Putting the fact that it’s SIU aside, Illinois’ defense is showing signs of life this afternoon.

Tackling looks improved, and they are making significant stops. #Illini

Despite connecting on a wide receiver pass on a short field, the #illini hold SIU to a field goal. Salukis turn a three-possession game into ... a three-possession game.

Illinois 28, SIU 10; 2:18 left 2Q

Illini with a chance to double-dip around halftime.

SIU getting tricky to start this drive. WOW! #Illini

#illini backed up and Christian Martin called for a hold. Just the second punt of the season for Lars Rau, and it wasn't a pretty one (33 yards with a bounce).

SIU ball at the ILL 43.

#illini freshman Kai Pritchard in the game at left guard for Brandon Hansen.

Illinois has gotten both of its four-star freshmen OL in the game.

Illinois forces SIU to punt, but they will be starting the drive on their own 4.

A lot of room to cover, but this could certainly put a cap on this game. #Illini

Alright that’s it. Give Collin Dixon the Randy Ratio rest of this game.

Lock in and let’s push the AA train out of the station today!

#Illini

Can we keep Katin Houser and Collin Dixon forever? They make this team fun! #Illini

Another TOUCHDOWN HOUSER —> DIXON! Go #Illini!

WR Collin Dixon is on pace to SHATTER the #illini single-season touchdowns record.

He hauls in his seventh on a 27-yard deep ball from Houser.

Houser 10-for-11 for 161 yards, 2 TDs
Dixon 4 receptions for 82 yards, 2 TDs

#illini 28, SIU 7; 9:44 left 2Q

#illini freshman WR Nate Cichy just played a few reps.

#illini sixth-year Dezmond Schuster rotates in at right guard for this drive.

Salukis turn it over on downs after a deep shot down field on fourth and 1.

Juice Clarke was in coverage and locked the receiver up.!

#Illini ball

Juice Clarke PBU on deep ball in man-to-man coverage forces an SIU turnover on downs.

#illini offense can blow this one wide open on next drive.

HOUSER AND DIXON KEEP IT GOING!

That was a beautiful ball by Katin Houser, and the #Illini now lead SIU by two scores.

Another TOUCHDOWN ILLINOIS with a 45-yard pass to Dixon! He just outran everyone! Go #Illini!

END OF 1Q:

Katin Houser: 6/7, 66 yds,
DJ Williams: 6/10, 59 yds, 1 TD

#Illini

END 1Q: #illini 14, SIU 7

Yards per play: Illinois 11.4, SIU 3.7

Joe Barna/Darrell Prater sack wrecks SIU's third drive, forcing Salukis' second punt.

#illini offense with a chance to separate before the first quarter is done.

#Illini defense didn’t have a good showing but Laughery has a HUGE TOUCHDOWN RUN to put them back up by 7 again!