CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Let’s make something clear from the start: Rutgers suffered another heavy defeat on Saturday because it could not stop its opponent once again. The Scarlet Knights (4-5, 1-5) were carved up by Illinois (6-3, 3-3) in a 35-13 loss that was not as close as the score indicated.

The Illinois Fighting Illini dominated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Week 10 college football, 35-13. Here is a recap, photos and highlights.

The Illini defense had a bounce-back game after giving up 76 points the last two games in losses to No. 1 Ohio State and Washington.

Any semblance of progress Rutgers showed against one of the Big Ten’s worst teams last week went away as soon as it faced an above-average opponent. A week after putting together its best defensive performance in a conference game this season against Purdue,

Nov 1, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) passes over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights line during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Luke Altmyer hits a wide-open Hank Beatty in the end zone, putting Illinois up 21-6 against Rutgers in Week 10.

The Scarlet Knights were “outcoached” and “outplayed” throughout the 35-13 loss they suffered against the Illini, head coach Greg Schiano said after a game at Memorial Stadium in which the final score did not come close to reflecting the host’s domination.

Rutgers football took its first step toward salvaging the season by beating Purdue, and now the Scarlet Knights have a chance to build on it against Illinois. The Scarlet Knights will travel to play the Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champagne, Illinois on Nov. 1 (Big Ten Network, noon ET) with a chance to pick up a second-straight victory.