AJ Bush runs for 2 TDs, passes for another, Illinois wins
By TOM CANAVAN - Oct. 06, 2018 04:42 PM EDT
Rutgers quarterback Artur Sitkowski looks for a receiver as Illinois defensive lineman Bobby Roundtree, left, is blocked during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/David Boe)
Rutgers quarterback Artur Sitkowski looks for a receiver as Illinois defensive lineman Bobby Roundtree, left, is blocked during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/David Boe)
Illinois quarterback AJ Bush Jr., right, hands off to running back Reggie Corbin, who ran for a touchdown on the play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/David Boe)
Illinois quarterback AJ Bush Jr. celebrates as he scores a touchdown against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/David Boe)
Rutgers tight end Travis Vokolek is hit by Illinois defensive back Delano Ware, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/David Boe)
Illinois quarterback AJ Bush Jr. runs with the ball as Rutgers linebacker Trevor Morris (5) gives chase during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Piscataway, N.J. Illinois won 38-17. (AP Photo/David Boe)
Illinois running back Mike Epstein gets away from Rutgers defensive back Kiy Hester on the way to a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Piscataway, N.J. Illinois won 38-17 (AP Photo/David Boe)
Illinois wide receiver Rick Smalling (4) hauls in a touchdown pass as Rutgers' Avery Young defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Piscataway, N.J. Illinois won 38-17. (AP Photo/David Boe)
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PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Quarterback AJ Bush ran for 116 yards and two touchdowns and threw for another in his return to the lineup as Illinois used a big ground game to beat Rutgers 38-17 Saturday, sending the Scarlet Knights to their fifth straight loss.

Bush, who missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, scored on runs of 3 and 41 yards in the first half. He iced the game with an 11-yard TD pass to Ricky Smalling early in the fourth quarter.

Reggie Corbin ran for a career-high 137 yards, including a 73-yard scoring dash, as the Illini (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) rushed for 330 yards and had 419 yards in total offense in snapping a two-game losing streak. Mike Epstein added 41-yard touchdown run with 5:07 to go

The three wins in a season ties the most Illinois coach Lovie Smith has had in his two-plus seasons. The Illini were 2-10 last season and winless in the league. The win snapped a 13-game losing streak in the Big Ten, dating to 31-27 decision over Michigan State in 2016.

Senior guard Nick Allegretti said winning in the conference was important.

"It's huge for the program,' Allegretti said. "Really excited for everyone in that locker room to experience that first one and it won't be the last."

Jonathan Hilliman scored on a 32-yard run and freshman Art Sitkowski added a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Travis Vokolek to get Rutgers (1-5, 0-3) within 24-14 at the half. Gavin Haggerty added a 20-yard field goal with less than six minutes to play, but Epstein scored on the first play after Illinois recovered an onside kick.

Illinois, which had seven interceptions coming into the game, picked three more, including one on the first pass of the game by Sitkowski (29-49 for 267). It set up a 39-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin for a 3-0 lead after less than four minutes.

Hilliiman's 32-yard run capped a 75-yard drive on the ensuing series that gave Rutgers its only lead.

Bush's short touchdown run after he bobbled a shot-gun snap put the Illini ahead late in the quarter. His longer run stretched the lead to 17-7 and Corbin quickly followed with his career-long run on a one-play drive on the following series.

"It's lack of focus, a lack of attention to detail," said Rutgers coach Chris Ash, whose team has taken a step back after going 4-8 last year. "Something has to be coached differently. We've got to figure it out. But you know, obviously (I) was a lot more optimistic about our chances to win these games that we've been playing, and it hasn't happened."

THE TAKEAWAY

Illinois: If Bush (10 of 18 for 89 yards) can stay healthy, the Illini can score and win more games.

Rutgers: Things are looking bleak. The Scarlet Knights may not win another game this season.

ILLINI SUPPURLATIVES

It has scored 30 or more points three times this season, tying its most 30+ point games since 2013 (7). It marked the first time it has had two 100-yard rushers in a game since at Purdue on Nov. 7, 2015, when Ke'Shawn Vaughn had 180 and Josh Ferguson 133. Illinois was 8 for 16 on third downs. Rutgers was 4-for-14.

OFFICIAL HURT

Center judge Mike Conlin left the field in the third quarter to be examined on the Rutgers' bench. He returned the next series. He had apparently been hit in the head in the first half when a ball was thrown in from the sideline to be marked. There was an extra official who replaced him briefly on the eight-man crew.

UP NEXT

Illinois: Returns home to face Purdue in Big Ten game on Saturday.

Rutgers: At Maryland in Big Ten game Saturday.

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