Illinois Survives Lighting Delay, Texas State Scare 42-35

Illinois combined two touchdowns and 190 yards rushing from Jason Ferguson with the kind of second-half comeback the Illini have relied on all season to escape Texas State on Saturday, 42-35.

All three Illinois (3-1) wins this season have come after trailing in the second half.   
 
The game was delayed for almost two hours by lightning that started in the second quarter.

"It is an institutional policy, following the guidelines recommended by the Big Ten," U of I Athletics Spokesman Derrick Burson said.  "If lightning is spotted within an 8-mile radius of the stadium, play is suspended for 30 minutes. And any time there is more lightning, that 30 minute window starts over."

Before the delay the game was almost all Texas State (1-2). And after, the Illini clawed back.
 
Texas State built a 21-6 second-quarter lead.  But the Illini scored 17 fourth-quarter points to put the game away.
 
Wes Lunt threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns for the Illini.  The go-ahead touchdown came on a Wes Lunt to Mikey Dudek pass.

"Mikey's way beyond his years,' Lunt said.  "He's a true freshman, but the way he carries himself, and the way he plays, he plays like a veteran.  I have all the confidence in the world in Mkey, and he made a great play."

Tyler Jones threw for 336 yards and four touchdowns. He ran for another score but also threw a late interception that V'Angelo Bentley returned 45 yards for a touchdown to give the Illini a 42-28 lead.