Illini, Wildcats look to start strong in new Big Ten conference

The Illini kick off the season Thursday night hoping to return to their 2022 form and push for a Big Ten championship.

Why it matters: College football is all about who can stay undefeated the longest, bringing excitement to marquee matchups later in the season.

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Driving the news: The Illini open with a rare Thursday night game, taking on Eastern Illinois.

The big picture: With the expansion of the Big Ten conference, it will be harder than ever for the orange and blue to chase a conference championship, let alone a national title.

Zoom out: The Illini took a step backward last year after pushing for a Big Ten title two years ago. Coach Bret Bielema returns for his fourth season, but many of the stars who helped bring him early success have graduated or transferred.

• It also doesn't help that Illinois has a brutal season ahead, including road games at Penn State and Oregon, as well as a home game versus Michigan.

The vibe: It's the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium this season, so that should bring some excitement to campus.

Defensive lineman P.J. Spencer #50 of the Northwestern Wildcats poses with the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl trophy at Allegiant Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Zak Krill/Getty Images

The other side (of the state): The Wildcats had a surprisingly good year in 2023 under new coach David Braun, who was promoted to head coach after the university fired Pat Fitzgerald over the hazing scandal .

• The team found a defensive identity under Braun and rattled off five straight wins to wrap up last season, including the Las Vegas Bowl.

State of play: Northwestern will play games on a makeshift field near the back of their Evanston campus. Ryan Field has been demolished, and a new stadium is expected to be ready in 2026.

• They will also play two games at Wrigley Field this season.

Most notable players: Defensive end Adrian Hubbard and quarterback Mike Wright, who transferred from Mississippi State.