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

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).

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

(AP Photo/Rich Schultz) Northwestern quarterback Jack Lausch throws against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) scores a 40 ...

Northwestern hosts Illinois in the final week of the college football season. Here's how to get tickets to the rivalry game at Wrigley Field in Chicago.