Illinois Football beat Ball State 24-21 today. This is the 20th straight opening day win for the Illini at home. Mike Epstein scored two touchdowns including the game winner in his first college football game. Illinois had a dramatic blocked field goal to seal the win at the end. These things are true.
It’s also true that Illinois was completely outplayed by Ball State, a team that only won four games in the MAC last season. A team that is expected to be near the bottom of the MAC again this year.
Illinois was outgained by the Cardinals 375-216, while running 36 less plays on the day.