EVANSTON — Bring on the Buckeyes. After Ohio State earned its place in Indianapolis by dominating Michigan, Northwestern (8-4, 8-1 B1G) slugged it out against Illinois (4-8, 2-7), beating the Illini 24-16 on Senior Day. The win marked Northwestern’s best five year run in program history, with 40 wins (and counting) over that span.
Isaiah Bowser had another phenomenal game, carrying the ball 18 times for 166 yards. Clayton Thorson also had one of his best games of the season, even if the numbers don’t show it. Thorson displayed the finesse and poise that has been missing for a large portion of the season, completing 12/17 passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns.