The Wildcats reached 10 wins for only the fourth time in program history with Saturday’s 24-14 victory over Illinois. While coach Pat Fitzgerald may still have areas of concern as Northwestern prepares for a bowl game, there was plenty to like.
Offense
B-. Northwestern made the most of its red-zone chances, scoring all four times, including three touchdowns in the first half. But the Wildcats struggled in the second half and quarterback Clayton Thorson threw a third-quarter interception that Illinois converted into a touchdown.
Defense
A. Northwestern gave up a first-quarter touchdown and then kept Illinois out of the end zone the rest of the way, making an impressive late-game stop after the Illini marched to the Wildcats’ 4-yard line. Northwestern limited Illinois to 78 net rushing yards. Illini quarterback Wes Lunt went 20 of 41 for 241 yards but threw no TD passes.
Special teams
A-. Dependable Hunter Niswander averaged 38 yards on eight punts and placed two inside the 20. Jack Mitchell averaged 64.4 yards on five kickoffs and nailed a 39-yard fourth-quarter field goal, his only try of the day.
Coaching
A-. The Wildcats still can’t quite get the offense to click for four quarters, but the defensive plan — overseen by coordinator Mike Hankwitz — and execution were superb.
