CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Hank Beatty returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown and broke Red Grange’s nearly 102-year-old Illinois record for yards on punt returns to help the No. 12 Illini rout Western Illinois 52-3 on Friday night to open the season. Beatty had four returns for 133 yards to break Grange's mark of 125 set against Nebraska on Oct. 6, 1923. The third-quarter TD return was the Illini’s first since D’Angelo Bailey did it against Ohio State in 2013.

Beatty also led Illinois in receiving with 108 yards on five catches. “Hank started to have success in the punt-return game last year and that's given him confidence as a receiver,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said.. “I was talking with (Western Illinois coach) Joe Davis before the game and he said they don't want to punt it to Hank.

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