Illinois Football: Key Takeaways after win over Northwestern

The Illinois football program capped off their 9-3 season with a 38-28 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats. It was a beautiful, cold, frigid day at the “Friendly Confines” of Wrigley Field but the Illini got it done.

Aidan Laughery carries the Illini offense

Make that 3️⃣ touchdowns today for @IlliniFootball‘s Aidan Laughery 👏#B1GFootball on @BigTenNetwork 📺 pic.twitter.com/AxFPnvfI6v

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 30, 2024

Aidan Laughery had the best game of his college career. Laughery saw 12 carries on the ground for 172 yards and three touchdowns. That is a whopping 14.3 yards per carry. We knew the former track star was explosive and he finally showed it. All three of Laughery’s touchdown runs came from at least 30 yards out.

As long as Laughery can stay healthy heading into next season, he could enter the season as the starting running back. This would make for a powerful duo with Kaden Feagin, who will be coming off a season-ending injury.

Pat Bryant ties the receiving touchdown record

#Illinois WR Pat Bryant with his 10th TD catch of the season, has been awesome after the catch and does the rest after extending his route vertically.

Been a fan of his all season. Fun player! pic.twitter.com/NYrXseYlDW

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) November 30, 2024

Pat Bryant was able to tie the record for most receiving touchdowns at the University of Illinois with 10. It was a cool moment for Pat, especially with Illini great Brandon Lloyd in attendance. Bryant has been an awesome player for the Illini throughout his four-year career becoming a truly impactful player.

Bryant has 54 catches on the season for 984 yards and those 10 touchdowns. It will be interesting to see if Bryant will suit up for the Bowl game as he has become a no-doubt NFL prospect. I am personally ok with whatever decision he makes. But, it would be awesome to see Pat break the touchdown record and get to 1,000 yards receiving.

What a 9-3 season means

Illinois clinches their first 9 win season since 2007!! Bret Bielema and his crew won 6 Big Ten games this year and will more than likely play in the Citrus Bowl vs an SEC opponent. Big Time. pic.twitter.com/KbzTatZdeh

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) November 30, 2024

A 9-3 season means a lot for this Illinois football program. First and foremost, it almost locks them into a Citrus Bowl appearance. That is the biggest Bowl Game the Illini have played since the 2008 Rose Bowl. It looks like it will be tough whether it be against Alabama or any other SEC program.

Ideally, a 9-3 season can really help you in recruiting high school products, and in the transfer portal. In the past few years, we have seen the Illini be able to get impactful players out of the portal. A few names that come to mind are J.C. Davis and Zakhari Franklin just to name a few.  We may have already seen it impact the prep products. The Illini were able to flip four-star linebacker Grant Beerman from Purdue to the Illini. This next month or so is a great time to be an Illini fan. No matter how this season ends, boy, it was a great ride for the Illinois football program.

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