The Eastern Illinois football team fell short in their season opener against the University of Illinois Fighting Illini, 45-0.
Eastern Illinois wide receiver DeAirious Smith finished the game with 63 receiving yards on 5 catches, pacing the Panthers offense in both categories.
EIU quarterback Pierce Holley played the entire game and threw for 147 yards and 2 interceptions.
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmeyer threw a career-high four passing touchdowns in the victory, all of which came in the first half, while safety Miles Scott recorded an interception and a forced fumble.
U of I running back Kaden Feagin recorded his first career 100-yard game and got it done on just 16 carries, and Feagin also scored a 2nd-half touchdown.
Illinois will host the AP Poll's 22nd-ranked team, the Kansas Jayhawks, in their next game on Saturday, Sep. 7 at 6 p.m.
As for the Panthers, they'll face Indiana State in their next game on Saturday, Sep. 7 in its 2024 home opener.