Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 14th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Bret Bielema, the head coach of Illinois, expressed that he has no concerns about his players potentially losing focus as they prepare for their upcoming home game against Central Michigan.

The Illini are fresh off a 23-17 victory against Kansas, a team that was ranked No. 19 at the time. This win marked the first time since 2011 that Illinois has defeated a ranked non-conference opponent. Bielema believes that his team is mature enough to understand the significance of moving on from a big win and focusing on the next game.

Bielema noted that his players have already begun preparing for Central Michigan, with some even coming in on their day off to watch film. He was impressed by their attention to detail and believes that their dedication is genuine.

The Illini have started the season with a 2-0 record, thanks in part to the strong performance of quarterback Luke Altmyer. Altmyer has completed 71.4% of his passes and has thrown for 405 yards and four touchdowns in the first two games. Additionally, the defense has forced eight turnovers, including four in their game against Kansas.

This will be the final non-conference home game for Illinois before they begin Big Ten play against Nebraska on September 20th. Central Michigan, who currently holds a 1-1 record, is coming off a 52-16 loss to Florida International.

Despite outgaining FIU in total yards, the Chippewas struggled with turnovers, giving up the ball six times, including five interceptions thrown by starting quarterback Joe Labas. Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain acknowledged the importance of proving themselves on the road and embracing the discomfort that comes with it.

In the preseason poll for the Mid-American Conference, Central Michigan was predicted to finish eighth. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams, although Illinois has a strong historical record of 20-6 against current MAC teams.

PREDICTION

Central Michigan Chippewas

Illinois Fighting Illini

Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Recap SEP 14TH 2024

Luke Altmyer went 19-of-29 passing for 242 yards and two touchdowns to lead Illinois to a 30-9 home win over Central Michigan on Saturday in Champaign.

It was the third straight home win to start the season for the Fighting Illini (3-0).

Pat Bryant was Altmyer's favorite target, catching seven passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns.

Illinois outgained the Chippewas 379-309 and didn't turn the ball over. The Fighting Illini overcame 10 penalties for 81 yards.

Joe Labas completed 12 of 25 passes for 125 yards and an interception for Central Michigan (1-2), which had three scoring drives that lasted at least 10 plays.

Tristan Mattson kicked field goals of 32, 29 and 25 yards to account for the visitors' points.

Leading 13-6 at halftime, Illinois zipped 75 yards on four plays on the first drive of the second half to take a two-touchdown lead.

Altmyer completed a 17-yard pass to Zakhari Franklin and added a 33-yard connection with Collin Dixon to start the drive. He then hit Bryant with a 20-yard pass to make it 20-6 with 13:05 left in the third quarter.

Mattson's third field goal pulled the Chippewas within 23-9 with 12 minutes to go in the fourth quarter.

Central Michigan's failed onside kick gave the Fighting Illini the ball at the Chippewas' 46-yard line, and Kaden Feagin capped the ensuing four-play drive with a 2-yard run to close the scoring with 9:34 left.

Feagin's score came one play after Central Michigan was called for pass interference in its own end zone. Ca'Lil Valentine also had a 22-yard run to the Chippewas' 17-yard line on the drive for Illinois.

Illinois grabbed a 7-0 lead with 7:05 remaining in the first quarter on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Altmyer to Bryant.

The teams traded field goals before Ethan Moczulski connected on a school-record 59-yard field goal for the Fighting Illini to end the first half.