Getting offensive: Illinois’ 378 rushing yards fell nine short of cracking the school’s all-time top 10. The Illini averaged 7.4 yards per rush.
On the defense: Illinois allowed only one TD drive while the game was in doubt. The linebackers stood out: Britt Miller had two tackles for losses, and J Leman and Will Davis each had 1 1/2 sacks.
The number: 151. The margin by which Illinois outgained Syracuse in the first quarter (154-3), when the Illini took a lead they never relinquished.
They’re still talking about: Miller’s stop of Curtis Brinkley on fourth-and-1 at the Illinois 24 in the second quarter, allowing the Illini to maintain a 14-0 lead.
Sick bay: Starting safety Justin Harrison and backup running back Daniel Dufrene left with ankle injuries.
Audible: Jason Reda kicked the second-longest FG of his career, a 50-yarder, to give Illinois a 20-3 lead early in the third quarter. His longest was 52 yards last year against Indiana.
Looking ahead: With two straight easy wins, Illinois has built some confidence heading into Saturday’s Big Ten opener at Indiana at 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network.