Northwestern vs. Illinois - November 30, 2024

‘Fast and free’: Cooper looks to reinvigorate Illinois’ defenseHow much better can the Illini defense really get?

Column | 'Just one of those days:' Illinois' loss to Purdue latest link in losing chainThere are a lot of words that can describe Illinois' (2-3, 0-2) 24-17 loss to Purdue (2-3, 1-1) on Saturday. None of them are pretty, but neither was the game. "(It) just felt like one of those days where everything that you said, 'Hey, we can't do this,' it happened," said head coach Bret Bielema....

Gallery | Illinois' Homecoming loss to Purdue, in photosSkip to Content Hi! I'm Sam, and I am a senior studying journalism and gender and women's studies. I started working at Illini Media Company in Fall 2023 as a staff photographer for The Illio, and I became the Senior Photographer for both The Illio and The Daily Illini in Spring 2024.

Gallery: New Ryan Field brings buzz to Northwestern community in its opening game Gallery: New Ryan Field brings buzz to NorthwesternNorthwestern’s new stadium roared to life in its inaugural football game Friday as the Wildcats (3-1, 1-1 Big Ten) defeated Penn State in a statement 34-13 win. The 35,000-seat stadium was raucous throughout the night with students, alumni and fans alike cheering on the ’Cats and keeping the energy high in Evanston past the game’s...

Gallery: Northwestern thrashes Penn State in Ryan Field’s football debut Gallery: Northwestern beats Penn State in Ryan Field stadium openingNorthwestern defeated Penn State 34-13 Friday night in its first game back on Central Street, opening the new Ryan Field with a dominant statement win. The Wildcats (3-1, 1-1 Big Ten) controlled the contest through the ground game. Redshirt junior running back Caleb Komolafe and graduate student running back Joseph Himon II combined for 350...

‘It’s the nicest college football stadium we’ve ever set foot in’: National media react to Ryan Field’s reopening National media react to Ryan Field’s reopeningNational media descended on Ryan Field for the opening game and festivities Friday, with the eyes of the entire college football world on Northwestern after narrowly losing to defending national champion Indiana. Among the crowd was Scott Dochterman, national college football reporter for The Athletic. Dochterman covered around 10 games at the old Ryan Field...

Northwestern opens Ryan Field with rowdy, redefining victory over Penn State Northwestern opens Ryan Field with victory over Penn StateSitting in one of college sports’ most lavish practice facilities midweek, coach David Braun could not help but envision a future in Evanston that could achieve more than Northwestern ever imagined. Braun has held his press conferences and practices in the state-of-the-art Walter Athletics Center and Ryan Fieldhouse, but until this week, he had no...

Three takeaways from Northwestern’s 34-13 thumping of Penn StateThe ‘Cats put the Big Ten on notice with their 34-13 thumping of Penn State on Friday. @sutro_sports has three takeaways.

🚨 Week 5 CFB AP Top 25 Poll

😬 Gators drop 8 spots 📈 Bama just outside top 5 📲 Tap for full rankings

Swim and Dive: Northwestern kicks off season with wins over Miami (OH)NU’s highly-anticipated season got off to a steady start with men’s and women’s victories. Adam Sutro breaks down the meet.

🚨 Week 5 AP Top 25 Poll😬 Gators drop 8 spots 📈 Bama just outside top 5 📲 Tap for full rankings

Purdue steals the Cannon at Illinois' HomecomingThe Cannon Trophy left Champaign as the Illini (2-3, 0-2) fell to the Purdue Boilermakers (2-3, 1-1) in their Homecoming game Saturday afternoon. Illinois started to unravel from the first quarter. Incomplete passes, a hurt player and a missed field goal attempt all contributed to a scoreless first 15 minutes.

Massive Shakeup in CFB Top 25 List 🔢Florida and Mississippi State were both humbled after lopsided losses. Tap for new Top 5 📲

CFB Week 5 Winners & Losers 📊🐐 Jeremiah enters GOAT convo? 🔻 Kamario's Heisman odds tank 📲 Full recap after Saturday

Missed opportunities lead to deflating Illinois loss to Purdue Purdue claim the Cannon trophy in 24-17 win during Illinois homecoming.  

Week 5 CFB Playoff Predictions 👀Gators became the latest contender to learn how difficult life can be on the road in the SEC

Illinois Football vs. Purdue Game DiscussionTalk here!

‘We’re bigger, we’re longer’: Length, athleticism fuel new-look Illinois defenseHow the 2026-27 Illini will look defensively.

Stock up, stock down for Northwestern’s grand opening of the New Ryan FieldIn more ways than one, it was a perfect night. The moral of the story: Northwestern football has arrived. @DonovanW6013 gives his instant reactions on the game.

