The 2013 Illinois Fighting Illini football team was an American football team that represented the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. In their second season under head coach Tim Beckman, the Fighting Illini compiled a 4âÂÂ8 record (1âÂÂ7 in conference games), finished in fifth place out of six teams in the Big Ten's Leaders Division, and were outscored by a total of 425 to 356.
Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase led the Big Ten with 287 completions, 430 passes, a 66.7% completion percentage, 3,272 passing yards, and 13 interceptions. The team's other statstical leaders included running back Josh Ferguson (779 rushing yards), wide receiver Steve Hull (59 receptions for 993 yards), and kicker Taylor Zalewski (74 points scored, 38 of 38 extra points, 12 of 17 field goals).
The team played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.
For only the second time in Soldier Field's 89-year history, the stadium hosted the Illinois Fighting Illini football team. The Fighting Illini's last appearance at Soldier Field was during the 1994 season in which the team lost 10âÂÂ9 to #22 ranked Washington State Cougars. Additionally, the University of Illinois Alumni Association, Illinois Foundation, and Division and Intercollegiate Athletics are hosting an "Illini Fest" family tailgate prior the start of the football game. The event is modeled after Chicago Street Festivals that are popular throughout Neighborhoods in Chicago.