Sturdy's Game Preview: Orange Out

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

February 4, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The orange hot Illini head into Wednesday with an 11-game winning streak and have another ‘trap game’ against in-state rival Northwestern. After playing top 5 road games on the weekend for 2 straight weekends, they will have another top 10 matchup this weekend. Thus far they have taken care of the ‘trap games’ with Rutgers and Washington, but the Wildcats pose a different challenge.

The Illini are now tied atop the Big Ten standings at 10-1 and have . . .

 

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