David Braun on Atmosphere ⚡

Big Ten Network

@BigTenNetwork

“This place is electric right now, and I couldn't be more honored to have the opportunity to lead this program through it all.” Hear from HC David Braun following @NUFBFamily's first win at New Ryan Field 👇

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 34, Penn State 13Northwestern opened up its $875 million new home with a 34-13 statement win Friday over Penn State. Ryan Field was rocking from the opening kickoff, and the Wildcats (3-1, 1-1 Big Ten) matched that energy early. NU scored 24 points in the first half, leaving its scoreless first half against No. 6 Indiana last week...

NU Wins at New Ryan Field 🏟️

Wildcats record over 400+ yards on the ground behind Komolafe and Himon II

Komolafe Punches It In 🥊

FEED THE BEAST.

Himon Loves TDs ✌️

Second TD of the game for @JosephHimon 😮‍💨

Himon Turns on The Burners 💨

His name is Joe Himon and he likes to score touchdowns.

Northwestern Debuts New Ryan Field 🏟️Video and photos inside stadium's inaugural game vs. Penn State

Chiles Scores 1st TD at new Ryan Field 🟣

Another game, another Aidan Chiles rushing TD 😤

1st Points at New Ryan Field 🦵

Kleather connects for the first points at @NewRyanField!

Northwestern Opens Ryan Field⚡

COLLEGE FOOTBALL, WELCOME TO RYAN FIELD

NUMB commits to returning NUMB for pregame on-field activitiesThis is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Last updated Oct. 2 at 2:14 p.m. A Northwestern spokesperson wrote in a Friday statement to The Daily that the University was committed to returning the Northwestern University Marching Band to the field for future “pregame activities” at Ryan Field. The...

Column | 3 predictions for Illinois vs. PurdueAfter a loss to open Big Ten play, Illinois (2-2, 0-1) parted ways with its defensive coordinator, Bobby Hauck. The Illini have a big test Saturday against the Purdue Boilermakers (1-3, 0-1) and a lot to prove. The defense is the obvious candidate for scrutiny. The Illini are No.

Illinois vs. Purdue sells outIt will be a packed house on Saturday.

How to Watch Illinois vs. Purdue: Game Time, TV Channel, Online Streaming and OddsUp for the cannon.

Colleges Paid Athletes $1.77BFirst year of revenue sharing resulted in massive payouts (The Athletic)

Men’s golf: Kuan Zhou’s final-round 66 fuels Northwestern’s best finish of the seasonNorthwestern recorded its best performance of the season in the Windon Memorial Classic earlier this week. @DonovanW6013 breaks down the tournament.

Three keys for Northwestern football vs. Penn StateNorthwestern will host Penn State coming off a home upset loss to Wisconsin. Kussh Mital gives three keys for the Wildcats as the New Ryan Field era begins.

Around the Big Ten: Where Northwestern opponents stand after Week 4 Around the Big TenConference play is underway in the Big Ten as college football enters its midseason. How did Northwestern’s upcoming opponents fare this past weekend? Here are the latest stories in the Big Ten that could affect the Wildcats: Penn State: Wisconsin loss drops Nittany Lions out of rankings Penn State entered its last matchup ranked No....

CFP Nearing 24-Team FieldLeadership says they 'are definitely going to' expand if TV deal lines up (Yahoo)

Q&A: Pat Ryan Jr. talks new $875 million Ryan Field opening Pat Ryan Jr. talks Northwestern’s new Ryan FieldWork is still ongoing all around Northwestern’s new privately funded $875 million Ryan Field ahead of its opening Friday against Penn State. Much of the construction is putting the final touches on a job that has sprinted to the finish line after over two years of assembly. Primarily funded by the Pat and Shirley Ryan...

Week 5 CFB Picks 🔮Breaking down the slate of games with potential major surprises on the horizon ➡️

Ryan Field set to open after multi-year, $875 million development Northwestern’s Ryan Field set to open FridayPat Ryan Jr. (Kellogg ’97, Pritzker ’97) sat just outside the student section of Northwestern’s new Ryan Field, ready to field yet another batch of reporter questions about his family’s $875 million crown jewel. But the grounds crew was painting incorrect outlines on the field, so he briefly rushed away from the interview to fix...

Football: Offensive line prepares for season without Oratokhai Northwestern offensive lineman Ezomo Oratokhai out for seasonRedshirt sophomore Ezomo Oratokhai, one of Northwestern’s two returning starters on the offensive line, will miss the rest of the season after suffering a lower-body injury in the team’s 41-7 win over Colorado on Sept. 19. Oratokhai earned All-Big Ten Honorable mention honors last season. He missed NU’s season opener against South Dakota State with...

