CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) -- Illinois football survived a nail biting battle against Purdue Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium and they continue to rise in the AP Top 25 poll.
The Orange and Blue moved up one spot to #22 in the standings after improving to 5-1 on the season.
RELATED STORY: Illinois up to #22 in the AP Top 25, Sets up Ranked Matchup vs. #24 Michigan
The Illini won the Cannon Trophy for the first time under Head Coach Bret Bielema brining it back to Champaign for the first time since 2019 after defeating Purdue 50-49 in overtime in a game that was personal for everyone on the field.
RELATED STORY: #23 Illinois takes down Purdue in OT to claim The Cannon
Bielema said it's the best thing that could have happened to his team, giving up a 24-3 lead, and while a win is a win they have a lot to learn and clean up before Saturday's game against #24 Michigan.
Kickoff against the Wolverines is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 19.
Copyright 2024. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
