The Fighting Illini delved deeper into preparations for the Aug. 30 season-opener against Youngstown State on Thursday, with a two-and-a-half hour practice inside Memorial Stadium.

Thursday was the first official campus move-in day for new students, and it was apparent as both foot and automobile traffic were heavier, even on the south end of campus. After practice ended and Illinois cleared the field, facilities workers sprung into action to begin setting up the field for Friday's New Student Convocation, which serves as the official welcome for new students and is followed by a welcome picnic.