Bielema speaks on Hauck's departure, declines to name new play caller"I just don't know (that) our identity was really there," said head coach Bret Bielema. Former defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck spoke with Bielema Sunday to discuss his role. They came to a mutual agreement that Hauck would step down as the defensive coordinator for Illinois. "His final comment to me ...

Column | What positions outperformed in Illinois' loss to Ohio StateIn football, like any sport, there are winners and losers. While the Illini (2-2, 0-1) ultimately lost to the then-No. 7 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1, 1-0), certain players and positions stood out for its individual performances. While some players for Illinois did all they could to potentially push the Illini closer in contention to the...

Illinois, Hauck part ways: ‘He felt it wasn’t working for him’Bobby Hauck and Illinois parted ways just four games into the season.

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Column | Notebook from Illinois' conference-opening defeatScore vs. stats While Illinois (2-2, 0-1) lost handily to No. 5 Ohio State (3-1, 1-0) 42-19, the stats told a different story. The Illini racked up 462 yards of offense and averaged 6.5 yards per play, not far behind the Buckeyes 518 yards and 7.6 yards per play.

Illinois at Michigan State game time announcedBret Bielema will head to Michigan State for the first time as Illinois Head Coach.

Captured: Northwestern nearly completes the 4th quarter comeback in thrilling 29-23 loss against Indiana Captured: Northwestern loses to IndianaWelcome to The Daily’s photo blog: Captured. This is a space for The Daily’s photographers to share their best work, including photos from weekend performances and events around the community. You can contact the photo editor by emailing photo@dailynorthwestern.com. Northwestern took then-No. 5 Indiana the distance Friday evening in its first Big Ten matchup, though...

Football: Northwestern shows it can battle anyone in close loss at Indiana Northwestern shows potential in 29-23 loss at IndianaFor Northwestern coach David Braun, there are no moral victories after a 29-23 loss at then-No. 5 and now No. 6 Indiana on Friday. “We should have won this football game,” Braun said postgame. The Wildcats (2-1, 0-1 Big Ten) showed flashes of potential on both sides of the ball in a one-score battle with...

Football: Northwestern overcomes slow start in narrow loss to Indiana Northwestern overcomes slow start in loss against IndianaSenior quarterback Aidan Chiles appeared to dislocate a finger early in the second half against then-No. 5, now No. 6 Indiana. Northwestern needed its signal caller to work magic while trailing the defending national champions, but he had to exit the game for a critical red-zone play. NU ran the ball, and on the sideline,...

Early CFP Projections ↕️Gators were rewarded for their marquee win over Ole Miss in AP's Top 25

Bobby Hauck departs Illinois program after four gamesHe’s gone.

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Illinois parts ways with defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after 4 gamesAccording to a press release from Illinois (2-2, 0-1), defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck and the program have parted ways after just four games. Hauck, a longtime head coach at Montana, was hired this offseason to implement a new 3-3-5 defensive scheme. "Coach Hauck reached out to me early this morning and asked to meet ahead...

Illinois Makes Change at DC

Nicole Auerbach

@NicoleAuerbach

Illinois makes a defensive coordinator change:

🚨 Week 4 CFB AP Top 25 Poll

📈 Florida jumps to top 10 😬 Michigan unranked again 📲 Tap for full standings

🚨 Week 4 CFB AP Top 25 Poll📈 Florida jumps to top 10 😬 Michigan unranked again 📲 Tap for full standings

New Top 5 in CFB Rankings 👀The top 2 teams from last week flip while Mississippi State SURGES. Full breakdown 📲

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Unmade plays haunt Illini in Big Ten opener against BuckeyesIllinois (2-2, 0-1) walked away from Ohio Stadium following its 42-19 loss to Ohio State (3-1, 1-0) with few highlights. The offense collected 462 yards - including nearly 200 on the ground. Junior punter Lars Rau and fifth-year kicker Ethan Moczulski impressed on special teams. Even the much-maligned defense showed faint flashes of promise at...

CFB Week 4 Winners & Losers 📊😏 Karma for Michigan? 💺 Burning hot seats for coaches 📲Full breakdown of wild slate

New CFB Playoff Predictions 👀Ole Miss is the focal point in back-to-back weeks. Full breakdown 📲

Jeremiah Felt Bad for DB 🤷‍♂️OSU star was literally laughing after 72-yard TD

Defensive woes continue as No. 7 Ohio State stomps Illinois Smith shines as the Buckeyes claim the Illibuck in 42-19 victory. 

