CHAMPAIGN — Mikey Dudek went across the middle to haul in a 24-yard reception from Illinois quarterback AJ Bush Jr. early in the fourth quarter Saturday against Kent State.
Dudek's reception put Illinois into a first-and-goal situation. Three plays later, Reggie Corbin scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 1-yard rush for what would ultimately become a 31-24 Illini victory in the 2018 season opener.
That reception also ended up being the last play Dudek would make for Illinois this season — and maybe his career. Kent State cornerback Jamal Parker rolled through Dudek's knees as he came down with the ball, and the redshirt senior wide receiver immediately limped off the field.