An improved Illinois Fighting Illini squad dominated the Akron Zips in all phases of the game, winning 42-3 in Akron head coach Tom Arth’s Zips debut.
Illinois’ QB Brandon Peters looked good in his debut, throwing for 163 yards and three scores while adding 36 yards on the ground and another score in the running game.
Akron’s kickoff to start the game was short and gave Illinois the ball in great field position, at its 37 yard line. Akron’s defense was unable to stop the run and Illinois scored on its first possession, when RB Reggie Corbin capped-off a 10-play, 63-yard drive with a three-yard TD run.