Overview
- Safety Miles Scott intercepted Preston Stone twice in the final five minutes to preserve the 20-13 result.
- Illinois finished 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten) and will await a bowl bid after back-to-back seasons with at least eight wins, according to the AP.
- Northwestern fell to 6-6 (4-5) with four giveaways, including three Stone interceptions and a lost fumble, despite near-even yardage and possession.
- In snowy Champaign, Illinois turned a 14-10 halftime edge into the final margin with two David Olano field goals as late kicking range was limited.
- Postgame focus centered on Northwestern’s red-zone inefficiency and conservative decisions, with coaching and game management under review ahead of bowl prep.