CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Illinois’ 17-14 win over Arizona State wasn’t perfect. The Illini turned the ball over three times and struggled on offense.
None of that matters much to quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. He expected a slugfest and got one. And the Illini were rewarded with the No. 24 ranking, their first time in the Top 25 since 2008.
Arizona State dropped out of the poll after one week. Coach Dennis Erickson said the Sun Devils are a good football team, but seem to take a step back for every one or two they move forward.
Arizona State limited Illinois to 257 yards of offense, but the Illini made the most of the three turnovers they forced.
Illinois linebacker Jonathan Brown said the Illini defense, considered a big question mark coming into the season, has something to prove.
