CHICAGO – On Saturday at Wrigley Field, No. 23 Illinois (9-3, 6-3 Big Ten) took down Northwestern (4-8, 2-7 Big Ten) by a score of 38-28 to secure its first nine-win season since 2007 and all but lock up a trip to Orlando, Florida, where the Illini appear poised to be matched up with a formidable SEC foe in the Citrus Bowl.

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.

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

No. 23 Illinois defeated its in-state rival Northwestern at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field on Saturday.

No. 23 Illinois can match its highest win total in 17 years and move within one of the school record if it beats struggling Northwestern at Wrigley Field to close out the regular season.

Aidan Laughery ran for 172 yards and three touchdowns, both career-highs, to propel No. 23 Illinois past Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The sophomore running back

So running back Aidan Laughery, who had already accrued 67 rushing yards and a score on just six carries, got his number called by offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. again. Li