CHAMPAIGN – Tim Beckman will be on unfamiliar turf today as he opens his career as Illinois coach. At least he knows the opponent, and it’s one that might jangle the former defensive coordinator’s nerves.

The Illini open against Western Michigan and Beckman knows all too well what’s coming. His Toledo Rockets just managed to outgun the pass-happy Broncos last fall, winning 66-63.

“That game was really their breakout game, going empty [backfield] and not playing very many backs at all. Sometimes there wasn’t even a back in the football game,” Beckman said.