CHICAGO – On Saturday at Wrigley Field, No. 23 Illinois (9-3, 6-3 Big Ten) took down Northwestern (4-8, 2-7 Big Ten) by a score of 38-28 to secure its first nine-win season since 2007 and all but lock up a trip to Orlando, Florida, where the Illini appear poised to be matched up with a formidable SEC foe in the Citrus Bowl.

Aidan Laughery rushed for three touchdowns, including one on career-long 64-yard run early in the second half, and No. 22 Illinois topped Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday to reach nine victories for the first time since its 2007 Rose Bowl season.

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

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

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.

Pat Bryant dashed in to score on Luke Altmyer’s 43-yard pass early in the third quarter as Illinois (9-3, 6-3 Big Ten) struck for touchdowns just over 4 minutes apart early in t