GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Controlling the line of scrimmage will be a focal point for Northwestern’s game plan against Illinois. The Illini rank second in the Big Ten in rushing offense with 2,766 yards on 461 carries, and their quarterback AJ Bush is among the most mobile in the conference. Nine of Illinois’ touchdowns have come through the air, while 25 have come on the ground. Bush has five passing touchdowns with nine interceptions, but also has eight rushing touchdowns, so containing him will be crucial for the Wildcats’ front line. Illinois ranks 13th in the conference in sacks allowed with 27, while Northwestern ranks last with 28.
DRAFT SLANT
–QB Clayton Thorson played one of his most efficient games of the season at Minnesota, completing 15-of-21 pass attempts for 230 yards. While he did not score through the air, he also finished without a turnover, adding a 13-yard touchdown run to break a 7-7 tie with 1:12 remaining in the first half. Thorson has started 50-consecutive games at quarterback for the Wildcats, tying Washington’s Jake Browning for the longest active consecutive start streak in the FBS. While his touchdown-interception ratio may impact his draft stock — Thorson has 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season — he eclipsed the 10,000-yard mark for his career against Minnesota and will certainly receive NFL draft consideration given his frame and his overall body of work as a four-year starter.
ROSTER REPORT:
–LB Nate Hall will miss the first half of Saturday’s game while serving a suspension for a targeting penalty during the second half of Northwestern’s 24-14 win over Minnesota last Saturday.
–S Jared McGee was injured during Northwestern’s 31-21 loss to Notre Dame on Nov. 3 and has missed the last two games. His availability for Saturday’s game against Illinois is uncertain.
–CB Trae Williams was also injured against Notre Dame, and subsequently held out of the Wildcats’ division-clinching win at Iowa Nov. 10. Williams’ injury is undisclosed but given that he also missed last Saturday’s game at Minnesota, his availability against Illinois is questionable.
–WR Flynn Nagel suffered an undisclosed lower body injury last Saturday against Minnesota following a two-yard reception and did not return. No updates have been given regarding his availability for Illinois.
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