Top 25 Preview Capsules

Both are looking for their first win, and Illinois is looking to stay in the Top 25. The Illini opened the season at No. 20 in The AP poll, but fell four places after last week's 52-42 loss to Missouri.

Key Matchup

Eastern's defense against Illinois quarterback Juice Williams. The junior Illini QB had a career night Saturday against Missouri, throwing for 451 yards and five touchdowns. Eastern, meanwhile, struggled to stop Central Michigan in its 31-12 loss. The Panthers gave up 172 yards on the ground and another 217 in the air.

Players to watch

Illinois: Running back Daniel Dufrene. Illinois coach Ron Zook would like to jump start his ground game. Dufrene, a junior, carried the ball for 79 yards against Missouri.

Eastern Illinois: Quarterback Bodie Reeder. Eastern is a run-first team, but Reeder will have to be able to throw a little for the Panthers to have a prayer at Illinois.

Facts & Figures

Illinois has lost two straight, dating to its 49-17 Rose Bowl blowout against USC. The defense has given up 101 points in those two games. ... The Illini open the renovated Memorial Stadium Saturday, adding $121 million worth of polish to the 85-year-old facility. ... Illinois has won its last 10 home openers, and is 80-33-5 in its first home game of the season. ... Things should get easier next week for Eastern Illinois, a Championship Subdivision team, when it opens its home schedule against Indiana State. ... Eastern is 4-22 all time against teams from the Bowl Subdivision.