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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**#23 Illinois Set to Host #21 USC in Sold-Out Homecoming Showdown**

**Champaign, IL –** The University of Illinois is buzzing with excitement as the #23 Fighting Illini prepare to face off against the #21 USC Trojans this Saturday, October 5th, at 11:00 AM CT. This highly anticipated matchup, a part of Illinois’ annual Homecoming celebration, marks the first meeting between the two teams since the 2008 Rose Bowl and USC’s first visit to Champaign since 1996.

Tickets for the game are sold out, promising a raucous atmosphere at Memorial Stadium. Fans unable to attend can catch the action on FOX with Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, and Jenny Taft on the call. The Busey Bank Illini Sports Network will provide radio coverage.

Adding to the pre-game festivities, FOX’s popular “Big Noon Kickoff” pregame show will broadcast live from Grange Grove for the first time ever. The show, featuring Rob Stone, analysts Mark Ingram II, Matt Leinart, Urban Meyer, Brady Quinn, and Barstool’s Dave Portnoy, will air from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM CT, preceded by “The Barstool College Football Show” at 8:00 AM CT at the same location. Grange Grove will open to the public at 7:00 AM CT, with Big Noon Kickoff’s activities beginning at 8:00 AM CT.

The game caps off a week of Homecoming celebrations, marking the 115th year of the tradition at Illinois. Festivities include a Homecoming parade on Friday at 6:00 PM, starting at 4th and Kirby. This year’s Homecoming Grand Marshal is iconic rock band REO Speedwagon.

Illinois enters the game with a 3-1 record and a strong showing in national rankings, currently sitting at #23 in both the AP Top 25 and US LBM Coaches Poll. The Illini boast a potent offense led by QB Luke Altmyer and WR Hank Beatty, as well as a tough defense. The Illini are 10th in the nation and tied for third in the Big Ten in turnover margin (+5).

Saturday’s game promises to be a memorable event for the University of Illinois, its alumni, and football fans alike.

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