The Illinois Fighting Illini ran up a big lead on the arm of quarterback Luke Altmyer and gave Eastern Illinois no chance with a defense that created four turnovers Thursday in the college football opener for both teams at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.

Illinois got four touchdown passes from Altmyer in the first half on the way to a 45-0 victory. It was the Illini's first season opener shutout since a 23-0 decision over Louisville on Sept. 6, 1986. And it was the largest shutout margin for Illinois since a 50-0 win over Iowa on Oct. 27, 1973.

Altmyer threw four TD passes in the first half — two of them to receiver Patrick Bryant — to help Illinois build a 31-0 lead at the break.

They continued to stretch that lead in the second half, when running back Kaden Feagin ran across from the 1 for 38-0 midway through the third quarter. Reserve running back Josh McCray added a 6-yard TD run in the fourth quarter to close out the scoring.

The Illini recovered a fumble to stop EIU's opening drive of the game.

Illinois' answering drive produced a 7-0 lead when Altmyer hit Bryant with a 15-yard TD pass in the back of the end zone with 4:09 left in the opening quarter.

Altmyer flipped a 5-yard scoring strike to Tanner Arkin with 43 seconds left in the quarter for 14-0.

Illinois drove to the 8 early in the second quarter and tacked on a 26-yard field goal for 17-0.

An interception by Torrie Cox Jr. on a screen pass set up Altmyer's third TD pass of the game for 24-0 with just over four minutes left.

Coach Bret Bielema and Illinois finished 5-7 last season, including 3-6 in the Big Ten. Eastern Illinois competes in the NCAA Football Championship Series as a member of the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference. EIU finished 8-3 overall last season and ranked No. 24 overall in the FCS.

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Postgame: What the Illini said

• Illinois head coach Bret Bielema: "At the start of the second half I had a feeling that we were going to control that game. At the end of the third and fourth quarters I started to send some of the new faces in. I thought those guys came in and played extremely hard, they didn't let go of the rope and wanted to go out there and set an edge. One of our team goals this year is to have a tough, smart and dependable edge to us, and I think those guys did it. I'm really excited about that."

• Bielema, on the defense: "Our defense played very aggressive as they have been. I thought they attacked the football; the four turnovers are all pretty self-created. I thought the reading break out of Miles Scott early on the first one was great. I saw Torrie Cox read that screen, break on the ball, and make that play."

• Bielema, on QB Luke Altmyer: "I would say for us volume reflects confidence and you can hear Luke a lot more than you've ever heard him. I think that's a great thing because he's confident, throwing with confidence, playing with confidence and the people around him have confidence. It's Game One, so not going to announce him as the front runner for the Heisman, but I definitely like what I saw."

• Illini QB Luke Altmyer, on his confidence level: "My confidence is growing, and I've become aware of all the talents and gifts God has given me. I ultimately just want to thank him with my leadership and hard work. I'm looking forward to playing with the same perspective this year."

• Illini defensive back Miles Scott, on his interception: "We were in Cover-2 right here. ... the quarterback never looked anywhere else. He was just looking dead down the middle, so I went over and showed my presence early. He kept staring over there, so I just picked the ball off. That was it."

• Illinois receiver Patrick Bryant, who caught two TD passes: "We have a great group, with a lot of speed, size, hands, whatever you want we got it."

Here are live updates from the Illinois vs Eastern Illinois game tonight:

Illinois vs Eastern Illinois score updates

FINAL: Illinois 45, Eastern Illinois 0

Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer was 19 of 24 for 213 yards and 4 TDs. Kaden Feagin carried16 times for 108 yards and a TD, while Aidan Laughery added 79 yards on 10 carries.

The balanced Illini attack rolled up 244 yards on the ground, while 11 receivers had catches for 242 yards.

Illinois' 486 total yards dwarfed EIU's 196. Panthers quarterback Pierce Holley was 16 of 32 for 147 yards and 1 INT.

Illinois next hosts Kansas on Sept. 7.

The last Illini shutout in an opener?

It's been a minute. The last time Illinois posted a shutout win in its season opener was a 23-0 decision over Louisville on Sept. 6, 1986, nearly 40 years ago. Still 8 minutes to go in the fourth quarter against EIU.

