Champaign, Ill. - Illinois cruised to a 44-0 win against Western Illinois Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
The Fighting Illini have outscored their opponents (Kent State and Western Illinois) 96-3 in the first two games with interim head coach Bill Cubit at the helm.
Wes Lunt finished 33-for-46 for 316 yards and a touchdown. It's the junior quarterback's third 300-yard passing game as a Fighting Illini.
Senior safety Taylor Barton picked off Trenton Norvell twice, returning one for 49 yards. The last Illini with two interceptions in a game was Trulon Henry against Ohio State on Oct. 2, 2010. Barton has totaled three picks in the last two games.
Marchie Murdock scored twice on the day, a 12-yard return after Jaylen Dunlap's blocked punt and a 5-yard reception from Chayce Crouch late in the fourth quarter.
The Illinois defense stifled the Leathernecks - holding them to five first downs on the day and 141 total yards. It's the first time since 1994 the Illinois defense hasn't allowed a touchdown in back-to-back games.
Taylor Zalewski hit three field goals on the day - from 31, 22 and 39 yards respectively.
