Northwestern Runs Over Illinois, 42-21, Behind Jackson, Moten
EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — Justin Jackson rushed for 173 yards and three touchdowns, John Moten added 128 yards and two touchdowns and Northwestern became bowl eligible with a 42-21 victory over Illinois on Saturday.
Clayton Thorson completed 13 of 20 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown as the Wildcats improved to 6-6 and 5-4 in the Big Ten.
Wes Lunt completed 28 of 54 passes for 377 yards and two touchdowns for Illinois (3-9, 2-7), which closed out its first season under coach Lovie Smith with three straight losses.
Jackson moved into second place on Northwestern's all-time rushing list — passing Darnell Autry (3,793) and Tyrell Sutton (3,886) with 3,905. Jackson has 27 career rushing TDs.
After trailing 21-0, Illinois rallied for two touchdowns to pull within 21-14 at halftime and appeared headed for a game-tying score on its first possession of the second half when things fell apart.
First, running back Reggie Corbin fumbled at the 8-yard line and safety Godwin Igwebuike recovered to give the ball — and momentum — back to Northwestern.
Two plays later, Illinois safety Stanley Green was ejected after a targeting penalty for a hit on wide receiver Flynn Nagel. The 15-yard penalty (on top of the 10-yard completion) advanced the ball to the NU 46. Jackson then broke a 54-yard scoring run to make it 28-14 with 9:24 remaining in the third quarter.
Leading 35-21 early in the fourth quarter, Northwestern put the game away on a 4-yard TD run by Jackson. The score was set up by a 66-yard interception return by Montre Hartage to the 5.
Illinois running back Kendrick Foster suffered an apparent right-leg injury on the third play from scrimmage and did not return.
THE TAKEAWAY
Illinois: The Illini's 28 first-time starters this season heading into Saturday were the most in the nation, which is a sign the program is in the early stages of a rebuilding plan. To have any chance of flipping the record next season, more consistent offensive production is a must. Lunt's 19-yard TD pass to Malik Turner in the second was the Illini's first TD in nine quarters.
Northwestern: Although it's a far cry from last year's 10 wins, winning two of the final three games to become bowl eligible is an accomplishment for a program that doesn't take winning for granted. With Thorson, Jackson and Moten returning, the Wildcats should have an explosive offense next season.
UP NEXT
Illinois: The Illini's season is over.
Northwestern: The regular season is over, but the Wildcats will make a second straight bowl appearance.
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