The competition ( Kent State , FCS school Western Illinois ) has n't been much to rave about .
The Fighting Illini have avoided any of the early - season hiccups they 'd often had in such games under Beckman .
The competition ( Kent State , FCS school Western Illinois ) has n't been much to rave about , but the Fighting Illini have avoided any of the early - season hiccups they 'd often had in such games under Beckman .