CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — On a big Homecoming weekend, No. 24 Illinois was backed by the biggest crowd of the season at Memorial Stadium, and they sent the Illini faithful home happy.
Led behind the arm (and legs) of QB Tommy DeVito in his return and kicker Fabrizio Pinton, Illinois edged out Minnesota, 26-14. Illinois, picking up its sixth win of the season, is now bowl eligible for the first time since 2019.
In Illinois’ first game as a ranked team in 11 years, there was some uncertainty coming in about the quarterback situation. DeVito got hurt and left the game early last week against Iowa, but after being cleared to play Saturday morning, he came to play.