Illinois Football at Ohio State Game DiscussionTalk here!

Despite a frustrating result, Northwestern’s upset bid at Indiana sets new expectationsOn Friday night, the Wildcats exited Memorial Stadium in heartbreak. Moral victories may not count for much, but last night showed that Northwestern has a higher ceiling than anyone expected.

Anderson Carries It For 6 💪

FOX College Football

@CFBONFOX

ILLINOIS RESPONDS ‼️ Jordan Anderson takes it 22 yards to the house for @IlliniFootball

Jeremiah 72-Yd House Call 💨

Big Ten Network

@BigTenNetwork

The way this one's started, Jeremiah Smith might break some more records today 🔥 The @OhioStateFB WR's 72-yard score gives him two 1Q TDs Watch on FOX

Stock up, stock down for Northwestern’s 29-23 loss against IndianaNorthwestern nearly pulled a Friday-night upset, but a few areas of weakness were enough to hand the Wildcats their first loss of the season.

Rapid Reaction: Northwestern scares No. 5 Indiana, falls 29-23The Wildcats fell just short against the defending champion Hoosiers, losing 29-23 in one of the hardest-fought Northwestern games in recent years.

Rapid Recap: Indiana, NorthwesternNorthwestern fell 29-23 to No. 5 Indiana on Friday evening during its Big Ten opener on the road. Senior quarterback Aidan Chiles willed the Wildcats (2-1, 0-1 Big Ten) back from a 12-point halftime deficit to rally to a game-tying opportunity in the fourth-quarter. But ultimately, the defending national champions’ rushing attack was too much...

IU Wins 20th Straight Game 📈Cignetti is yet to lose in Bloomington since taking the HC job

The Big Ten’s money gap: Comparing Illinois and Ohio State footballIllinois will visit Ohio State, a program with a lot more money than the Illini.

TCR Reacts: Collin Dixon will be HOW GOOD this year??How many TD grabs for the star wideout?

No. 5 Indiana Survives 😅

Hoover's late rushing TD helps Hoosiers hold off Northwestern 29-23 🎥

Twice Is Nice 2️⃣

Chiles ➡️ Wilde. Repeat.

Chiles, Wilde 1st Score 🐱

.@GriffinWilde1 for SIX ✅

ROUNDTABLE: Northwestern at No. 5 Indiana predictionsOn to Week 4 and Big Ten play for Northwestern. Here’s what the INU staff is thinking for tonight on the road at No. 5 Indiana.

‘The Great Chicago Food Festival’ showcases food offerings at Ryan Field ‘The Great Chicago Food Festival’ showcases Ryan Field food offerings“The Great Chicago Food Festival” will debut during the public opening of the new Ryan Field on Oct. 2, New Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics announced in a press release Wednesday. The festival, which will occur before every game and concert at the stadium, includes a cookout catered to home and visiting fans, family-friendly activities...

Football: How punter Niki Dugandzic bounced out of first-game slump Northwestern’s Niki Dugandzic bounces out of first-game slumpPlaying a position where you make few appearances and are expected to perform perfectly can be anxiety-inducing. For a college player making their first start, it can be a daunting task. Redshirt freshman punter Nikola “Niki” Dugandzic learned this the hard way. In Northwestern’s season-opener against South Dakota State on Sept. 5, Dugandzic’s first punt...

Illinois’ passing game can’t rely solely on Collin DixonMultiple options will be necessary against dynamic defenses.

CFB Week 4 Predictions 🔮

Picks for this week's slate

$5 CFB Stadium Food Menu 🍔Northwestern reveals value and 'best of Chicago' concessions for this season 📸

Week 4 CFB Predictions 🔮Conference play is finally here as Ohio State and Illinois square off ➡️

How to Watch Illinois at Ohio State: Game Time, TV Channel, Online Streaming and OddsUpset?

The Daily Northwestern Gameday Staff Rest-of-Season Football PredictionsNorthwestern said goodbye to Martin Stadium, its temporary lakefront home for two seasons, with two decisive victories to start the 2026 season. The Wildcats (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) opened the year with a 34-18 win over FCS powerhouse South Dakota State before an unusual Week 2 bye. Returning to play Saturday, NU defeated Colorado 41-7...

Football: Northwestern prepares for defending national champion No. 5 Indiana in Big Ten, road opener Northwestern football prepares for No. 5 IndianaNorthwestern opens its Big Ten slate with a date with the reigning national champions, taking on No. 5 Indiana on the road Friday at 7:00 p.m. The Wildcats (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) are off to the best start of coach David Braun’s four-year tenure, while the Hoosiers (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten) hold a 19-game win...

