3 in a Row: Illini Win Big Ten Opener vs Hoosiers

35 photos by Dan O'Brien

Illinois (3-1, 1-0) won its first Big Ten opener since 1993 on Saturday, a 27-14 victory at Indiana (3-1, 0-1). In a game where total yardage was virtually equal (IU had a slight edge 397 - 386), Illinois was able to maintain an advantage through key turnovers and special teams play. Rashard Mendenhall had yet another outstanding day on the ground, gaining 214 yards on 27 carries (8 yd per carry). Up next is the first Big Ten home game of significance in the Ron Zook era when Penn St (3-1, 0-1) comes to town Saturday. Game thread. Article. Article. Article. Recap.


A crowd of 34,707 showed up to Indiana's Memorial Stadium on a hot, sunny Saturday afternoon.

More photos after the jump!


The Marching Illini made the trip.








Indiana has their own north end zone project.


1st quarter action. Juice Williams runs for a 1st down.





Jason Reda hits a 45 yd field goal to give Illinois the lead 3-0.


Indiana QB Kellen Lewis is sacked for a loss by Justin Sanders on 3rd down.





2nd quarter. Rashard Mendenhall runs for 8 yards.


Arrelious Benn picks up a 1st down on a 4 yd pass from Juice Williams.


Troy Pollard runs for 16 yards.


Juice Williams finds Michael Hoomanawanui in the end zone for the game's first TD; Illinois leads 13-0.











Juice Williams runs for 15 yards.


The Hoosiers get on the board via a Kellen Lewis 7 yard pass to James Hardy. Illinois leads 13-7.


On 3rd and 6, Juice Williams completes a pass to Arrelious Benn for 18 yards.


Rashard Mendenhall takes a Juice Williams pass 15 yards for a touchdown. Illinois leads 20-7.


The Marching Illini performs at halftime.





The Indiana Hoosiers marching band.


3rd quarter. Kellen Lewis scrambles in the pocket.


Rashard Mendenhall runs for 20 yards.


Bryan Payton runs for 20 yards.


4th quarter. Rashard Mendenhall runs 5 yards for a touchdown. Illinois leads 27-7.








Juice Williams keeps the ball; no gain.


Vontae Davis intercepts Kellen Lewis's pass intended for James Hardy in the end zone to seal the victory.









Filed under: Illini Football, Illinois Loyalty Photos, Indiana Hoosiers