Pregame Discussion: Illinois vs Northwestern

Illinois (5-6, 2-5) @ Northwestern (5-6, 3-4)

When: Saturday, November 29th | 11:00am CT

Where: Ryan Field | Evanston, IL

Television: ESPNU | WatchESPN.com

Opposing SB Nation Site: Inside NU

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Rivalry: Land of Lincoln Trophy ("The LOLhat")

Illinois and Northwestern will play for the "Land of Lincoln" trophy on Saturday, the sixth battle for the relatively new rivalry trophy. Northwestern has won the trophy in each of the last two seasons - 37-34 in Champaign in 2013 and 50-14 in Evanston in 2012 - to give the Wildcats a 3-2 series edge. The Illini took the trophy in 2011 with a 38-35 come-from-behind win and in 2010 with a 48-27 rout at Wrigley Field. The Land of Lincoln Trophy was chosen by fans of both schools in 2009 in an online vote to replace the 62-year-old Tomahawk Trophy.

Illinois and Northwestern played for the "Sweet Sioux" Tomahawk from 1947-2008. Illinois led the traditional trophy series by a 32-28-2 mark, but Northwestern won the final meeting for the Tomahawk with its 27-10 win in 2008. The Tomahawk was retired following the 2008 season.

~ FightingIllini.com

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Tim Beckman Press Conference: