Following a Julian Hylton interception on Murray State’s opening drive, Wes Lunt quickly kicked things off with a 5-yard TD pass to Malik Turner.
Lunt-to-Leek for the first #Illini score of the season.
— Illini Football (@IlliniFootball) September 3, 2016
ILL 7 , MSU 0 | 10:09 1Q pic.twitter.com/xIrXFHOT9e
Illinois’ momentum carried over into the second opposing possession, as Taylor Barton hauled in a second-straight interception to halt the Racers’ drive at the Illini 32-yard line. Wes Lunt, again, hooked up with Malik Turner on the ensuing play for an impressive 68-yard score.
So, the Wes Lunt-to-Malik Turner @IlliniFootball connection is on point today.
— Illinois on BTN (@IllinoisOnBTN) September 3, 2016
More video ➡ https://t.co/nE4hKfy6j5 https://t.co/aDk70IaTO5
Ke’Shawn Vaughn decided to get in on the action, too. The sophomore running back punched it into the endzone from about 2 yards out to give Illinois a 21-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
Ke'Shawn finishes the drive. #Illini pic.twitter.com/My3bWz2Rqr
— Illini Football (@IlliniFootball) September 3, 2016
The Kendrick Foster show began on Illinois’ next possession. The senior found a hole up the middle, and scorched the Murray State defense for a 56-yard TD run.
SEE YA!
— Illinois on BTN (@IllinoisOnBTN) September 3, 2016
Kendrick Foster scoots 56 yards for the @IlliniFootball TD.
More video ➡ https://t.co/nE4hKfy6j5 https://t.co/srTlO0lj78
After a Murray State field goal (their only points of the day), Illinois had a last-minute opportunity prior to halftime. Kendrick Foster was the hero yet again! He quickly ran for his second 56-yard score of the afternoon, this time bouncing it out towards the sideline before turning upfield. Illinois took a 35-0 lead into the locker room.
One 56-yard TD run is great.
— Illinois on BTN (@IllinoisOnBTN) September 3, 2016
Two of them earn Kendrick Foster #BTNStandout honors.https://t.co/nE4hKfy6j5 https://t.co/UAuTb9n8yf
During Illinois’ second possession of the third quarter, Wes Lunt connected with Desmond Cain on a 30-yard route to log his third passing TD of the day.
Desmond Cain with the 30-yard @IlliniFootball TD?
— Illinois on BTN (@IllinoisOnBTN) September 3, 2016
Sure, why not?
More video ➡ https://t.co/nE4hKfy6j5 https://t.co/bbO4OZdU6w
We’re getting towards the end of all the scoring, I promise. Illinois’ final touchdown of the afternoon occurred at the start of the fourth quarter when Reggie Corbin put the finishing touches on an 8-play, 75-yard drive.
[NOTE: No Twitter video, so fast-forward to 3:50 in the above highlight tape)
Finally, new place kicker Chase McLaughlin recorded the games last three points on a 48-yard field goal. It was his first career kick in the Orange and Blue, and it looked as if it would’ve been good from at least 55 yards out.
[NOTE: Again, no Twitter video. Fast-forward to 4:20 up top]