Radio: 1 p.m.; WSCR-AM 670.
Line: Illinois by 8.
Records: Western Michigan 1-1, Illinois 1-1.
Series: Illinois leads 1-0.
Last meeting: Illinois won 60-14 on Nov. 8, 1947, in Champaign.
Team comparison:
(2004 averages, rank)
%%
CATEGORY WMU UI
Rushing offense 108.5 (87) 252.0 (15)
Passing offense 189.0 (72) 253.0 (34)
Total offense 297.5 (88) 505.0 (17)
Scoring offense 21.0 (74) 34.5 (33)
Rushing defense 120.5 (54) 172.0 (81)
Passing defense 234.0 (80) 247.5 (86)
Total defense 354.5 (60) 419.5 (87)
Scoring defense 21.0 (74) 24.0 (69)
%%
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Western Michigan outlook: The Broncos are coming off the worst loss in school history, a 63-0 rout at Virginia Tech. QB Blayne Baggett was injured in the first quarter and replaced by Rutgers transfer Ryan Cubit.
Illinois outlook: Freshman Brad Bower will start at QB, replacing injured sixth-year senior Jon Beutjer, who suffered sternum and rib injuries in last week’s loss to UCLA.