Here are some takeaways from the Battle for the Hat, as Illinois and Northwestern played for the Land of Lincoln Trophy at Wrigley Field.

Nov 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Ryan Meed (34) holds the “Land of Lincoln” trophy after a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images / Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Illini await their bowl assignment — almost certainly will the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on New Year's Eve.

Aidan Laughery rushed for three touchdowns and No. 23 Illinois topped Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday to reach nine victories.

Star wide receiver Pat Bryant and the Illinois Fighting Illini (8-3) meet the Northwestern Wildcats (4-7) on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET, at Wrigley Field.The Fighting Illini head into this matchup

With the Land of Lincoln Trophy up for grabs, Northwestern and No. 23 Illinois squared off in Wrigley Field on Saturday, boasting opposite season trajectories. But year-long resumes and recent form are often cast aside when two rivals face off late in any campaign,

The No. 25 Illinois Fighting Illini (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) and Northwestern Wildcats (4-7, 2-6) meet Saturday. Kickoff from Wrigley Field is scheduled for noon ET (Big Ten Network). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's college football odds around the Illinois vs.

No. 23 Illinois can match its highest win total in 17 years and move within one of the school record if it beats struggling Northwestern at Wrigley Field to close out the regular season.

Illinois and Northwestern are headed in opposite directions this season, but their paths will cross at Chicago’s Wrigley Field on Saturday.