Linebacker Shaq Thompson returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown, picked up a fumble and rumbled 52 yards for another score, and Washington routed Illinois 44-19 on Saturday, improving to 3-0 under Chris Petersen.

Thompson became the first Washington player in 20 years to score via fumble and interception in the same game. Reggie Reser accomplished the feat in 1994 in a victory over California.

Washington quarterback Cyler Miles threw a 75-yard touchdown to John Ross as part of a 21-point blitz that took less than six minutes of the first half. Dwayne Washington's 12-yard TD run gave the Huskies a 28-3 lead on the first play of the second quarter.

Wes Lunt threw for 230 yards for the Fighting Illini (2-1), but was unable to take advantage of Washington's depleted secondary. Illinois was trying for just the fifth 3-0 start in the past 25 years.

Washington will wrap up the non-conference portion of their schedule against Georgia State Saturday, Sept. 12 on 1460 ESPN Yakima.

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