The Illini await their bowl assignment — almost certainly will the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on New Year's Eve.

Aidan Laughery rushed for three touchdowns and No. 23 Illinois topped Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday to reach nine victories.

Aidan Laughery rushed for three touchdowns, including one on career-long 64-yard run early in the second half, and No. 22 Illinois topped Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday to reach nine victories for the first time since its 2007 Rose Bowl season.

Aidan Laughery ran for 172 yards and three touchdowns, both career-highs, to propel No. 23 Illinois past Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The sophomore running back

So running back Aidan Laughery, who had already accrued 67 rushing yards and a score on just six carries, got his number called by offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. again. Li

Following a sloppy second quarter of Illinois football, where a Luke Altmyer interception led to a spurt of momentum for Northwestern, Illinois running back Aidan Laughery broke out for a 64-yard touchdown on Illinois’ opening drive of the second half.