The Illinois soccer program continues to achieve new heights in coach Bret Bielema’s fourth season.
The No. 23 Illini (4-1, 1-1 Large Ten) enter Saturday’s sport in opposition to Purdue with an opportunity to construct momentum forward of one of many greatest video games in latest program historical past: Oct. 19 in opposition to No. 24 Michigan (4-2, 2-1 Large Ten)
A school-issued press launch from the Illinois athletic division Wednesday evening revealed that the sport between the Illini and Wolverines was offered out. It’s the second time this season Illinois has reached this aim. Its 23-17 win in opposition to then-ranked Kansas in early September was the primary time a sellout had been achieved in over a decade, marking a key milestone for a program nonetheless defining itself as a authentic school soccer contender.
“The sport will function the Memorial Stadium 100th Anniversary Rededication Sport, 100 years and sooner or later after Illinois’ historic Memorial Stadium Dedication Sport on Oct. 18, 1924,” a portion of the discharge said. “Illinois has introduced detailed plans for the Rededication Weekend, set for Thursday, Oct. 17-Saturday, Oct. 19.”
There’s a extra immense significance behind the Illinois-Michigan contest—nationwide publicity. It was introduced Monday that the sport would air at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS, giving the nation an opportunity to see the Illini’s rebuild first-hand.
Two-loss Michigan enters Champaign in a must-win scenario
It’s additionally a vital sport for the Wolverines. They’re combating for his or her playoff and convention championship lives after falling to Washington, 27-17, final week on the street. Michigan determined it could go along with a long-term answer at quarterback in Jack Tuttle, who coach Sherrone Moore significantly trusts to steer the crew ahead.
Tuttle completed the Washington sport 10-of 18 with 98 yards, a landing, and an interception.
At press time, it’s too early to inform which crew shall be favored coming into subsequent Saturday’s sport. Illinois seeks its first win in opposition to Purdue since 2019, whereas Michigan is idle this weekend.
