CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Following a 26-14 win over Minnesota, the Illinois football team has moved up to #18 in the AP Poll. Illinois is also ranked in the Coaches Poll for the first time this season, coming in at #20.

Illinois is 6-1, tied for its best start since 1953. The Illini reached bowl eligibility on Oct. 15, becoming the 10th team in the nation to get to six wins.

The Illini are on a five-game winning streak, including three Big Ten West wins in back-to-back-to-back weeks. It is the first time Illinois has won five in a row since 2011 and the first time Illinois is 3-1 in the Big Ten since 2007.

Illinois is led by the nation's leading rusher, Chase Brown, and the nation's No. 1 scoring defense. The Illini also lead the country in total defense, touchdowns allowed, interceptions, and opponent passer rating.

Illinois will enjoy a much-deserved bye week this week before a trip to Nebraska next week.

Chase Brown

• 1st in the nation in rushing yards (1,059)
• 1st in the nation in all-purpose yards (1,166)
• 1st in the nation in 100-yard games (7)
• 1st in the nation in 10+ yard runs (33)
• 1st in the nation in yards after contact (619)
• 2nd in the nation in forced missed tackles (53)
• 4th in the nation in first down runs (49)
• 5th in the nation in 20+ yard runs (8)
• 6th in the nation in 30+ yard runs (4)

Illinois Defense

• 1st in scoring defense (8.9)
• 1st in total defense (221.0)
• 1st in touchdowns allowed (5)
• 1st in interceptions (12)
• 1st in opponent passer rating (75.4)
• 2nd in TFL yards (257)
• 2nd in takeaways (17)
• 2nd in passing defense (143.1)
• 3rd in rushing defense (77.9)
• 4th in red zone defense (63.6%)
• 4th in first downs allowed (86)
• 4th in third down defense (26.5%)
• 6th in sacks (23)
• 8th in fourth down defense (22.2%)

AP Top 25