An Oral History of the Greatest Rivalry in College Football
For more than one hundred years, the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, separated by about 150 miles, have nurtured the premier rivalry in college football. Both situated in the heart of Big Ten country, their annual game has not only stopped the state in its tracks, but has captivated millions of Americans. The Northwestern-Illinois game goes beyond college football. For residents of Illinois, this is a way of life.
I. THE EARLY YEARS
The first Illinois-Northwestern game, played in 1892 ended in a 16-16 tie.