Illinois is a heavy favorite in its season opener against Western Illinois. The Illini are ranked No. 12 in the preseason AP Top 25, the program’s highest preseason ranking since 1990, when the Illini started No. 11.

Illinois returns 16 starters from last season — tied for the most in the nation — and 18 starters from the Citrus Bowl team that finished No. 16 in the poll.

Western Illinois at No. 12 Illinois

Time/TV: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Peacock

Line: Illinois by 45½

Key stats

Illinois (2024)

Total offense: 364.8 ypg (92nd in FBS)

Passing: 211.2 ypg (86th)

Rushing: 153.6 ypg (97th)

Scoring: 28.3 ppg (64th)

Total defense: 373.2 ypg (68th)

Passing: 224.8 ypg (78th)

Rushing: 148.4 ypg (65th)

Scoring: 21.6 ppg (31st)

Western Illinois (2024)

Total offense: 427.5 ypg (16th

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