CHAMPAIGN — Illinois’ return to Huff Hall after three weekends on the road — even as successful as they were with eight straight wins away from home — was bound to provide some nervous energy the Illini would have to handle Friday night against Northern Iowa.
They did. Illinois jumped all over the Panthers in the first set with the epitome of a balanced and efficient attack. The No. 8 Illini (9-0) also expected a pushback from a Northern Iowa team with a pair of top 25 wins to its credit already this season.
They got it.