CHAMPAIGN – In a game that celebrated the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium, No. 22 Illinois delivered a memorable 21-7 victory over No. 24 Michigan on Saturday afternoon. In front of a sell-out crowd, the 77th in program history, the Fighting Illini marked their third win over a ranked opponent this season, solidifying their place among the top teams in the Big Ten thanks to a dominant defensive effort, highlighted by multiple forced turnovers and key plays frustrating the visiting Wolverines.
Illinois head coach Brett Bielema said to beat a team like Michigan takes preparation. Not just a few days before the game but every opportunity during the year.
"You learn to beat Michigan 365 days a year," he said. "You do the things you do every day to take advantage of moments like this and it was really really rewarding."
The matchup, played one day after the 100th anniversary of Red Grange's legendary six-touchdown performance against Michigan in the stadium's Dedication Game, saw Illinois (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) showcase its defensive strength.
The Illini forced three turnovers, with linebacker Gabe Jacas leading the way, recording a game-high 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Dylan Rosiek added a career-best 12 tackles, while Matthew Bailey contributed 11 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble.
"Our first key to victory was toplay fast and physcial for four quarters," Bielema explained. "I thought we did that. I love the way our guys compete and find a way to win."
Early Offensive Strikes and Defensive Stops
Illinois wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with Aidan Laughery's 29-yard rush highlighting an opening drive that culminated in a 47-yard field goal by David Olano. It was the sixth consecutive game in which the Illini scored on their opening possession, setting the stage for a strong start.
"I thought our defense played outstanding," he Bielema said. "I think last week to have that moment and to learn from it really big moment for Aaron and his staff. Defensively it was really pretty cool."
"I think it was the lowest number of points Michigan has put up in 10 years," he added.
The Illini defense came up big on Michigan's first two possessions, forcing punts both times. The momentum shifted fully in Illinois’ favor early in the second quarter when Jacas forced his third fumble of the season. Malachi Hood recovered the loose ball, marking the first recovery of his career and setting up another Olano field goal, this time from 32 yards, to extend the lead to 6-0.
On Michigan’s next possession, Illinois' defense struck again, with Bailey forcing a fumble that was scooped up by Miles Scott. The Illini capitalized quickly, marching 51 yards down the field before Luke Altmyer connected with tight end Tanner Arkin for a 2-yard touchdown pass, pushing the Illinois lead to 13-0.
Michigan Response and Illinois Resilience
Michigan (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) managed to answer before halftime, cutting the deficit to 13-7 on a late second-quarter touchdown. But Illinois’ defense had already made its mark, forcing two critical turnovers in the first half and preventing the Wolverines from finding any offensive rhythm.
The Illini’s defense continued its dominance in the second half. After forcing a three-and-out on Michigan's opening possession of the third quarter, Illinois executed a perfectly timed fake punt, with Arkin breaking free for a 36-yard gain that set the Illini up deep in Wolverine territory. Four plays later, Altmyer found the end zone on a 1-yard quarterback sneak. A two-point conversion pass from backup quarterback Donovan Leary to Zakhari Franklin extended Illinois' lead to 21-7 midway through the third quarter.
Illini Defense Seals the Victory
Illinois' defense refused to let Michigan back into the game. When the Wolverines threatened to score late in the third quarter, the Illini's special teams stepped up, with Ezekiel Holmes blocking a field goal attempt—Illinois' first blocked kick of the season.
Matthew Bailey then intercepted a Michigan pass in the red zone, stifling another Wolverine scoring opportunity. Jacas capped off his dominant performance with all 2.5 of his sacks coming in the fourth quarter, as the Illini closed out the victory, remaining undefeated at Memorial Stadium this season.
Up Next For Illinois
With the win, Illinois improved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten, maintaining their strong position in the conference standings. The victory over Michigan follows earlier wins over ranked opponents, adding to the Illini’s impressive season résumé. The team now turns its attention to a tough road test against No. 2 Oregon next Saturday at Autzen Stadium.
"What we've done is set the stage for for a really good ranked match up against Oregon," Bielema said looking ahead. "I know they're a very good football team. We'll celebrate tonight but put our preparation into Oregon tomorrow and move forward and see where we can go."
The Illini will kick off against Oregon on October 26 at 2:30 p.m. CT, with the game being broadcast nationally on CBS.
Keywords: Illinois vs Michigan football, Memorial Stadium Rededication Game, Illinois defense forces turnovers, Gabe Jacas sacks, Matthew Bailey interception, Illinois football wins, Big Ten football standings, Illini vs Oregon game preview
by Terri Dee
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Despite a resilient second-half defensive effort, Illinois soccer fell 2-1 to No. 20 Rutgers on Sunday afternoon at Yurcak Field. The Illini, now 7-8-2 overall and 3-6-1 in Big Ten play, were unable to overcome a first-half deficit despite controlling much of the offensive action after the break.
Rutgers (10-3-3, 6-2-2 Big Ten) opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Riley Tiernan capitalized on an Illinois turnover in their defensive third, netting her fourth goal of the season. Just two minutes later, the Illini responded with a goal from Sarah Foley, leveling the game at 1-1. Foley’s strike marked her 10th goal of the season, solidifying her status as the team’s top scorer.
However, the Scarlet Knights reclaimed the lead at the 32-minute mark when Shaela Bradley scored off an assist from Tiernan. That would prove to be the game-winning goal, as neither team could find the back of the net in the second half.
Illinois applied pressure throughout the contest, outshooting Rutgers 15-10 and earning six corner kicks, five of which came in the second half. The Illini defense tightened after the break, holding the Scarlet Knights to just three shots, only one of which was on target. However, Rutgers’ defense, led by goalkeeper Olivia Bodmer’s five saves, held firm to protect their lead.
Illini goalkeeper Izzy Lee recorded four saves in the first half, helping to keep her team within striking distance. The Illinois attack kept pushing for an equalizer, but a lack of finishing touch in the final third left the Illini without a second goal.
Foley, a junior forward from Belleville, Ill., continues to be a standout for the Illini. In addition to her 10th goal of the season, she has been a key offensive contributor throughout the year. A 5-foot-5 Academic All-Big Ten selection, Foley started 15 consecutive matches last season and has been a vital part of Illinois’ attack this year.
The Illini return to action on October 27 for their 2024 season finale, hosting Northwestern at Demirjian Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
