Aidan Laughery rushed for three touchdowns, including one on career-long 64-yard run early in the second half, and No. 22 Illinois topped Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday to reach nine victories for the first time since its 2007 Rose Bowl season.

Aidan Laughery rushed for three touchdowns and No. 23 Illinois topped Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday to reach nine victories.

The Illini await their bowl assignment — almost certainly will the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on New Year's Eve.

CHICAGO – Nursing a narrow 14-10 lead over Northwestern fresh out of the halftime break Saturday at Wrigley Field, No. 22 Illinois was facing a second-and-5 on its own 36-yard line. With the first-half struggles of quarterback Luke Altmyer (two interceptions), the Illini had been leaning on the run game for steady offense.

No. 23 Illinois can match its highest win total in 17 years and move within one of the school record if it beats struggling Northwestern at Wrigley Field to close out the regular season.

The Illini pulled away from the Wildcats in the second half and secured a comfortable victory at historic Wrigley Field. Illinois was led by running back Aidan Laughery who rushed for a career-high 172 yards and 3 touchdowns on 14.

Aidan Laughery speeds for a 31-yard touchdown to pad their 35-20 lead over Northwestern.