Nov 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Ryan Meed (34) holds the “Land of Lincoln” trophy after a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images / Matt Marton-Imagn Images

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.

The Illini await their bowl assignment — almost certainly will the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on New Year's Eve.

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

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

Star wide receiver Pat Bryant and the Illinois Fighting Illini (8-3) meet the Northwestern Wildcats (4-7) on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET, at Wrigley Field.The Fighting Illini head into this matchup

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

A 38-28 result in the freezing cold gave Bret Bielema his first nine-win season at Illinois and the seventh in program history. The game was highlighted by the Illinois offense hitting quick and hard.