Illinois’ Record Against the Nation’s Top Teams

Illinois plays at Oregon Saturday in what will be its 16th game against the No. 1 team in the country. The Illini are 3-12 in such matchups, not such a shabby record when you really think about it.

A Look Back at Illinois’ Early Matchups

The first two cracks at No. 1 came in 1943 and 1944 at Notre Dame, both losses. The first one ended 47-0, but the second was a 13-7 knuckle dragger.

The Three Wins

No. 8 Illinois 14, No. 1 Ohio State 7, 1950

In front of a capacity crowd of 71,119, the Illini — who would finish 7-2 — scored on two trick-play passes and held the Buckeyes’ Vic Janowicz, the eventual Heisman Trophy winner, in check.

Illinois 20, No. 1 Michigan State 13, 1956

The Spartans led 13-0 at the half on Illinois’ Homecoming. But the Illini’s Abe Woodson scored three touchdowns in the comeback — including 70- and 82-yard runs in the fourth quarter — an all-out stunner for a team that would finish 2-5-2.

Illinois 28, No. 1 Ohio State 21, 2007

It was the sixth straight game against No. 1 that had the Buckeyes on the other side, and the Illini fell behind 7-0 after a game-opening two-play touchdown drive. But Juice Williams responded with four touchdown passes, and the Illini rushed for 260 yards — and possessed the ball for the final 8:09 — en route to a Rose Bowl appearance that came only because the Buckeyes reached the BCS title game.

Conclusion

Illinois may not have a remarkable record against the nation’s top teams, but they have managed to pull off some impressive victories. With their 16th matchup against a No. 1 team looming, the Illini will look to add to their record.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Illinois’ overall record against No. 1 teams?
  The Illini are 3-12 in such matchups.
• Which of these three wins came in the 2000s?
  The 2007Illinois 28, No. 1 Ohio State 21, win.
• What was the score of the 1943 game against Notre Dame?
  The game ended 47-0 in favor of Notre Dame.