College football around the region

Illini at Huskies Records: Illinois (2-0), Washington (2-0) Kickoff: 1 p.m., Husky Stadium TV/Radio: Fox 28/590-AM Overview: The most intriguing matchup will be Illinois QB Wes Lunt against Washington’s inexperienced defensive backfield, which will be without suspended cornerback Marcus Peters. The Huskies allowed 475 yards passing and seven touchdowns to Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams last week, and while Lunt probably isn’t quite as skilled as Adams, he did throw for 456 yards last week against Western Kentucky. Obviously, the Fighting Illini put the ball in the air a lot, so the Huskies will have to be ready for it – and will have to play better than they did a week ago to prevent Illinois from scoring a bunch of points. … The Huskies also want to see a little more balance out of their offense, which rushed for 356 yards last week and averaged 6.2 yards per carry, but is still trying to figure out how to excel in the passing game. Cyler Miles will make his second start of the season, and is still trying to get in rhythm with UW’s receivers while also working on his decision-making in the pocket. He and his offensive teammates face an Illinois defense that ranked 116th in the nation last season in rushing defense. Tacoma News Tribune Broncos at Vandals Records: Idaho (0-1), Western Michigan (0-1) Kickoff: 2 p.m., Kibbie Dome, Moscow, Idaho Internet/Radio: ESPN3/1080, 1280-AM Overview: Can’t fault Vandals fans for an uptick in the anticipation for the home opener. After 2013 was filled with blowout losses, the only thing Idaho didn’t do in its 2014 opener at Louisiana-Monroe was finish the comeback. But there’s evidence of a healthy offensive balance – quarterback Matt Linehan threw for 324 yards in his debut, and running back Jerrel Brown gashed a better-than-good defense for 117 yards in the 38-31 loss. The Vandals probably need a better defensive effort to check a similarly balanced Broncos attack, led by running back Jarvion Franklin (163 yards in a 43-34 loss at Purdue) and receivers Daniel Braverman and Corey Davis. And the Vandals could do themselves a favor by cutting the penalties in half. John Blanchette Pirates at Poets Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Whittier, California Records: Whitworth (1-0), Whittier (0-0) Radio: 1230-AM Overview: Whitworth will have a new starting quarterback in Ian Kolste, chosen over Bryan Peterson, who has been the regular starter for the Pirates since 2011. Peterson is expected to see action early in the second quarter and coaches will then go with the hot hand. Last year, the Pirates beat the Poets 38-17 at the Pine Bowl. Now they take their new spread offense and 3-4 defense on the road for the first time under coach Rod Sandberg. Thomas Clouse