Illinois downs Arkansas State 33-15

Illinois+Trulon+Henry+%289%29+tackles+Arkansas+States+Frankie+Jackson+%286%29+during+the+game+at+Memorial+Stadium.+The+Illini+won+33-15+on+this+Sept.+3+game.%0A

Illinois’ Trulon Henry (9) tackles Arkansas State’s Frankie Jackson (6) during the game at Memorial Stadium. The Illini won 33-15 on this Sept. 3 game.

By Joe Souligne

The Illini kicked off their season with a victory Saturday, taking down the Arkansas State Red Wolves by a score of 33-15 at Memorial Stadium.

Illinois got off to a rough start, with a safety and two long field goals giving Arkansas State an 8-7 lead late in the first half. However, the Illini recovered in the second half, holding the Red Wolves scoreless until a late touchdown after the game was well in hand.

Despite shaky offensive line play, the Illini passing game was clicking for much of the day. Receivers AJ Jenkins and Darius Millines combined for 267 yards receiving and two touchdowns, while Jason Ford racked up 86 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.

Defensively, Trulon Henry led the way with eight tackles and an interception. In total, the Illini racked up two sacks and seven tackles for a loss.