ncaaf Game Recap
Wildcats vs Fighting Illini Final: 24-16 - Recap
The Fighting Illini had no answer for Isaiah Bowser on Saturday as the Wildcats rolled to a 24-16 win at Ryan Field.
Northwestern did not, however, defeat the Fighting Illini against the spread, which closed at -14.5 at most sportsbooks. Totals bettors, meanwhile, saw the game go UNDER the closing number of 57.5.
Isaiah Bowser rushed for 166 yards, while Chad Hanaoka added 48 yards in the win. Riley Lees and Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman added 25 and 25 receiving yards respectively.
Reggie Corbin rushed for 78 yards for Illinois, while A.J. Bush added 56 yards. A.J. Bush threw for 281 yards for the Fighting Illini, while receivers Ricky Smalling and Dominic Stampley had 72 and 69 yards respectively.
Northwestern was outgained by Illinois 435-371 yards in Saturday's match, while the important battle of first downs was won 24-19 by the Fighting Illini.
The time of possession battle favored Illinois as their offense was on the field for 31:06, longer than the 28:54 of their opponents.