CHICAGO (AP) There weren't any major goals in reach to motivate No. 17 Northwestern the past two seasons - certainly not like this.
The Wildcats will try to tie a school record for wins and strengthen their case for a prestigious bowl when they face Illinois at Soldier Field on Saturday in a game that could have major implications on the uncertain future of Fighting Illini interim coach Bill Cubit.
For Northwestern, it's quite a change after back-to-back 5-7 seasons.
The Wildcats (9-2, 5-2 Big Ten, No. 16 CFP) come into this game with a chance to join the 1903, 1995 and 2012 teams with a program-best 10 wins.