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.

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).