Illinois at Northwestern College Football: Everything You Need To Know

Illinois hopes to end a mediocre season on a high note by defeating state rival Northwestern on the road.

The Illini fell to Iowa 28-0 last weekend, dropping their second in a row and fourth in five games. Illinois has been outscored 76-3 in the last two weeks (against Iowa and Wisconsin). Nothing worked for the Illini on Saturday as the offense managed only 198 total yards while the defense allowed the Hawkeyes to rush for 262 yards and three scores. Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt was highly ineffective as he completed only 19 of 41 passes for 137 yards and an interception. The running game wasn’t much better as Kendrick Foster led the way for the Illini with 50 yards on 16 carries.

Northwestern didn’t fare much better against Minnesota as the Wildcats were drubbed 29-12. Northwestern was shut out in the first half Saturday and fell behind the Gophers 15-0 before finally scoring on a Justin Jackson 4-yard run. Quarterback Clayton Thorson was a rare bright spot as he threw for 276 yards and a score and didn’t turn the ball over. Northwestern’s running game, though, was stifled as the Wildcats managed only 63 yards on 33 carries.

Kickoff time: 11 a.m. CT
TV and radio: Big Ten Network, Illinois Radio Network
Point spread: Northwestern is favored by 14 points, according to scores and odds.
Tickets: Tickets are available at the Northwestern football website.