CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois football team enters its first week off since the season started ranked #24 in the AP Top 25 and #25 in the Coaches Poll. This is the third straight week the Illini are ranked in the AP Top 25 poll.
Illinois ranks 17th in the nation in scoring defense (14.2) through five games. The defense has forced 10 turnovers, the eighth-most in the nation. Xavier Scott leads the team with three interceptions, tied for third in the nation, and Gabe Jacas has 3.0 sacks to help Illinois rank 20th in the nation in sacks (13.0). Quarterback Luke Altmyer ranks 15th nationally in completion percentage (70%) celebrates a Big Ten-best 11 touchdown throws.
Illinois holds the record of 4-1 with two AP Top 25 wins for the first time since 1991. The team returns to Memorial Stadium for back-to-back games against Purdue on October 12 and #10 Michigan on October 19. Kickoff times will be announced soon.