Series trends: In 2003, as a 6-point underdog at Illinois, Northwestern scored a 45-43 upset, keeping the Illini from qualifying for a bowl game. The two years before that, the Illini won big – 41-3 in 2022 and 47-14 in 2021 – covering easily as the favorites. All three games went over.

Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) scores a 40-yard touchdown after making a catch as teammate Alexander Capka-Jones (15) celebrates in the final seconds of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Piscataway, N.J. Illinois defeated Rutgers 38-31. Credit: AP/Rich Schultz

Northwestern football kicked off its season with much promise on Aug. 30. Fresh off a remarkable 8-5 campaign and Las Vegas Bowl victory, coach David Braun’s squad christened its new temporary home in Martin Stadium with a gutsy defensive win over Miami (Ohio).

No. 22 Illinois will try to reach nine wins for the first time since 2007 when it goes against Northwestern on Saturday at Wrigley Field. The Illini squeezed out a