ESPN picks up Illinois-Missouri season opener

By Wes Anderson

The Illini’s first game since their 49-17 Rose Bowl loss to USC will be nationally televised. ESPN will broadcast the State Farm Arch Rivalry between Illinois and Missouri on Aug 30, the Big 12 conference announced on Thursday. The game is scheduled for a 6:45 p.m. central time start on Aug. 30 in St. Louis, Mo.

It remains unclear if the network also plans to stage their “College Gameday” television show at the game.

In their last meeting, the Tigers held off a late Illinois comeback to win 40-34.