Are you ready for the Lovie Smith era? Of course you are — you’ve been waiting five months for this day! The 127th season of Fighting Illini football will begin on Saturday afternoon, as the Murray State Racers (FCS) come to town for a non-conference matchup.
Here’s all the information you’ll need to catch the game. For a more in-depth look at Illinois’ opponent, make sure to check out our Week 1 preview.
How to Watch Illinois vs. Murray State
Game Time: 2:30pm CT (2:42pm CT kickoff)
TV Channel: Big Ten Network
Online Streaming: If you subscribe to the Big Ten Network as part of your cable package you can watch a live stream on BTN2Go.
Radio: All Illinois football games air live on radio in the Champaign (WDWS 1400) and Chicago markets (WSCR 670). The game is also broadcasted on other stations throughout the state; check the Fighting Illini Radio Network for more information.
Other audio options for fans that don’t live close enough include SiriusXM and the Fighting Illini TuneIn stream (embedded below).
Latest Odds: Illinois has been designated as a 33-point favorite for today's game. The over/under has also been set at 63.5 points.
Illinois Fighting Illini Advanced Stats Profile
Head Coach: Lovie Smith (0-0)
Top Returning Passer: Wes Lunt (2,761 YDS, 14 TD, 6 INT)
Top Returning Rusher: Ke’Shawn Vaughn (723 YDS, 6 TD)
Top Returning Receiver: Malik Turner (510 YDS, 3 TD)
2016 Schedule |
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| Date | Opponent | Proj. S&P+ Rk | Proj. Margin | Win Probability |
| 3-Sep | Murray State | NR | 33.7 | 97% |
| 10-Sep | North Carolina | 27 | -7.4 | 34% |
| 17-Sep | Western Michigan | 65 | 1.4 | 53% |
| 1-Oct | at Nebraska | 26 | -14.7 | 20% |
| 8-Oct | Purdue | 88 | 7.0 | 66% |
| 15-Oct | at Rutgers | 87 | 0.0 | 50% |
| 22-Oct | at Michigan | 6 | -22.4 | 10% |
| 29-Oct | Minnesota | 42 | -3.1 | 43% |
| 5-Nov | Michigan State | 22 | -9.6 | 29% |
| 12-Nov | at Wisconsin | 37 | -11.4 | 26% |
| 19-Nov | Iowa | 38 | -4.2 | 40% |
| 26-Nov | at Northwestern | 46 | -8.2 | 32% |
| Projected wins: 5.0 | ||||
| Five-Year F/+ Rk | -9.1% (79) |
| 2- and 5-Year Recruiting Rk | 67 / 60 |
| 2015 TO Margin / Adj. TO Margin* | 4 / 0.7 |
| 2015 TO Luck/Game | +1.3 |
| Returning Production (Off. / Def.) | 56% (74%, 38%) |
| 2015 Second-order wins (difference) | 4.8 (0.2 |