EVANSTON, Ill. — At least the Illini ended the regular season on a high note.
Just three short weeks ago, Illinois (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten) controlled its own destiny in the West with a 4-1 conference record, but a three-game skid halted that. Heading to Ryan Field on Saturday, the Illini knew they needed some help this weekend to claim their spot in Indy.
Illinois knew its part this weekend was to beat lowly Northwestern (1-11, 1-8 Big Ten), a team that hadn’t won since August (in Ireland). Behind a consistent rushing attack and a dominant defense, Illinois breezed by its rival, 41-3, and hung on to the Land of Lincoln Trophy.