University of Louisville
Illinois
Football Falls To Illinois, 34-10
September 22, 2001 | Football
Sept. 22, 2001
Final Stats?|? Quotes?|? Notes
By JASON STRAIT
Associated Press Writer
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Christian Morton intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown, as Illinois forced five turnovers in a 34-10 victory over No. 25 Louisville on Saturday.
Illinois (3-0) repeatedly pressured Dave Ragone into making poor throws, sacking him three times and picking off three passes. Ragone finished 22-for-39 with 309 yards and one touchdown.
Morton's first interception came midway in the second quarter with Illinois leading 10-7. The sophomore intercepted a tipped e pass and returned it untouched 33 yards for the score.
The Illini outgained Louisville 504-338, gaining 203 yards on the ground for the team's best rushing performance of the season. Antoineo Harris led the Illini with 102 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown.
Illinois outscored the Cardinals (3-1) 17-0 in the final two quarters after a poorly played first half that saw Louisville end numerous drives with penalties.
Kurt Kittner got off to a strong start after an inconsistent game two weeks ago against Northern Illinois. Kittner completed nine of his first 12 passes, the last a 9-yard scoring pass to Carey Davis to put the Illini up 10-7.
Kittner finished the day 18-for-39 for 301 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions - the first two Illinois turnovers of the season.
Deion Branch led Louisville with nine catches for 174 yards.
Louisville had little trouble moving the ball in the first half, but repeatedly hurt itself with penalties and turnovers. The Cardinals were penalized 13 times for 111 yards, a majority of those coming in the first half.
The Cardinals defense was effective in stopping Illinois playmaker Brandon Lloyd, who came into the game as the fifth leading receiver in the nation. Lloyd finished the game with just three catches for 28 yards.
There was an ugly incident before halftime when defensive end Michael Josiah hit Kittner below the knees after officials had called the play dead. With Josiah still holding onto Kittner, Illinois lineman Tony Pashos speared Josiah in the back and a brief scuffle ensued. Both Josiah and Pashos were ejected from the game.
