The Leathernecks struggled to move the ball, finishing with 163 yards of total offense. Quarterback Chris Irvin completed 14 of 29 passes for 134 yards, with wideout Demari Davis leading the receivers with four catches for 65 yards, including a 36-yard grab and a called-back touchdown that marked him down at the 1-yard line. The run game struggled to get going against the Illini front, managing only 29 rushing yards on 26 attempts.

Defensively, the Leathernecks were tested by a balanced Illini offense but found production in the pass rush. Jalen Nicolas and David Dunston each recorded sacks, while Payne Miller and Kevin Washington Jr. combined for another. Keith Moko led all tacklers with nine, and Buju Aumua-Tuisavura and Malini Ti'a added seven tackles. The Leathernecks also contributed a highlight play on special teams with a blocked 28-yard field goal from DJ Taylor. 

The Leathernecks only points came from a 20-yard field goal from Antonio Chadha with 14:57 to play in the 4th. The Leathernecks had 1st and goal at the 1-yard line but suffered a false start penalty that stalled the drive and made them settle for 3. 

The Leathernecks (0–1) will return to action next weekend, continuing non conference play on the road at Northwestern.

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