CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois closed out nonconference play with a 48-10 win over Southern Illinois on Saturday in front of a sold-out Gies Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini improved to 2-1 on the season in front of back-to-back capacity crowds.
After the first quarter, the Orange and Blue owned a 14-7 lead and pushed to a 31-10 halftime advantage. Illinois scored a touchdown on its first four drives of the day and cruised to the 38-point victory.
With two touchdown receptions, Collin Dixon broke Illinois’ single-season record for touchdown receptions at Gies Memorial Stadium. Through three home games, Dixon has caught seven touchdowns to surpass the previous record of six set by Pat Bryant in 2024. He has totaled 25 receptions for 367 yards on the year.
Quarterback Katin Houser completed 23-of-29 passes for a season-high 305 yards. He connected with receivers for two touchdowns and completed 10-consecutive passes at one point.
The Illinois defense did not allow the Salukis to score for the final 32:18 of the game. The defense was highlighted by Matthew’s 88-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Illinois hits the road for the first time next weekend, heading to Columbus, Ohio, to visit #6 Ohio State. Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. CT on FOX.
