Player of the game: Illinois' Mike Dudek
Freshman running back Mike Epstein made a strong case, but Dudek scored on his first reception since 2014 and was just as important on special teams in his first game back after consecutive season-ending knee injuries.
OFFENSE
Ball State: B+
Illinois: C-
The Cardinals ran more plays, outgained the Illini and were better on third down. Illinois showed flashes of its potential, but relied more on its defense and special teams than its offense.
DEFENSE
Ball State: C+
Illinois: B-
Takeaways couldn't have been stressed more by the Illini throughout the last five weeks.