Illini suffers first loss despite effective running game

The University of Illinois football team looked impressive in each of its two victories to begin the season. Unfortunately for the program, all that seemed to unravel in its blowout loss Saturday, 48-14, to a superior North Carolina squad.

Although Illini quarterback Wes Lunt found little success in the passing game, the team’s rushing attack was the only positive about the Illinois offense.

Running back Josh Ferguson ran for 133 yards and a touchdown, while backup rusher Ke’Shawn Vaughn added another 51 yards on 13 carries.

However, as good as the UofI ground game was, the Tar Heel’s game plan was even better.

UNC rusher Elijah Hood (129) and quarterback Marquis Williams (105) gashed the Illinois defense all game. Williams had the best performance of the game, as he also notched 200 yards in the air with three passing touchdowns.

The Illini take on Middle Tennessee Sep. 26 at home to try and get back to its winning ways.