Illinois plays Florida Atlantic on Saturday in Champaign (2:30 p.m., BTN) in the first meeting between the schools. Both teams are 1-2, and the Illini are 15 1/2-point favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
After a 30-13 loss last week to No. 7 Penn State, the Illini want to get their season back on track before going back into Big Ten play.
Florida Atlantic lost 48-14 to Clemson last week and also lost starting quarterback Casey Thompson, a former starter at Texas and Nebraska, for the season when he tore his ACL. Now it’s up to Central Michigan transfer Daniel Richardson to guide the Owls offense.
Illinois offense versus Florida Atlantic defense. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer threw four interceptions against Penn State, and the Illini rushed for just 62 yards. The Florida Atlantic defense has playmakers in defensive backs Darius McClendon (No. 12 nationally in fumbles forced) and Jarron Morris (No. 8 in passes defended).
Florida Atlantic: Receiver LaJohntay Wester has caught 30 passes. The other 14 Florida Atlantic receivers have a total of 42 receptions. Wester is averaging 10 catches per game, which ranks second nationally. The junior had 12 catches for 108 yards against Clemson and became Florida Atlantic’s all-time receptions leader with 174.
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Illinois: Isaiah Williams is one of the most reliable receivers in the nation. He has caught at least one pass in all 28 games since he switched from quarterback before the 2021 season and he has at least three catches in 17 straight games. He’s second in the Big Ten in receptions (16), and his 11 first-down catches is tied for second in the Big Ten.
Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton had seven quarterback pressures against Penn State, the most by a Power Five defensive tackle in a game this season. … Keith Randolph Jr., Newton’s partner in their two-man “Law Firm,” leads the nation in tackles by a defensive lineman with 20. … This is Florida Atlantic’s first season in the American Athletic Conference. Illinois is 6-4 all time against teams currently in the conference. … Florida Atlantic is 1-2 against teams from the state of Illinois. The Owls lost twice to Eastern Illinois and quarterbackTony Romo. … Florida Atlantic caused a stir when the team gathered at midfield on the paw logo at Clemson before the game. Coach Tom Herman said that’s how his team ends its pregame warmup, home or away.