Illinois Fighting Illini fans showed their support for the football team on Saturday night.

At the first sold-out Memorial Stadium since 2016, the players did not disappoint.

The Illini defeated No. 19 Kansas 23-17 for their first win over a seeded opponent in five years. They improved their record to 2-0 and have a game against Central Michigan next week before opening Big Ten play the following week at Nebraska.

The Illini took the lead for good on a 1-yard touchdown run by Kaden Feagin with 9 minutes, 34 seconds left in the fourth quarter. The defense responded by limiting the Jayhawks to a three-and-out on the next possession. Quarterback Luke Altmyer completed the sack with a pass to Zakhari Franklin on a 3rd-and-12.

The win allowed the Illini to avenge their 34-23 loss to the Jayhawks last year in Lawrence, Kansas. That was more than enough motivation, but the circumstances caused the matchup to attract national attention.

Now Illinois can look to build on that momentum and set the tone for the season after last year’s disappointing finish.

The Illini can almost thank defenseman Xavier Scott for single-handedly helping them take a 13-10 halftime lead against Kansas.

Scott had two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown that gave the Illini a halftime lead. Next, the team hopes to build on one of the biggest wins in school history.

Shandel Richardson is the editor of Illinois Fighting Illini On SI. He can be reached at [email protected]

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