In head coach Lovie Smith’s first game in charge of Illinois, all the Fighting Illini did was beat its opponent 52-3. Granted, it was Murray State, but a 49-point victory is a 49-point victory.

Despite the seven-touchdown differential, Illinois is seen as a 7.5-point underdog in its Week 2 matchup against No. 22 North Carolina. Illinois is at home and North Carolina lost its season-opener to No. 18 Georgia, but as everyone knows, records aren’t everything.

Being ranked No. 22 in the Associated Press’ preseason poll will mean the loss North Carolina suffered in Week 1 will probably mean the Tar Heels will slip out of the top-25 for Week 2. Because of Illinois’ recent lackluster seasons, it’s doubtful the Fighting Illini will find themselves in the top-25.

The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. CST on Sept. 10 at Memorial Stadium and can be seen on BTN.