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CHAMPAIGN — Miles Scott had two interceptions in the final five minutes Saturday to lock down Illinois’ 20-13 victory over Northwestern.
Ahead 14-10 at halftime on the snowy night, the Illini (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten) scored only six points in the second half on a pair of field goals by David Olano, but that was enough to defeat the Wildcats (6-6, 4-5).
Quarterback Luke Altmyer was 10 of 15 passing for 136 yards in his final regular-season game for Illinois. Ca’Lil Valentine rushed 14 times for 74 yards and a touchdown.
Preston Stone was 19 of 36 for 163 yards and a touchdown for Northwestern but threw three interceptions. The Wildcats also lost a fumble.
Hayden Eligon II had eight catches for 99 yards for Northwestern, and third-string running back Robby Preckel ran for 82 yards on 22 carries.
Down 17-10 early in the fourth quarter, Northwestern was in the red zone twice with opportunities to tie the game but came away with only three points on a 26-yard field goal by Jack Olsen.
The takeaway
Northwestern: The Wildcats lost 24-22 to Michigan two weeks ago on a 31-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada with two seconds left and beat Minnesota 38-35 last week on a 33-yard field goal by Olsen with 53 seconds to go to end a three-game losing streak.
Because of the weather conditions Saturday, there was little chance Northwestern would have a third straight game decided by a late kick. Instead, it was four turnovers that killed the Wildcats.
Illinois: Talk of the Illini being a contender for a spot in the College Football Playoff ended when they stumbled down the stretch after a 5-1 start. But they’ll be going to a bowl game in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2010-11, and they’ve won at least eight games in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1989-90.
Illinois went 10-3 in 2024 to tie the program record for victories in a season.
Up next
Northwestern: The Wildcats are bowl eligible.
Illinois: The Illini await a bowl invitation.
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