GAME NOTES: Coming off one of the program's biggest wins ever, the 20th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini now return back home, where they will conclude their regular season campaign against the Northwestern Wildcats in Big Ten play this weekend. The Illini shocked the entire nation last weekend, as it knocked off then top-ranked and undefeated Ohio State, 28-21, in Columbus. It marked the first time Illinois had defeated a top ranked team since 1956, and the first time it had done so on the road. The win improved the team to 8-3 overall and 5-2 in league play and that is quite a turnaround from a year ago, when the Illini won a total of just two games. Illinois, which has now won three games in a row, returns back home, where it has posted a 4-1 record this season. As for Northwestern, it defeated Indiana 31-28, last weekend to snap a two-game slide. The win improved the Wildcats to 6-5 overall, making them bowl eligible for the fourth time since 2000. The team though, is still under .500 in league play (3-4) and with only seven bowl tie-ins for the Big Ten, Northwestern may need to win this game to even receive consideration for the postseason. Saturday's game will mark the 101st meeting between the Wildcats and Illini, with Illinois holding a 51-44-5 edge in the annual battle for the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk Trophy. Northwestern though, has controlled the series of late, winning the last four meetings, including a 27-16 triumph a year ago.

The Wildcats are averaging a respectable 26.2 ppg on the season, but that number could be a lot higher if they cut down on their turnovers (23). Still, the team is producing a solid 432.1 total ypg and that includes 307.7 passing ypg. Last weekend, Northwestern was able to overcome three turnovers by racking up 456 total yards of offense in a 31-28 victory over Indiana. Quarterback C.J. Bacher was picked off three times in the contest, but made up for that by throwing a game-winning three-yard touchdown pass to Ross Lane with just 44 seconds left in the contest. He completed 26-of-33 throws in the contest for 276 yards. For the season, Bacher has thrown far too many interceptions (17), but other than that, he has done a solid job in passing for 304.2 ypg and 17 scores. Eric Peterman has been one of his favorite targets with a team-best 56 catches to his credit, and Lane has also been a reliable option, leading the squad with 649 yards and seven scores through the air. In the backfield, Tyrell Sutton has played just six games this season, but he still leads the team with 451 yards. Last weekend, Sutton put forth one of his finest efforts of the year, rushing for 141 yards and a touchdown on 33 totes. He also hauled in six balls for 72 yards in the win.

Northwestern's biggest problem this season has been its defense, which is giving up 30.1 ppg and 398.6 total ypg. The unit hasn't had much success against the run (153.1 ypg) or pass (245.5 ypg), and it has forced only 14 turnovers in 11 games. Last weekend however, the Wildcats stepped up on defense, limiting Indiana to just 298 total yards, including only 94 on the ground. The defense even forced a pair of turnovers, one of which was a 41- yard interception return for a touchdown by Eddie Simpson. Adam Kadela paced the team with seven stops and his 108 tackles on the year is double the next closest player on the roster.

Behind their ground attack, which is gaining a hardy 261.2 ypg, the Illini has been able to averaging a respectable 27.6 ppg this season. Against one of the premier defense's in the nation last weekend, Illinois racked up 400 total yards, including 260 via the run, in a 28-21 upset of Ohio State. Isiah "Juice" Williams finished off what the ground game started, throwing for a career-best four touchdowns. He also chipped in with 70 yards on the ground and that includes a few crucial runs that helped Illinois run out the last 8:09 of the game. For the season, Williams has clearly had more success with his legs than his arm, rushing for 638 yards and a five scores, while passing for just 116.2 ypg and 12 touchdowns. Another player that has played a big part in the team's success is tailback Rashard Mendenhall, who leads the Big Ten with 1,402 rushing yards. The versatile Mendenhall has 16 total touchdowns (14 rushing) to his name and he also ranks second on the club with 26 catches. Against Ohio State, Mendenhall didn't have his best game, but he still finished with 88 yards on 26 totes.

On the defensive side of the ball, Illinois has done a solid job in holding its opponents to 19.2 ppg and 353.3 total ypg. The Illini has been especially effective against the run (118.6 ypg), and it has also done a good job in forcing 22 turnovers. Getting to opposing quarterbacks is another strength of this defense, which has registered 36 sacks. Last weekend, Illinois stepped up on defense and limited Ohio State to just 336 total yards. The unit also came up with some key turnovers, as it picked off three passes. J Leman led the charge with 12 tackles, giving him a team-best 114 stops for the year. Will Davis also got involved last weekend, as he notched his team-best 8.5 sack of the year in the win.

Illinois is coming off an enormous win, but it will need to put that behind it in order to avoid a letdown this weekend. The Illini though, has shown it can't be stopped on the ground and behind another big time rushing performance, expect Illinois to come out victorious in this one.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Illinois 31, Northwestern 24