Wildcats Capture Sixth-Straight Land of Lincoln Victory Over Illinois

Saturday, December 12

Evanston, Ill.

11 a.m.

Northwestern

6-1 , 6-1

Illinois

2-5 , 2-5

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
Illinois	3	0	0	7	10
Northwestern	0	14	14	0	28

Wildcats Capture Sixth-Straight Land of Lincoln Victory Over Illinois

12/12/2020 2:16:00 PM | Football

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EVANSTON, Ill. – The Wildcats grabbed the Land of Lincoln Trophy on Senior Day for the sixth-straight time, defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini, 28-10 at Ryan Field. Northwestern's six game streak over its division opponent is marks the longest in the West.

Northwestern dominated the ground game, surpassing 400 yards for the first time since 2003, where they collected 444 rushing yards while also playing Illinois. The 'Cats were led by redshirt first-year Evan Hull and first-year Cam Porter, who combined had 291 yards and three touchdowns for the day.

The Wildcats' defense was as staunch as it has been all season. The 'Cats held the Fighting Illini under 300 total yards, the fourth time they've accomplished that feat this season. held the Illini was limited to just a field goal in the first half, the second time the 'Cats have done so this season.

On Northwestern's first scoring drive, first-year Cam Porter broke free for 40 yards on the ground on only three carries. Porter reached his career-high in rushing yards on the drive alone. The drive was capped by a two-yard passing touchdown from Peyton Ramsey to junior tight end Charlie Mangieri.

The Wildcats picked up 167 yards on the ground on 28 carries in the first half. Porter paced the 'Cats on the ground, gaining a career-high 68 yards on a career-high 12 carries. He picked up a two-yard touchdown run to extend the Northwestern lead, 14-3 with 27 second left in the half. The first-year is the only Wildcat with rushing touchdowns in back-to-back games this season.

To start the second half, the 'Cats continued to utilize Porter, picking up 62 yards on the opening drive, while adding his second touchdown in the game with an 18-yard run on third-and-five.

On Northwestern's ensuing drive, Northwestern converted a fourth-and-four with a 32-yard rushing touchdown by Evan Hull, his second of the year. Hull more than doubled his season total of rushing yards on the season picking up 149 yards on the ground in the contest.

Sixth-year senior TJ Green, returned to the field to take the last snap of the game for the Wildcats. It was his first snap since August 31, 2019 in the Wildcats' season opener against Stanford.

Chicago's Big Ten Team finishes the regular season 6-1 and Big Ten West Champions, earning a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. Northwestern is set to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the next Saturday, December 19 at 11 am CT in Indianapolis. The game will be broadcast on FOX.