CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) -- Illinois football opened up the season with a big win at home Friday night against Western Illinois.

Illinois proved why they were preseason ranked at #12 defeating the Leathernecks 52-3 at Memorial Stadium.

Rochester native Hank Beatty had a big performance compiling 133 yards on punt returns and taking one of the returns to the house for a touchdown, he also finished with 108 yards receiving.

His 133 punt return yards broke Red Grange's 102 year old single game school record set back in 1923 against Nebraska.

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