Ohio State vs. Illinois: The history of the Illibuck trophy

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Both Ohio State and Illinois kick off the Big Ten portion of their seasons on Saturday, and also at stake will be one of the most unique trophies in all of college football.

The Buckeyes and the Illini will face off for the Illibuck, a carved wooden turtle that has been an unusual symbol of the series since 1902.

The Illibuck actually began as a student-initiated project. Ohio State's Bucket and Dipper junior honorary society and Illinois' Atius-Sachem junior honorary society developed the tradition in the 1920's. The turtle was chosen to represent the longevity of the schools' football relationship. Illinois won the first Illibuck in 1924, and kept the original Illibuck until the next meeting.

The Illibuck is among the oldest travelling football trophies, only the Michigan-Minnesota's Little Brown Jug predates it among conference's trophy games.

Ohio State enters this year's meeting as the trophy's longtime holder. Illinois last captured the Illibuck in a 28-21 upset of No. 1 Ohio State in 2007. The Buckeyes won the following season and have held on to the trophy ever since.

The history of the trophy will add a layer beyond just standings for the two teams Big Ten teams.

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State vs. Illinois: The history of the Illibuck trophy

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