Until last year, Illinois had actually been on a winning streak against top-ranked teams in the Associated Press top-25 poll.
The Illini are 3-14 all-time against teams ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, with the last such meeting coming when Oregon obliterated Illinois last October in Eugene.
Advertisement
Before that, it was when Illinois knocked off No. 1 Ohio State in Columbus on Nov. 10, 2007 — nearly 18 years ago.
We all get those warm and fuzzy feelings thinking about that game — as Juice Williams went for 140 yards and threw four touchdown passes in the 28-21 win.
That season ended with a Rose Bowl appearance — fans this year have their eyes set on a College Football Playoff berth.
Illinois has another big battle ahead of itself this Saturday when they host those same Buckeyes.
After scouring through the data (thanks to FightingIllini.com’s archives), most of Illinois’ matchups with top-ranked foes have historically been Ohio State. Before last year’s Oregon game, the Illini had not played a top-rank team not named Ohio State since 1972. That was when Illinois played USC and lost 55-20. Before that, to get another non-Buckeyes team, you’d go back to 1966.
Advertisement
Illinois has lost to No. 1 Ohio State in the following years:
Illinois’ two other wins over a No. 1 team came in the 1950s, when the Illini beat Michigan State 20-13 (Oct. 27, 1956) and Ohio State 14-7 (Nov. 18, 1950).
And how about this stat from TCR stats and graphics extraordinaire Jonathan Koon:
Kickoff against the Buckeyes is set for 11 a.m. on FOX.
