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

Illinois comes in at No. 23 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings and with three losses remains a long shot to make the coveted Top 12. Still, it's coach Bret Bielema's experience to never say never.