The Northwestern University Wildcats (9-3, Big Ten 5-3) now control the Land of Lincoln Trophy after their 50-14 thumping of their rival, the University of Illinois Illini [2-10 (0-8)], on Nov. 24.

After allowing the Illini to score a touchdown on the 11th play of the 78-yard opening drive, the Wildcats defense only allowed Illinois to score one more time and net only 164 yards the rest of the game.

Wildcats Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald was not pleased with his team’s defensive performance during the first half of the game, but was satisfied with their efforts after halftime. Illinois turned the ball over four times in the loss.

“Turnovers, penalties, not tackling as well as we are capable of tackling, it just altogether wasn’t one of our better games,” said Tim Beckman, the Head Coach of Illinois.

Northwestern scored 28 of their points after forcing giveaways. The Illini also committed eight penalties that cost them 88 yards.

For the second straight game, the Wildcats forced four turnovers. This season, they have caused 13 more turnovers than they have committed.

The Wildcats did not punt the ball the entire game because of the great field position and efficient offensive attack. All season, Northwestern has had success with their ground attack, against Illinois it wasn’t any different. The Wildcats ran the ball 67 times for 338 yards. They ran 83 offensive plays the entire game.

It did not matter who was running the ball between the tackles, the Wildcats were gaining yards at will. Venric Mark, Kain Colter and Mike Trumpy each scored a rushing touchdown. The Wildcats were also perfect on fourth down conversions.

“We’re a firm believer in, the game is won in the trenches and we knew that we had to run the ball. It doesn’t matter who’s in,” Mark said. “[The offensive line] executed, paid attention to details, they finished blocks, which is also key. That allowed us to break a few long runs.”

He rushed for over 100 yards for the eighth time this season. The Wildcats have had a 100 yard rusher nine times this year. Mark is now the teams fifth highest rusher in school history.

Fitzgerald said the Wildcats’ dominant performance boosted the teams already impressive Bowl Game resume.

“We’re a very hot football team right now,” Fitzgerald said. “I think wherever we end up we’re going to be very thankful and privileged to have the opportunity.”

The Wildcats have only won one bowl game in the 10 chances they have had. They have not won a post-season game since the Rose Bowl in 1949.

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