Miles Scott's 2 late interceptions secures the Hat for Illinois' win over Northwestern
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 29: Kenenna Odeluga #39 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates with the Land of Lincoln Trophy after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Jus
Miles Scott had two interceptions in the final five minutes Saturday night to lock down Illinois’ 20-13 victory over Northwestern.
Ahead 14-10 at halftime on the snowy night, the Illini (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten) scored only six points in the second half of a pair of field goals by David Olano, but that was enough to defeat the Wildcats (6-6, 4-5).
"Totality wise, I always have to look at what's in front of us," Illini head coach Bret Bielema said. "I want to win them all, right? But I have to look at what's in front of us. This signing class, coupled with an eight-win season and we get a chance to get a ninth. I think there might be three or four guys in this signing class who are day one starters."
Luke Altmyer, one of the nation's top quarterbacks, was 10-of-15 passing for 136 yards in his final regular-season home game for Illinois. Ca’Lil Valentine rushed 14 times for 74 yards and a touchdown.
Preston Stone was 19 of 36 for 163 yards passing and a TD for Northwestern, but threw three interceptions. The Wildcats also lost a fumble.
"Obviously very disappointed in the result," NU head coach David Braun said. "We found ways to beat ourselves. That's what makes it hard in that locker room postgame."
Hayden Eligon II had eight catches for 99 yards for Northwestern and third-string running back Robby Preckel ran for 82 yards on 22 carries.
Down 17-10 early in the fourth quarter, Northwestern was in the red zone twice with opportunities to tie the game, but came away with only three points on a 26-yard field goal by Jack Olsen.
What they're saying:
"This time last year, we were looking down the barrel of the offseason," Braun said. "Right now we have a few more weeks with this group and we have to finish out the right way."
"I know when we came here, we lost six in a row to Northwestern," Bielema said. "Just the amount of growth that we've had in that area. You know, there's so many people to thank, but mainly just our seniors, those 30 guys now, hopefully not all of them are leaving me. I know that a couple guys jumped in just in case, but super excited to get this W for our guys, guys like Miles Scott, Luke Altmyer and so many other seniors, Gabe Jacas became the Big Ten sacks leader today, right? So to have that happen, just absolutely awesome, we got to wait a week to find out where we're going.
Takeaway:
Northwestern: The Wildcats lost 24-22 to Michigan two weeks ago on a 31-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada with two seconds left, and beat Minnesota 38-35 last week on a 33-yard field goal by Olsen with 53 seconds to go to end a three-game losing streak. Because of the weather conditions Saturday in Champaign, Illinois, there was little chance Northwestern would have a third straight game decided by a late kick. Instead, it was four turnovers that killed the Wildcats.
Illinois: Talk of the Illini being a contender for a spot in the College Football Playoffs ended when they stumbled down the stretch after a 5-1 start. But they’ll be going to a bowl game in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2010-11, and they’ve won at least eight games in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1989-90. Illinois went 10-3 in 2024 and tied for program record for victories in a season.
Up Next:
Northwestern: The Wildcats are bowl eligible.
Illinois: The Illini await a bowl invitation.