As the regular season winds down for No. 23 Illinois (8-3, 5-3), it can earn its ninth win. It’s rivalry week, with Illinois making its way to Chicago to face off against Northwestern in their annual final game of the regular season.
Land of Lincoln
The Illini are on a mission to reclaim the trophy after losing it heartbreakingly last year in Champaign. Illinois has won the trophy five out of 10 times since its origin in 2009.
Before the Land of Lincoln trophy, the Illini and the Wildcats battled it out for the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk. Illinois retired the trophy to steer away from the Native American images in its program.
Illinois vs. Northwestern is likely one of the most consistent back-and-forth histories for Illinois. The Illini are 57-55-5 against the Wildcats, with their most recent victory in 2022.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
Baseball turned football
Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs, but this weekend, it will host Northwestern and Illinois for the third time. This continues a growing trend of MLB stadiums hosting college football games, with Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park the other popular hosts.
Illinois might have some luck playing at Wrigley Field. While this is only the third time the Illini will play at Wrigley, they are 2-0 in 1923 and 2010.
“The Chicago Cubs and Northwestern have enjoyed a long-term partnership for over a decade,” said Colin Faulkner, the Cubs executive vice president of sales and marketing, in an interview with Yahoo Sports. “We’re excited to welcome the Wildcats back to the Friendly Confines this November with a new field layout that addresses feedback we’ve received from the Big Ten Conference and participating teams.”
Earlier this year, the new layout was announced, allowing each team to have their own sideline following the feedback. Last year, both teams shared a sideline in left field.
Last showdown before they bowl
Saturday is the last regular season game for the Illini before they hit the postseason. With less than a month to go until bowl season kicks off, the Illini have one last chance to earn another win and move up in the rankings.
Since the beginning of the century, the Illini have been to seven bowl games. Illinois hasn’t fared amazing in the bowl games, but this season has been filled with surprises for the team.
A national ranking, walk-off road victories and overtime slugfests have gone in Illinois’ favor. A win in the regular season finale would cap off an excellent year of Illinois football.
@lauram0131
