CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Week 2’s AP Poll results are in, and the Illini have jumped up to No. 11, their highest ranking since 2001.
Illinois’ new ranking is one spot higher than their preseason position, and comes after their resounding victory over Western Illinois in the season opener, which they won by a score of 52-3.
Wide receiver Hank Beatty made headlines for his big performance in Week 1, hitting his career-high in receiving yards with 108 and breaking the Illinois program record for single-game
punt return yards with 133. He also scored the first Illini punt return touchdown since 2013.
Illinois stars Luke Altmyer and Gabe Jacas also started their seasons off strong. Altmyer threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns, while Jacas logged two sacks and forced a fumble.
The Big Ten continues to be well-represented in the AP Poll, with all six teams that were ranked in the preseason poll staying in the top 25.
In Week 2, the Illini travel to Durham, North Carolina, to take on the Duke Blue Devils for their first away game of the season.
The Blue Devils come into this week’s matchup with a 1-0 record as well, as they won against Elon University, 45-17.
For the next test of their season, the No. 11 Illini hit the gridiron at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Follow along right here on TCR.
