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Social Media Reacts to Illinois Football Putting Away Western Michigan

It may not have started pretty for Illinois, but a win is a win – and Illini Nation got to have its fun on social media
Pranav Hegde|
Sep 13, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) eludes the tackle of Western Michigan Broncos cornerback Jarvarius Sims (8) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Sep 13, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) eludes the tackle of Western Michigan Broncos cornerback Jarvarius Sims (8) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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Illinois Fighting Illini

After another sluggish first half, Illinois finally found its stride after the break Saturday in Champaign, transforming what began as a tense evening into a commanding 38-0 win over Western Michigan.

In front of a sold-out Gies Memorial Stadium crowd and carrying the weight of their No. 9 national ranking, the Illini looked shaky early. The Broncos’ two-quarterback system created headaches for the defense, with Western Michigan knocking on the door of the end zone a couple of times. Meanwhile, Illinois’ offense sputtered on multiple three-and-outs and struggled to find its rhythm.

Whatever message was delivered in the locker room at halftime clearly resonated, because Illinois came out looking like a completely different team. The Illini immediately seized control, dominating in all three phases. Up front, the defensive line began collapsing the pocket and forcing hurried throws, while the secondary clamped down to erase the Broncos’ early rhythm. On offense, Luke Altmyer settled into a groove, spreading the ball to his playmakers and leaning on a physical ground game that gradually wore Western Michigan down. By the time the fourth quarter arrived, Illinois had imposed its will, turning what once looked like a dangerous upset bid into a breezy win.

The victory closes out Illinois’ non-conference slate at 3-0 for the second straight season, a mark that underscores the program’s consistency under Bret Bielema. Still, the road ahead gets tougher. Next weekend’s trip to Bloomington looms large, with Indiana emerging as one of the Big Ten’s premier powers. Both programs have flashed the kind of talent and toughness that could help them make noise in the league race, and Bielema knows his team will need its sharpest performance yet to handle the Hoosiers in what promises to be a physical showdown.

For now, though, Illini fans can celebrate another fast start and savor the excitement of a team that continues to answer challenges. From early frustrations to second-half fireworks, Saturday was another reminder that Illinois is learning how to win in different ways – and finding a way to stay perfect despite certain challenges as Big Ten play begins. And, as always, the best moments carried over to the online world, where Illini Nation lit up social media with its reactions.

Not many better ways to spend a Saturday Night

Welcome back to Champaign, Kasparas Jakucionis

Another slow start for the Illini

Keep it clean

You can't spell 'fun' without 'Illinois football'

Kaden Feagin: Grown-man running back

Indiana fans are not impressed

Here's to your health

On to Bloomington ...

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Pranav Hegde
PRANAV HEGDE

Primarily covers Illinois football, basketball and golf, with an emphasis on news, analysis and features. Hegde, an electrical engineering student at Illinois with an affinity for sports writing, has been writing for On SI since April 2025. He can be followed and reached on Instagram @pranavhegde__.

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