Illinois takes down UAB in the season opener

Champaign, Ill — Four seconds remaining in the first half, and 54 yards away from the UAB goal line. That was the position Katin Houser was in, up only one point, on the Blazers – however, magic was about to happen.

Houser, with all the time in the world, stepped up in the pocket and fired a missile that was tipped into the hands of Ty Robinson for a touchdown, as the clock read triple zeros.

The play put Illinois (1-0) up eight heading into the half and ultimately led to their victory over the visiting UAB Blazers (0-1) by a score of 42-23.

It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for Illinois, though. UAB gave the Illini a serious run for their money – literally. The Blazers' run game was on point in Thursday's contest, with Braylon McReynolds and Roderic Robinson II combining for 114 of the team's 194 rushing yards.

UAB also dominated the time of possession, controlling the ball for 41:03 compared to the Illini's 18:57.

To be fair, the time differential was mainly due to the Orange and Blue's success on breakaway plays.

The first one came directly after the conclusion of UAB's first drive.

Mac Resetich stood within the Illini's 10-yard line awaiting the Blazers' punt. The senior DB had just played the whole first series on defense – however, you wouldn't have been able to tell on the return. Mac took the punt 65 yards, which set up an Illini touchdown two plays later.

The touchdown would come via a Katin Houser pass to Collin Dixon, the first of two touchdowns the pair would have together.

Houser, in only his second play as an Illini, pump-faked to Brayden Trimble like it was a screen, with both Blazer DB's biting hard on it. Thus, allowing Dixon to prance into the end zone unguarded.

If we're talking big plays, though, I'd have to mention Ca'lil Valentine.

The junior running back followed up a 17-yard run with a 51-yard house call that showcased his full speed.

Valentine is up a full 20 pounds from when he arrived on campus in 2024, yet he has the same twitchiness that made him such an exciting prospect. I'd expect him to get more and more carries as the season progresses.

The game will undoubtedly be a relief for some aspects of Illinois' team. For one, Katin Houser looked eerily similar to Luke Altmyer, and the Illini DB's balled out, only allowing 219 passing yards.

However, the defense was on the field for a very long time, and if it wasn't for some undisciplined UAB penalties, today could have been a lot more costly.

However, for the first game of the Bobby Hauck and the 3-3-5 era, I gotta give credit where credit is due. The Orange and Blue, time and time again, would stop the Blazers while they were deep in their own territory. UAB had to settle the whole game, and I think it showed the mental fortitude that this Illinois team has.

One of the craziest football plays I've ever seen in person.

Valentine will be a major piece of this offense.

The cherry on top — Ismael Kante takes this interception to the house.

Katin Houser (ILL) — 13/17, 182 Passing Yards, 3 Passing TDs, 1 Rushing TD

Collin Dixon (ILL) — 70 Receiving Yards, 6 Receptions, 2 TDs

Roderic Robinson II (UAB) — 73 Total Yards, 1 Receiving TD

Ryder Burton (UAB) – 18/32, 219 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

The Illini are 1-0, and things are looking more exciting than ever.

The Duke Blue Devils will come to Champaign next Saturday, looking to seek revenge after Illinois beat them handily last season in Durham.