Trench Report - Illini vs. USC

By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst

October 1, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

This was a pride win for Illinois. In the same way the Indiana loss hurt more than just one loss, this win meant more than just a single win. It didn't completely erase the sting of the "Beating in Bloomington", but it sends Illini nation and the CFP voters a clear signal that they should not write off the Illini. I'm not sure that USC is a legitimate top 25 team at this point based on their body of work (this week's game . . .

 

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