The Fighting Illini played their home games at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, and competed in the West Division of the Big Ten Conference.

[3] Illinois started the road game off rough, giving up 14 points and only scoring a field goal in the first quarter.

But the comeback started in the 4th quarter on which the first play was an Illinois touchdown on a 46-yard Brandon Peters pass to wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe.

On the ensuing possession, Lewerke threw an interception to Illinois defender Sydney Brown for a 76-yard touchdown.

But the score remained untied when Illinois kicker junior James McCourt missed the PAT to make it 31–30.

Brandon Peters then completed a 6-yard, game-winning touchdown to tight end Daniel Barker with 5 seconds remaining.