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.

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 ran for 172 yards and three touchdowns, both career highs, to propel No. 23 Illinois past Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

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.

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

Following a sloppy second quarter of Illinois football, where a Luke Altmyer interception led to a spurt of momentum for Northwestern, Illinois running back Aidan Laughery broke out for a 64-yard touchdown on Illinois’ opening drive of the second half.