CHAMPAIGN — The Illinois football team is back in the AP Top 25.

The Illini cracked the rankings after a two-week absence on Sunday with Bret Bielema’s team at No. 24 following a 38-16 home victory against Michigan State.

Illinois (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) plays at Rutgers (6-4, 3-4) at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

The Illini are one of five Big Ten teams in the AP rankings, with the league also holding down four of the top-five spots with Oregon at No. 1 followed by Ohio State at No. 2, Penn State at No. 4 and Indiana at No. 5.

Here’s how AP Top 25 voter and Illinois beat writer Bob Asmussen voted in Sunday’s poll:

RK., TEAM PREV.

1. Oregon 1

2. Ohio State 2

3. Texas 3

4. Penn State 4

5. Indiana 5

6. Notre Dame 8

7. Boise State 9

8. Alabama 10

9. Mississippi 12

10. Georgia 13

11. SMU 11

12. Miami 15

13. Army 14

14. BYU 7

15. Tennessee 6

16. Colorado 18

17. Texas A&M 16

18. Clemson 20

19. South Carolina 23

20. Tulane 25

21. Arizona State NR

22. Iowa State NR

23. Illinois NR

24. Memphis NR

25. UNLV NR