CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Freshman running back Donovonn Young introduced himself to Illinois fans with a pair of touchdowns and Nathan Scheelhaase ran for two more on Saturday in a 56-3 blowout over South Dakota State.
Illinois (2-0) rolled up 519 yards of offense and allowed just 96.
Young scored on a 2-yard run to give the Illini a 7-0 lead. The Houston native showed speed and strength on a 41-yard second-quarter touchdown that put the Illini up 35-3 over the Jackrabbits (1-1) at the half.
Scheelhaase took a seat in the third quarter with 93 yards rushing and 102 passing yards on six completions.
Illinois’ defense picked off South Dakota State quarterback Thomas O’Brien twice. One was returned for a touchdown by linebacker Trulon Henry and the other set up a scoring pass by Reilly O’Toole to Evan Wilson.
O’Brien finished with 37 yards on 8-of-18 passing for South Dakota State.
