Illinois Hosts Thrilling Game 9 Football Match
On November 1, 2025, Rutgers University will travel to Champaign, Illinois, to face off against the University of Illinois. This match marks the 10th meeting between the two teams, with the previous encounters showcasing a competitive rivalry in college football.
Game Details
- Date: November 1, 2025
- Time: Noon ET
- Stadium: Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois
- Broadcast: NBC (Peacock)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Overview
Currently, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights hold a record of 4-4, with a recent win against Purdue. This game will be their fourth road match in five games, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
Rutgers demonstrates significant strengths, ranking:
- 3rd in the nation for blocked punts (3 this season)
- 5th in time of possession (33:31)
- 8th for first downs (196)
- 11th for fewest penalty yards (35.9 per game)
- 17th in passing offense (286.5 yards)
- 25th in fewest turnovers (7)
Key Players and Stats
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis is leading the Scarlet Knights this season with impressive stats:
- 359 passing yards against Purdue
- 4th game this season with over 300 passing yards
Running back Antwan Raymond has also made an impact, rushing for 116 yards with 10 touchdowns to his name this season. Wide receiver KJ Duff shines with a remarkable 241 receiving yards in his last game.
Previous Meetings and Rivalry History
The series between Rutgers and Illinois is currently even at 2-2 in Champaign. Past games have been closely contested, with Illinois narrowly defeating Rutgers in the last matchup. Interestingly, Rutgers has a strong record when not committing turnovers, standing at 20-2 since 2020.
Significant past highlights include:
- Rutgers’ victory in 2021, where they held Illinois scoreless in the second half for a 20-14 win.
- The memorable 2017 encounter, where Rutgers dominated with a 35-24 score on the road.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Rutgers will continue their season with the next game against Maryland on November 8, aiming to build momentum following the matchup with Illinois. The Scarlet Knights are determined to improve their standing in the Big Ten Conference.
Fans can follow all updates from Rutgers football through various social media platforms. They aim to continue showcasing their prowess on the field, striving for another successful season.
