‘We’re never out of the fight’: Why Illinois Finds A Run Game Every November

Through two wins in November, Illinois is third in the Big Ten Conference this month in rushing offense at 217.5 yards per game.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

November 21, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — It’s become almost an annual trend that as the weather turns colder and the calendar flips to November, Illinois will suddenly find success in the run game.

In a 2024 season where Illinois finished just ninth in a 18-team Big Ten Conference and 88th in the 136-team Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing offense, the Illini finished . . .

 

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