy victory over a big underdog for granted. Those of us who’ve watched the Illini for decades don’t do that with non-conference games.

Remember “stirring victories” of the past? Think of the 31-24 win over Kent State in 2018, or the 24-21 squeaker over Ball State in 2017? Those didn’t inspire confidence. Neither did a 42-34 win over Southern Illinois in 2013. Older fans remember the infamous 28-25 win over Southern Illinois in 1985.

The point is that under Bret Bielema, the Illini have converted “easy” opponents into victories that look easy. To become a consistent winner in college football, the team needs to develop the habits of winning when the Illini are supposed to win. This team is getting better in that regard.

Hail Mary #1 – My Advice for Luke Altmyer

No one has ever compared me or any of the folks who cover the Illini as candidates to play quarterback at Illinois (or anywhere else). I wouldn’t tell Luke how to throw a pass or run a play. However, I would tell Luke to slide feet first so that he doesn’t give opposing defenders an opportunity to take him out of a game or possibly end his season.

In fact, barring a 4^th quarter drive against a B1G rival, when scrambling, I’d tell Luke to get a first down and then slide when someone gets within 8 feet of him. Slide get up and go back to the huddle. I’d rather him risk an astroturf burn versus a free shot for an ambitious defender looking to change the outcome of a game or even a season.

Hail Mary #2 – Beatty Puts on a Clinic

Hank Beatty broke Red Grange’s single game record for punt return yardage. You read that right; the Illini record was set by "The" Red Grange. He did it in 1923 with 125 yards against Nebraska. Beatty has a story he can tell his grandkids. “Back in 2025, I broke the record of an Illini, NFL and a football legend,” talk about a great first line to a story.

Go back and watch Beatty’s return. He used his blockers like a chess player uses his/her pieces in concert to produce a win. Beatty could’ve run past his blockers. He probably wouldn’t have scored a touchdown. Instead, he had the vision to see that by varying his own speed, he could set up blocks that would free him for more yards.

When he got close to the goal line it was force of will that got him into the end zone. Sometimes, one must want it more than an opponent wants it. Clearly Hank wanted the touchdown, and he made it happen.

That punt return is worth watching a few times. One can see teammates hustling to provide Beatty with the blocks to advance the ball and Beatty had the patience to use his teammates effectively.

If you’re curious about Red Grange and why he was so special, you can check out these two I on the Illini episodes:

https://illiniguys.com/chris-willis-of-nfl-films-author-of-red-grange-the-life-legacy-of-the-nfls-first-superstar-406-youtube-edition/

https://illiniguys.com/doug-villhard-author-of-the-golden-age-of-red-a-novel-of-red-grange-the-galloping-ghost-385-youtube-edition/

Hail Mary #3 – Timing is Everything

Both Texas and Ohio State have teams that are uber-talented. At this point of the season, they are also inexperienced.

With the CFP consisting of 12 teams, the opening game loss for the Longhorns doesn’t eliminate them from a national title. Nor does it mean Arch Manning sucks. Hold off on feeling sorry for Texas until they really need the sympathy.

These two teams will improve dramatically over the course of this season. That’s what young players do.

Playing them earlier in the season is a good thing. As their talented players gain experience and can leverage that on the field, they will become much improved teams compared to what they displayed today.

I still think the Illini will upset the Buckeyes. WE will see if I am correct.