Northwestern played its highest ranked opponent of the year .
Northwestern dropped a 4 - 3 decision at No. 7 Illinois , but still showed the difference a year makes after having been swept by the Illini in 2008 .
Playing its highest ranked opponent of the year , Northwestern dropped a 4 - 3 decision at No. 7 Illinois , but still showed the difference a year makes after having been swept by the Illini in 2008 .