Sturdy's Rewind: Illini Rout Western Illinois

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

September 1, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The Illini methodically pasted Western Illinois in a 52-3 domination that went about as well as expected. They were good, but not perfect. Here is a recap of the weekend thoughts from Friday night and Saturday:

Hank Beatty was a record setter on punt return and was also 5 for 5 on targets and catches. He is the slot security blanket for Luke Altmyer and has some suddenness to his game to make people miss. Breaking a Red Grange record . . .

 

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