In their sixth season under head coach Robert Zuppke, the Illini compiled a 5–2 record and tied for the Big Ten Conference championship.

[2] Tackle Burt Ingwersen, guard Albert Mohr, and halfback Jesse Kirkpatrick received first-team All-Big Ten honors.

[7] Illinois had originally been scheduled to play Iowa State on the date, but that game was canceled due to travel restrictions.

Charlie Bachman, who was hired as Northwestern's coach after the season and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, also played for the 1918 Great Lakes team.

Due to health concerns, "the gates were barred and the spectators limited to coaches, water carriers, officials, and the few others necessary to pull off a contest.

The Des Moines Register credited Illinois' victory to "perfectly executed forward passes and machinelike teamwork.