No. 23 Illinois 34, No. 21 Southern California 32 - IlliniGuy Grades

IlliniGuys.com beat writer Matthew Stevens assesses the categories and overall aspect of the No. 23 Illini’s 34-32 win over Southern California.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

September 28. 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — About an hour before kickoff on Saturday morning, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema told FOX Sports sideline reporter Jenny Taft that “Big Ten physicality has to win the day”.

Following a 34-32 victory that included 32 designed run plays going for 170 yards on the ground, No. 23 Illinois (4-1, 1-1 in Big Ten Conference play . . .

 

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