Grambling State transfer Josh McCray scores for Illini

Running back Josh McCray, a transfer from Grambling State, waltzes from the 6 past a pancake block to give the Illini a 45-0 lead with 13:51 left in the fourth quarter. Illinois has 433 total yards to EIU's 148.

Dylan Rosiek delivers turnover for Illini defense

With EIU facing fourth down at the Illinois 39, Illini linebacker Dylan Rosiek punches the ball out of receiver DeAirious Smith's arms and linebacker Kaleb Patterson recovers it with 3:18 left in the third quarter.

Feagin gets Illini's first rushing touchdown

Illinois running back Kaden Feagin makes it 38-0 when he carries it in upright from the 1 with 7:04 left in the third quarter. Feagin has 70 yards on 10 carries.

HALFTIME: Altmyer leads Illini to big lead over EIU

Altmyer the first Illinois quarterback in nearly a decade to throw four touchdown passes in the first half. He is 15 of 19 for 163 yards and four TDs at the break.

Altmyer has connected with seven receivers, including a game-best five to Pat Bryant for 61 yards (two touchdowns).

Kaden Feagin has seven carries for 61 yards.

The Illini have 112 yards on the ground and 163 by air, and those 275 total yards dwarf EIU's total 86.

Malik Elzy joins the Illini party

Altmyer throws his fourth TD pass of the first half, hitting Malik Elzy after the two-minute timeout for a 34-yard score with 90 seconds left. It's 31-0 Illinois.

Torrie Cox Jr with an interception for Illini, Altmyer tosses third TD

Illinois defensive back Torrie Cox Jr. picks off a lob at the EIU 30 as the defense blows up a screen pass.

Two plays later Altmyer throws a 29-yard fade to the right side of the end zone and Bryant hauls it down with a great catch and foot placement for 24-0 with 4:13 left in the half.

Altmyer has nine completions, Feagin 61 yards rushing

Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer has completed nine passes to five different receivers in the game's first 23 minutes. The Illini have 180 total yards to EIU's 63. Kaden Feagin has 61 yards on seven carries so far.

Illinois receiver Patrick Bryant hobbled off with about 6 minutes left in the half with what looked like cramps in his right leg.

Altmyer hobbled, Illini tack on field goal

The Illini have piled up 110 yards rushing -- to 24 for EIU -- in the game's first 20 minutes. They drive to the Panthers 8 and the drive bogs down there as Altmyer throws high and incomplete twice in the end zone. He grabs at his right calf/knee area after the third-and-goal play. David Olano boots a 26-yard field goal for 17-0.

Miles Scott having a day

Illinois defensive back Miles Scott had a forced fumble to stop EIU's opening drive. Now he's picked off QB Pierce Holley at the Illini 39 on the opening play of the second quarter.

Tanner Arkin catches a TD pass for 14-0

Altmyer flips a 5-yard TD toss to Tanner Arkin with 43 seconds left in the first quarter to send the Illini out of the opening session in command, 14-0.

Pat Bryant's 10th career TD catch puts Illini on the board

Illinois' answering drive produces the game's first points with 4:09 left in the first quarter as quarterback Luke Altmyer finds Patrick Bryant in the back of the end zone for a 15-yard TD pass and 7-0 lead. It's Bryant's 10th career TD with Illinois.

Illini linebacker Seth Coleman recovers fumble

Eastern Illinois was driving with a 27-yard catch by Eli Mirza to the Illini 28 on the Panthers opening possession. But EIU running back Jay Pearson fumbled on the next play and linebacker Seth Coleman recovered to give the Illini defense a stop with 9:27 left in the first quarter.

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has green dot

The NCAA approved the NFL-style in-helmet communications system for FBS teams only during the offseason.

FCS teams can't use the system unless they are playing a game against an FBS team. That is a dilemma for FCS programs like Eastern Illinois University, who would have to buy the communications system for use in one game.

It did not appear EIU was using the system in Thursday's game.

Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer had the green dot for the offense. Illinois defensive back Miles Scott had it for the defense.

Illinois vs Eastern lllinois time today

• Start time: 8 p.m.

• Date: Thursday, Aug. 29

The Illinois vs EIU game starts at 8 p.m. from Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

What channel is Illinois vs Eastern lllinois on today?

