Chambana Sun

The Illinois football team is set to play consecutive home games at Memorial Stadium, now ranked #23 in both the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll. The Fighting Illini will face Purdue on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT.

This marks the fourth consecutive week that Illinois has been included in the AP poll. The team has started the season with a 4-1 record, including two victories over teams ranked in the AP Top 25.

Defensively, Illinois ranks 12th nationally in scoring defense, allowing an average of 14.2 points per game over five contests. The team has forced ten turnovers, placing them 15th nationally, and holds the 20th spot for passing efficiency defense with a rating of 110.7. Xavier Scott shares the Big Ten lead with three interceptions, tying him for third nationwide, while Gabe Jacas has contributed with three sacks to help Illinois rank 24th nationally in sacks per game.

On offense, quarterback Luke Altmyer is among the top quarterbacks nationally with a completion percentage of 70%, ranking him 14th. He is also fourth in the Big Ten for passing touchdowns with eleven. Wide receiver Pat Bryant has caught six touchdown passes from Altmyer, placing him fifth nationwide for receiving touchdowns.

Following their game against Purdue on October 12 at Memorial Stadium, Illinois will host Michigan on October 19 for the Memorial Stadium Rededication Game.

Tickets for both upcoming games are available through FightingIllini.com, though fewer than 1,500 tickets remain for the matchup against Michigan on October 19.