CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Katin Houser threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score as Illinois pulled away late for a 42-23 season-opening victory over UAB on Thursday night at Gies Memorial Stadium.

Houser completed 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards, connecting twice with Collin Dixon for touchdowns. His 54-yard touchdown strike to Ty Robinson with no time remaining in the second quarter gave the Fighting Illini (1-0) a 21-13 lead heading into halftime.

Ca'Lil Valentine added 88 yards on 11 carries, highlighted by a 51-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

UAB (0-1) controlled the clock for long stretches behind quarterback Ryder Burton, who completed 18 of 31 passes for 219 yards with one touchdown and an interception. Burton also ran for a 5-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. The Blazers held a distinct edge in total time of possession (41:03 to 18:57) and total offensive plays (79 to 43), but struggled to turn long drives into touchdowns, settling for three field goals from Jonah Delange.

The Blazers pulled within 14-13 late in the second quarter on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Burton to Roderick Robinson II before Houser's last-second touchdown to Robinson extended Illinois' cushion.

Dixon caught six passes for 70 yards and two scores, including a 14-yard touchdown pass midway through the third quarter that built the lead to 28-13. Houser capped a 13-play drive early in the fourth quarter with a 6-yard touchdown run to push the advantage to 35-16.

Defensive back Ismael Kante sealed the win for the Illini with a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown with 5:48 remaining in the game. Safety Matthew Bailey led the Illinois defense with eight tackles.

Roderick Robinson II led UAB on the ground with 59 yards on 14 carries, while receiver CJ Smith caught two passes for 57 yards.