How to watch Illinois vs. Eastern Illinois

Playing time: 8pm Thursday

TV channels: BTN

Online streaming: FOX Sports GO

Opportunities: ILL -28, Over/Under 45

Quick hits:

Illinois Fighting Illini (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten)

Head Coach: Bret Bielema (4th season, record 18-19)

Last game: 45-43 loss to Northwestern

Matchday reading:

Eastern Illinois Panthers (0-0)

Head Coach: Chris Wilkerson (3rd season, 10-12)

Last game: 28-14 win over Robert Morris

What happened in the last game between these two teams?

September 6, 2008: Illinois 47, EIU 21

How about this gem from News Gazette veteran Scott Richey as he covered EIU!

CHAMPAIGN — Eastern had a chance to take the lead against No. 24 Illinois about six minutes before halftime. The Panthers had the ball at the Illinois seven-yard line but couldn’t gain that crucial yard on consecutive running plays.

Illinois then scored two more points before the end of the second quarter to extend its lead to 19-7, resulting in a 47-21 victory.

The Fighting Illini dominated their running game, rushing for 399 yards on 53 carries. Illinois junior quarterback Juice Williams rushed for an Illinois record 174 yards and scored two touchdowns. Williams also completed 16 of 25 passes for 124 yards and another touchdown.