The Illinois Fighting Illini needed a momentum boost, and as October flipped to November, they did just that.
Coach Bret Bielema's team didn't let a two-game losing skid spiral into something much worse, as Illinois' return trip to Gies Memorial Stadium delivered a suffocating performance against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 35-13.
Behind four touchdown passes from quarterback Luke Altmyer and scoring on all five red zone possessions, the Illini ended a 14-year drought by clinching back-to-back bowl berths, equating to a 6-3 mark with three games remaining.
Before the game, the vibes felt different. This was evidenced by Bielema's pregame walk to midfield as captured by the Illinois football social media team.
"The man in charge," the caption read.
Despite Illinois' College Football Playoff hopes being dashed by the Washington Huskies last Saturday, it can make more program history should it win out. It has never had consecutive 10-win seasons, and while it may not lead to a playoff appearance, it's a solid consolation prize.
For now, though, it remains to be seen.