Illinois Crushes Central Michigan 52-14 for Second Consecutive Win

Illini Defense Dominates, Offense Explodes in Victory

Fighting Illini Extend Winning Streak with Emphatic Performance

**Champaign, IL - October 1, 2023** - The Illinois Fighting Illini football team continued their winning ways with a resounding 52-14 victory over the Central Michigan Chippewas on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. The Illini's defense was the star of the show, holding the Chippewas to just 14 points and forcing seven turnovers. Linebacker Seth Coleman led the charge with two interceptions and a fumble recovery, while defensive tackle Johnny Newton recorded two sacks and a fumble recovery. The Illini offense also put on a show, scoring points in all four quarters. Quarterback Tommy DeVito threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Chase Brown rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown. Brown got the Illini on the board with a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. DeVito then hit Isaiah Williams for a 25-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, and Brown added another touchdown run in the third quarter. The fourth quarter was all Illinois, as the Illini scored three touchdowns in a span of 5 minutes. DeVito hit Pat Bryant for a 20-yard touchdown pass, Arland Bruce IV returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown, and Sean McLaughlin ran for a 1-yard touchdown. The Illini's victory keeps them unbeaten at home this season and extends their winning streak to two games. The Illini will now travel to Wisconsin next Saturday to take on the Badgers. **Key Stats** * The Illini forced seven turnovers, their most since 2014. * Chase Brown rushed for 125 yards, his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season. * Tommy DeVito threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns. * The Illini defense held Central Michigan to just 14 points, their fewest points allowed since 2019. **Quotable** * "We played a great game today," said Illinois coach Bret Bielema. "The defense was outstanding, and the offense took advantage of their opportunities. We're starting to build some momentum, and we need to keep it going." * "We're getting better every week," said Illinois quarterback Tommy DeVito. "The offensive line is playing great, and the receivers are making plays. We're starting to find our rhythm, and it showed today." * "We didn't play our best game today," said Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain. "Illinois is a good team, and they took advantage of our mistakes. We need to learn from this and move on." The Illini's victory is a big step forward for the program. The Illini are now 3-2 overall this season and 1-0 in the Big Ten. The Illini will now travel to Wisconsin next Saturday to take on the Badgers.