Football: Chip Kelly provides spark for new-look offense, models former UCLA approach Chip Kelly provides spark for new-look Northwestern offenseNorthwestern’s newly constructed $875 million football stadium is not the only fresh identity for the Wildcats (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) in 2026. The ’Cats broke national headlines when they hired former Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly as their new offensive coordinator in December. Two games in, the hire is already paying dividends. For...

Colorado DB Apologizes ✋Ben Finneseth walks back 'childish' comments on Northwestern's temporary stadium 🎥

TCR Reacts Survey: How many TDs for Collin Dixon in 2026?How good can he be?

Football: Northwestern’s unsatisfied mindset pays early dividends Northwestern’s unsatisfied mindset pays early dividendsAfter Northwestern defeated South Dakota State by two scores in its season opener, the coaching staff could have gone easy on senior quarterback Aidan Chiles. Instead, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and quarterbacks coach Jerry Neuheisel coached the transfer hard the following Monday, coach David Braun said. They knew he had more in him and were...

Football: Led by ‘T.N.T.’ defense, Northwestern takes advantage of opportunities in 41-7 blowout win over Colorado Northwestern takes advantage of opportunities in 41-7 winAs Northwestern said goodbye to Martin Stadium and its lakeside field, the new-look offense broke out in a 41-7 victory over Colorado. The Wildcats (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten), led by new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and senior quarterback Aidan Chiles, got off to their first 2-0 start in coach David Braun’s four seasons with the...

🚨 Week 4 CFB AP Top 25 Poll📈 Ole Miss in the top 5 🫣 Texas A&M drops 14 spots 📲 Tap for full standings

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Illini in the NFL: Jacas picks off Aaron RodgersA big weekend for the former Illini.

🚨 Week 3 CFB AP Top 25 Poll

📈 Ole Miss in the top 5 🫣 Texas A&M drops 14 spots 📲 Tap for full standings

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Northwestern sent Martin Stadium out in styleFive touchdowns from Aidan Chiles. Three touchdown catches from Joe Himon II. A 41-7 win over Colorado.The ‘Cats sent the temporary stadium out in style. @AscherLevin looks at the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

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Stock up, stock down for Northwestern’s 41-7 victory against ColoradoStock up, stock down from Northwestern’s dominant 41-7 win over Colorado: Joe Himon II found the end zone three times, Aidan Chiles showed off his dual-threat ability and the ‘Cats dominated from start to finish. The run defense and penalties still need work, but Northwestern made a statement.

Week 3 Winners & Losers 📊📡 Many teams off national radar 😈 Revenge game for the ages 📈 SEC QBs putting up numbers

Deion Praises Northwestern 😅Colorado HC calls loss a 'flat-out butt-kicking' 🎥

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Rapid Reaction: Northwestern dominates Colorado 41-7 in the last game on the lakefillNorthwestern blows out Colorado to finish its time on the lakefill in high fashion. @cjacobs1116 has the recap.

Northwestern Postgame Vid 😼

Last Lake DUB ✅

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 41, Colorado 7After forecasts of heavy rain and thunderstorms at game time, the weather was mostly clear, letting fans see the fireworks on the field and in the sky as Northwestern defeated Colorado 41-7 on Saturday. In the final game at the temporary lakefront Martin Stadium, the Wildcats (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) downed the Buffaloes (2-1, 0-0...

Deion, Colorado Get Blown Out 41-7Buffaloes unable to begin season 3-0. JuJu Lewis finishes with 2 INT in the loss 📲

Colorado Down 35-7 😨

ANOTHER ONE ☝️ @JosephHimon waltzes in for his THIRD receiving TD of the night!

Chiles' 2nd Rushing TD 😤

Rushing TD #2 for @ai6an_ 🤝

Northwestern Up 14-0 on Colorado 😳

HIMON TO THE HOUSE 🏡

Northwestern Strikes 1st 💨

.@ai6an_ punches it in! ✅

Early CFB Bracket Predictions 👀Louisville should now be viewed as the No. 1 contender to Miami in the ACC 📲

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Illinois Football vs. Southern Illinois Game DiscussionTalk here!

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All eyes on defense as Illini look to tackle SalukisIllinois (1-1) head coach Bret Bielema has been pushing the idea that the team can't get beat by Duke twice following its 31-27 loss on Saturday. A second loss to the Blue Devils wouldn't show up in the standings, but would be manifested through a lack of improvement this weekend against the SIU Salukis (2-1)....

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TCR Reacts: Illinois fans still see path to eight winsHow many wins can the Illini still get?

Week 3 CFB Picks 🔮Predicting LSU-Ole Miss and every game this week 📲