Illinois Football is Ranked? And Won?

Earlier this year, Kansas Football had the longest stretch in the Power Five without being ranked. And then they got ranked in the Top 25. That honor then passed to Illinois. Who promptly got ranked and even won a game as a ranked team. When was the last time that happened? What about on homecoming?

Let's go back. 

2011

Illinois won three games as a ranked team, two Big Ten wins. They even won a homecoming game over Northwestern as a ranked team. On October 15, 2011, Illinois was ranked #16 and Ohio State was unranked! They played each other and Ohio State won. The first of 6 straight Big Ten losses for Illinois. They wouldn't be ranked again until 2022. 

2008

Illinois won two games as a ranked team but they were both non-conference games. 

2007

Illinois won one game as a ranked team over Northwestern. This would lead to an appearance in the BCS Rose Bowl.

2001

Illinois won four games as a ranked team, all Big Ten games. This would lead to an appearance in the BCS Sugar Bowl. Two were even wins over ranked teams. (They did win on homecoming this year, but they were not ranked at the time.)

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To recap, since I became an Illini in 2001:

11 wins as a ranked team (2001, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2022)

8 Big Ten wins as a ranked team (2001, 2007, 2011, 2022)

2 homecoming wins as a ranked team (2011, 2022)

2 wins over ranked teams as a ranked team (2001)

The last time Illinois was ranked and beat a ranked team was November 17, 2001. I was 17 years old. I am now 38. 

Definitely didn't know how much I needed to appreciate that 2001 season in the moment.

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6-1 Illinois became bowl eligible with their ranked win on Saturday. Still have a chance to win the Big Ten West for the first time.