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The Illinois Fighting Illini made program history on Tuesday night.
For the 1st time, the Illini have been ranked by the College Football Playoff selection committee. The committee placed the Illini at No. 16.
For the first time….
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
No. 16#Illini // #HTTO // #famILLy pic.twitter.com/cuYlPz0DwX
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) November 1, 2022
The College Football Playoff had its inaugural season in 2014, and the Illini had not been ranked until now. Fans and media members alike were ecstatic for the Illini program to finally crack the rankings.
Illinois 16th in the College Football Playoff rankings. This has happened in 2 seasons. Have to pinch myself
— Herb Lawrence (@Ecnerwal23) November 1, 2022
Was trying to think of the last time I’ve been so happy watching Illinois play football.
It was 2007.
That was 15 years ago lol. https://t.co/LKlk2j6lTd
— Luke Warmbath (@Mr_Buzz_n_Frog) November 1, 2022
More history for @IlliniFootball: Illinois is ranked for the first time in the College Football Playoff poll, coming in at No. 16 in the first rankings of the 2022 season. @WGNNews pic.twitter.com/q3EkEW1ri4
— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) November 1, 2022
The Illini are on their 1st 6-game winning streak since starting 6-0 in 2011. The 2022 season is also the 1st season since 2001 in which the Illini went undefeated in the month of October.
The Illini will welcome B1G foe Michigan State to town in Week 10.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.