CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Hank Beatty returned a punt 69 yards for a third-quarter touchdown and broke Red Grange’s 102-year-old Illinois record for yards on punt returns to help the No. 12 Illini rout Western Illinois 52-3 on Friday night to open the season.

Beatty had four returns for 133 yards to break Grange's mark of 125 set against Nebraska on Oct. 6, 1923. The TD return was the Illini’s first since D’Angelo Bailey did it against Ohio State in 2013.

Beatty also led Illinois in receiving with 108 yards on five catches, with a 59-yarder for a touchdown.

Luke Altmyer was 17 of 21 with three touchdowns passes in an interception-free performance. Aidan Laughery ran for 109 yards on nine carries and two TDs.

Chris Irvin was 14 of 29 for 134 yards for Western Illinois. Antonio Chadha made a 20-

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