The Fighting Illini certainly didn't start their season quietly, jumping out to an opening 27-shot victory at the Northern Collegiate in Sugar Grove, Ill. on Sunday.
Illinois, Golfweek's preseason No. 3, started strong on Saturday morning with an opening 292 that staked the team out to a co-lead through 18 holes.
But it was the afternoon and Sunday morning that saw the Fighting Illini take control. The second round was suspended due to darkness Saturday evening and resumed Sunday morning, but regardless Illinois was on fire in posting a second-round 273 that pushed the team 20 shots ahead.