Illinois played solid two-way football, defeating Arkansas State, 33-15, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill., on Saturday.

The Fighting Illini dominated through the air and on the ground, and handcuffed one of the top offenses in the Sun Belt Conference for most of the game, limiting Arkansas State to just eight points until the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

The Fighting Illini, who ranked 11th in rushing offense last season, used a balanced attack, getting 268 yards and two touchdowns from quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. He found receiver A.J. Jenkins for 11 catches and 150 yards, including a 72-yard score in which Jenkins broke numerous tackles down the sidelines for his lone touchdown on the day.

Red Wolves quarterback Ryan Aplin was 20-for-32 passing for 298 yards with an interception and a fumble. Freshman running back Frankie Jackson finally cracked the end zone for ASU with a 1-yard plunge with 3:45 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Illinois running back Jason Ford rumbled for 82 yards and two touchdowns. Receiver Darius Millines reeled in five passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.

Red Wolves kickers Bobby Zalud and Brian Davis booted 50- and 45-yard field goals respectively in the first half. Defensive lineman Amos Draper scored a safety for ASU, tackling Ford in the Illini end zone to open the second quarter.

Illinois takes on South Dakota State in Week 2, while Arkansas State faces Memphis in its second game.