By JASON STRAIT
Associated Press Writer
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Each week, Christian Morton predicts he'll score a touchdown. He finally came through against No. 25 Louisville.
The Illinois cornerback intercepted two passes, returning the first 33 yards for a score, in the Illini's 34-10 victory over Louisville (3-1) on Saturday.
"It's my first year at the position but I expect to come out every week and do this," the sophomore said. "I knew it was six."
Illinois (3-0) forced Louisville into committing five turnovers, repeatedly pressuring Dave Ragone into making poor throws. The quarterback was sacked three times and finished 22-of-39 for 309 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions.
The Illini defense, a major concern heading into the season for coach Ron Turner, held the Cardinals to 338 total yards and all but stopped the Louisville ground game. The Cardinals had 29 rushing yards on 25 carries.
Illinois has forced 12 turnovers through three games this season while turning the ball over only twice on offense.
"We stress that a lot. Our defense has done a tremendous job of getting turnovers," Turner said. "Games like this are why I love to coach. This was one of the most fun gams I can remember coaching."
The Illini outgained Louisville 504-338, with 203 of those yards coming on the ground for the team's best rushing performance this season.
Antoineo Harris led Illinois with 102 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown
Kurt Kittner got off to a strong start after an inconsistent game two weeks ago against Northern Illinois. Kittner completed nine of his first 12 passes, the last a 9-yard scoring pass to Carey Davis to put the Illini up 10-7. Illinios then went up 17-7 on Morton's interception return.
Kittner finished 18-for-39 for 301 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions - the first two Illinois turnovers of the season.
Louisville was effective in stopping Illinois playmaker Brandon Lloyd, who came into the game as the fifth leading receiver in the nation, had just three catches for 28 yards.
Walter Young led Illinois in receiving with four catches for 90 yards, including a 38-yard pass from Kittner in the third quarter that made the score 24-10.
"I can't concentrate on just throwing the ball to Brandon. We have to spread it around," Kittner said.
Illinois outscored the Cardinals 17-0 in the final two quarters after a poorly played first half that saw Louisville end numerous drives with penalties.
Louisville had little trouble moving the ball in the first half, but repeatedly hurt itself by jumping offsides. The Cardinals were penalized 13 times for 111 yards, a majority of those coming in the first half.
"We made many more mistakes. You can't blame one individual," Ragone said. "If I knew how to stop all of our penalties, I would be a coach."
Deion Branch led Louisville with nine catches for 174 yards.
There was an ugly incident before halftime when defensive end Michael Josiah hit Kittner below the knees after officials had called the play dead. With Josiah still holding onto Kittner, Illinois lineman Tony Pashos speared Josiah in the back and a brief scuffle ensued. Both Josiah and Pashos were ejected from the game.
"I heard the whistle blow and whatever happened, happened. The guys on my team are trying to protect me, but I think it got a little out of hand," Kittner said.
Players from both teams wore American flags on their uniforms in tribute to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks.
