Illinois - Louisville Postgame Notes - University of Illinois Athletics

Sept. 22, 2001

Illinois and Louisville are now tied with Oklahoma for the national lead in forced turnovers. Illinois forced five this afternoon (two fumbles, three interceptions) to up its season total to 12, while Louisville collected two interceptions to also bring its season total to 12 forced turnovers. Those two interceptions marked the first time this season that Illinois turned the ball over.

With the 34-10 win this afternoon, Illinois registered its 10th consecutive win over a non-conference foe. The last time the Illini won at least 10 non-conference games in a row was a 15-game win streak from 1910-16. Today's win also marks the third-straight season Illinois has gone undefeated in non-conference play.

The 34-10 win over #25 Louisville is Illinois' first win over a ranked opponent since the 46-20 win at #25 Ohio State in 1999.

With 301 yards passing this afternoon Illinois quarterback Kurt Kittner has now passed for over 300 yards four times in his career. His career high is 352 yards against Michigan in 2000, and the other times he has passed for 300 yards were vs. Michigan State in 1999 (323) and at Penn State in 2000 (326).

Illinois running back Antoineo Harris gained 102 yards today, giving him his fourth 100-yard game of his career and first of the season.

Illinois sophomore defensive back Christian Morton intercepted two passes against the Cardinals this afternoon, making it the second-straight game that an Illini defender has picked off two passes and the third time in five games (dating back to the 2000 season).

Illinois sophomore placekicker Peter Christofilakos made his Illini debut in the third quarter today and finished the game with five points, connecting on a 30-yard field goal and two extra points.

With 174 yards receiving on nine receptions today, Louisville wide receiver Deion Branch went over 100 yards for the second time this season and the seventh time in his 16-game U of L career. He also caught five or more balls for the 14th time as a Cardinal.

Louisville punter Wade Tydlacka's second quarter punt of 57 yards was a career long.

Louisville placekicker Nate Smith's 43-yard field goal in the second quarter was a career long.

Louisville sophomore defensive end Dewayne White blocked his first career field goal in the third quarter.

With 309 yards passing Louisville quarterback Dave Ragone went over 300 yards for the second time this season and the fourth time in his career.

Louisville's Damien Dorsey set a career-high with 82 receiving yards today.

Louisville's loss snaps a seven-game regular season winning streak for U of L. It was the program's longest streak since the last six games of 1990 and the first game of 1991.

Louisville safety Curry Burns intercepted two passes in a game for the first time in his career. His three interceptions this season also stand as a career high.

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