The Hilltoppers bid to go 2-0 on the new football season looked good through three quarters Saturday afternoon in Champaign, Ill.
But Illinois scored 21 points in the fourth quarter for a 42-34 win.
WKU quarterback Brandon Doughty amassed 297 passing yards on the day, completing two touchdown passes. But he also threw a critical interception late.
WKU running back Leon Allen ran for 184 yards on 24 carries with a touchdown.
The Hilltoppers, now 1-1 on the year, face Middle Tennessee State next week in Murfreesboro.
