QB Bush exits with injury in win
Rivers steps in to guide victory over Western; WR Carter also hurt
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois defeated Western Illinois 34-14 on Saturday night to improve to 2-0, but the victory came with a heavy price.
Starting quarterback AJ Bush injured his left leg in the first quarter and didn't return. M.J. Rivers finished the game, providing a needed spark for an Illini offense that had trouble getting started in both of its games.
Bush's injury didn't appear serious.
Rivers was 9 of 16 for 105 yards and two touchdowns for Illinois. Mike Epstein rushed for 105 yards on eight carries, and Reggie Corbin ran for 63 yards and one touchdown.
Sean McGuire went 24-for-36 for 276 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for Western Illinois (0-2).
Illinois also lost wide receiver Edwin Carter, who was injured while making a his touchdown catch of the second quarter. Carter's reception gave Illinois its first lead at 14-7 with 2 minutes, 16 seconds left in the half, but it was costly.
Rivers faded back, threw high into the end zone and Carter had to leap to catch it. He was hit hard just below the knees and did a complete flip, landing on his head.
Carter, seeing more playing time because of the season-ending injury to star receiver Mike Dudek last week, walked off the field with assistance and did not return. The extent of his injury was not known.
McGuire was sharp early, but the Illini adjusted at halftime, forcing McGuire to scramble often to avoid pressure.
The first of his two fourthquarter interceptions came as he was chased from the pocket. Michael Marchese picked it off and returned it 41 yards to the 3, and Corbin ran it in two plays later for a 34-14 lead.
Chase McLaughin's 54-yard field goal for Illinois early in the third quarter was the thirdlongest field goal in school history.