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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2.27.26 - Reaction to Illini Loss to Michigan, Deon Thomas & More

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569 Illini Fall to B1G Champs 84-70

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568 Illini Hoops Update

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567 Illini Fall to Bruins 95-94 in OT

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2.20.26 - Illini Men's & Women's Hoops Update

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566 Illini Slay Trojans

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565 Illini Defeat Hoosiers 71-51 in Boswell’s Return

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2.13.26 - Illini Hoops Update, Hauck new DC & Pete Babcock

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564 Illini Lead Evaporates in 92-90 OT Loss to Wisconsin

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563 Inside Scoop on New Illini DC Bobby Hauck

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562 Illini Fall 85-82 to MSU in OT

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2.6.26 - Illini Hoops Update, Ayo Traded & Football Coaching Openings

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561 Illini Smash Northwestern Push Win Streak to 12

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560 Illini Defensive Coordinator Search

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559 - #9 Illini Cruise Over #5 Nebraska 78-69

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