The Illini are one of the pleasant surprises in college football thus far, as they are 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the B1G. They also sit atop the B1G West standings with Purdue.

Illinois defeated its third B1G West opponent in a row on Saturday afternoon beating Minnesota 26-14. The Illini get to rest this week as they are on a bye before they head west to face Nebraska in Lincoln.

Here’s what BTN Analyst Howard Griffith had to say about the Illini crafting an identity under head coach Bret Bielema:

Illinois has knocked off Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota en route to the first-place position. The Illini are No. 24 in the country and could quickly move up in the polls this afternoon.

A game with Purdue on November 12 could decide the fate of the B1G West and who will represent the side in the B1G Title game come December.

Illinois will face Nebraska on Saturday, October 29; the kick off and coverage is still TBD.