CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois Football made an appearance in the College Football Playoff rankings for the first time this season at #21, Illinois Athletics announced Tuesday.

The team's three losses came to CFP contenders #1 Ohio State and #2 Indiana, along with a loss to unranked 7-3 Washington. Illinois also notched a win over 15th-ranked USC (8-2), which likely boosted its chances in the eyes of the committee.

The Fighting Illini finished #20 in last season's rankings following a Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina.

Illinois returns to action this week against the Wisconsin Badgers at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Madison.

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