TV Channel: Big Ten Network

Livestream: Fubo (free trial)

Illinois vs Eastern Illinois will broadcast nationally on Big Ten Network in Week 1 of the 2024 college football season. Mark Followill and former Illini J Leman will call the game from the booth at Memorial Stadium, with Kylen Mills reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Illinois vs Eastern Illinois history

• Series record: Illinois leads 2-0

• Illinois wins: Sept. 6, 2008 (47-21) and Sept. 2, 2006 (42-17)

• Did you know? Illinois is 18-0 all-time against opponents from the FCS.

Illinois vs. Eastern Illinois prediction

Illinois 35, EIU 10: EIU will provide an early challenge for the Illini, but expect things to quickly turn. The Illini won't cover the large spread, but will start a pivotal season off on a strong note.

Illinois vs Eastern Illinois betting odds

Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of Tuesday, Aug. 27

• Spread: Illinois -28

• Money line: Illinois -110

• O/U: 45.0

Illinois vs Eastern Illinois injury updates

Illinois tight end Nathan Guinn left the team this week, according to Illini Inquirer, leaving the Illini thinner at tight end. Starter Cole Rusk was already previously sidelined for the season with a knee injury. Rusk is out, along with linebacker Mason Muragin. Defensive back Tyler Strain is questionable.

Illinois vs Eastern Illinois weather update

Expect beautiful weather tonight in Champaign, Illinois. The forecast calls for temperatures between 77 and 81 degrees during the game with clear skies and no precipitation.

Illinois schedule 2024

See Illinois football ticket prices for every game this season

• Thursday, Aug. 29: Illinois vs. Eastern Illinois | 8 p.m. | Big Ten Network (Fubo free trial)

• Saturday, Sept. 7:  Illinois vs. No. 24 Kansas | 6 p.m. | Fox Sports 1 (Fubo free trial)

• Saturday, Sept. 14: Illinois vs. Central Michigan | 11 a.m. | Peacock (subscriber only)

• Friday, Sept. 20: Illinois at Nebraska* | 7 p.m. | Fox (Fubo free trial)

• Saturday, Sept. 28: Illinois at No. 9 Penn State*

• Saturday, Oct. 5: BYE

• Saturday, Oct. 12: Illinois vs. Purdue*

• Saturday, Oct. 19: Illinois vs. No. 8 Michigan*

• Saturday, Oct. 26: Illinois at No. 3 Oregon*

• Saturday, Nov. 2: Illinois vs. Minnesota*

• Saturday, Nov. 9: BYE

• Saturday, Nov. 16: Illinois vs. Michigan State*

• Saturday, Nov. 23: Illinois at Rutgers*

• Saturday, Nov. 30: Illinois at Northwestern*

Eastern Illinois schedule 2024

• Thursday, Aug. 29: Eastern Illinois at Illinois | 8 p.m. | Big Ten Network

• Saturday, Sept. 7:  Indiana State at Eastern Illinois | 6 p.m.

• Saturday, Sept. 14: Eastern Illinois at Northwestern | 6:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network

• Saturday, Sept. 21: Eastern Illinois at Illinois State | 6 p.m. | ESPN+

• Saturday, Sept. 28: Lindenwood at Eastern Illinois | 2 p.m. | ESPN+

• Saturday, Oct. 5: Southeast Missouri at Eastern Illinois | 2 p.m. | ESPN+

• Saturday, Oct. 12: Eastern Illinois at Tennessee State | 5 p.m. | ESPN+

• Saturday, Oct. 19: BYE

• Saturday, Oct. 26: Eastern Illinois at UT Martin | 2 p.m. | ESPN+

• Saturday, Nov. 2: Western Illinois at Eastern Illinois | 2 p.m. | ESPN+

• Saturday, Nov. 9: Eastern Illinois at Gardner-Webb | 12:30 p.m. | ESPN+

• Saturday, Nov. 16: Charleston Southern at Eastern Illinois | 12 p.m. | ESPN+

• Saturday, Nov. 23: Eastern Illinois at Tennessee Tech | 12 p.m. | ESPN+

Illinois football news

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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois vs Eastern Illinois: Score, reactions, highlights, stats