While Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon and Penn State are hogging Big Ten headlines, Illinois and Rutgers are enjoying a few big accomplishments of their own.
No. 25 Illinois attempts to reach eight wins for the second time in three seasons and inch closer to its first nine-win season since 2007 when it meets Rutgers on Saturday in Piscataway, N.J.
For its part, Rutgers hopes to reach seven wins in consecutive seasons for the first time in since 2012.
Illinois coach Bret Bielema appreciates what his team has accomplished.
“We have an unbelievable opportunity in front of us with Rutgers and to put ourselves in a position here at the end of the season with two games remaining. To have a lot to play for is pretty awesome,” Bielema said.
Illinois (7-3, 4-3) is coming off a 38-16 win over Michigan State last week in its home finale, finishing 6-1 at home. The defense led the way with five sacks, while running back Josh McCray scored three touchdowns and Pat Bryant totaled 135 receiving yards. Luke Altmyer threw for 231 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown pass to Bryant.
The Illini close the season against Northwestern on Nov. 30 and are heading to their second bowl game in four seasons under Bielema. Illinois was 8-5 two seasons ago but slumped to 5-7 last year for its 11th losing campaign in 12 years. The Illini are attempting to reach nine victories since it went 9-4 in 2007 and advanced to the Rose Bowl under Ron Zook.
Rutgers (6-4, 3-4) went 12-22 in the first three seasons of coach Greg Schiano’s second stint. The program is seeking back-to-back seven win seasons for the first time since finishing 9-4 in 2011 and 2012, its final seasons in the Big East.
Rutgers is attempting to end a 40-game losing streak against ranked opponents that dates back to a 31-0 win over South Florida on Nov. 12, 2009.
And Schiano sees good things ahead.
“We operate in the moment,” Schiano said. “If we let the future steal or the past steal from the moment, the present, that’s where we get in trouble. I don’t know if anybody can handle that, but we certainly can’t. We’re a developing program. We’re on the rise.”
Rutgers heads into its final home game coming off consecutive wins over Minnesota and Maryland. After earning a 26-19 win over Minnesota on Nov. 9, the Scarlet Knights followed it up with last week’s 31-17 win at Maryland to become bowl-eligible.
Rutgers topped 30 points for the second time in a conference game as Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 238 yards with two TD passes and Dymere Miller finished with eight catches for 107 yards for his second-highest total in both categories this season.
Kyle Monangai finished with 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Monangai reached 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season.
Rutgers will close the regular season against Michigan State on Nov. 30.
Illinois leads the all-time series 5-3, including a 4-2 mark in Big Ten games.
–Field Level Media
