No. 22 Illinois reaches 9 wins for first time in 17 years with 38-28 victory over Northwestern
Illinois running back Aidan Laughery (21) scores a touchdown after catching a pass against Northwestern's Damon Walters (21) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Paul Beaty]
CHICAGO (AP) — Aidan Laughery rushed for three touchdowns, including one on career-long 64-yard run early in the second half, and No. 22 Illinois topped Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday to reach nine victories for the first time since its 2007 Rose Bowl season. Pat Bryant dashed in to score off Luke Altmyer’s 43-yard pass early in the third quarter as Illinois (9-3, 6-3 Big Ten) struck for touchdowns just over 4 minutes apart early in the third quarter to open a 28-10 lead in what had been a tight game. Altmyer, who threw for 170 yards, notched a TD himself on a keeper from the 1-yard line early in the second quarter. David Olano added as field goal in the fourth Northwestern’s Devin Turner intercepted Altmyer twice, including for a 13-yard touchdown return late in the first quarter.
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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (8) celebrates after scoring on a run during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Paul Beaty