Here is a surprising fact about Illinois football: They have won 23 consecutive home openers dating back to 1997. Of course, in 1997 they went 0-11, but considering some of the really bad teams the Illini have had in that time getting 23 straight has been impressive.
And remember: this is HOME openers. Their six games they lost to Missouri in St. Louis at a neutral site do not count. The list includes all four Directionals Illinois with the boxed set of throwing in Illinois State (effective Central Illinois), but also a nice win over Rutgers and a win over Western Kentucky in game one post-Brohm.