Standing ovation! Illinois football team greeted with cheers in return from Happy Valley
Fans in Champaign couldn’t wait to welcome the Illinois football team home on Saturday evening. They rushed to the State Farm Center to greet the Fighting Illini after an incredible upset victory over No. 7 Penn State in Happy Valley.
Illinois needed an NCAA-record 9 overtimes to get the job done, but on the final play, Brandon Peters connected with Casey Washington for the game-winning score for a 20-18 victory. It was undoubtedly one of the biggest upsets of the college football season.
A few hours after the upset, fans packed the State Farm Center to celebrate Illinois’ victory over Penn State. The Illini were greeted with a standing ovation:
A few hours after upsetting No. 7 Penn State in 9 OT's on the road in State College, @IlliniFootball & @BretBielema are welcomed back to Champaign with a standing ovation at the State Farm Center during @IlliniMBB's exhibition game. 👏 📢 pic.twitter.com/yC8hWv7odz
— Illinois on BTN (@IllinoisOnBTN) October 24, 2021
Saturday’s win was particularly special because of the struggles Illinois has faced this season. The team has battled the injury bug and is just 1-5 since starting the year with a 30-22 win over Nebraska in Week 0.
This victory is certainly the kind of jolt the program needed to spark some energy in the team and the fans.
Illinois improved to 3-5 on the season and has games against Rutgers, Minnesota, Iowa and Northwestern remaining on the schedule.