Illinois claims the Land of Lincoln in blistering snow storm

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Battle for the Land of Lincoln trophy had a backdrop filled with the ultimate football weather. Freezing wind and a downpour of snow.

It would not be an Illinois game without a little bit of late game drama, and when usually the Orange and Blue lean on their offense to be the hero, it was the defense that pulled through on the snow-covered field of Gies Memorial Stadium.

And as Luke Altmyer took a knee in victory formation, on not only the game, but also on his Illinois career, with the game’s defensive MVP and fellow senior Miles Scott behind him, the Illini’s regular season concluded with a gritty 20-13 win over the Wildcats.

A winter storm warning meant that the Illini’s senior day game against the Northwestern Wildcats was going to look a bit different. With fans only allowed to sit on one side of the stadium, students still home on Thanksgiving break, and grass tailgate lots being cautioned against using, the new found home field advantage that the Illini have become acustom to was nowhere to be found.

The largest snowfall on a gameday in Illinois (8-4, 5-4 B1G) football history also meant the Gies Memorial Stadium field crew had to feverishly shovel snow during every media timeout. And although the elements played a large role, Bret Bielema’s squad did just a little bit more to eek out the win over the Wildcats (6-6, 4-5 B1G).

It is no secret that defensive coordinator Aaron Henry’s defense has been under a lot of scrutiny this season. But when the Illini needed their defense to step up the most, their veteran leaders got the job done.

The Illini’s defense was called on multiple times to get a stop in the fourth quarter, and they came through every time. Miles Scott played his best game of the season, picking off Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone twice in the fourth quarter— all but putting the game on ice.

And one final stop on fourth down with 30 seconds remaining, allowed Altmyer to take that final knee.

Linebacker Gabe Jacas, who will go down as one of the best pass rushers to ever wear an Illini uniform, picked up two more sacks on Saturday, cementing himself in sole second place of most sacks in an Illini career.

In total, the defense had Stone running for his life and chucking the ball around the field anywhere he could. The Illini picked off Stone three times, forced two fumbles (recovering one), and sacked him twice.

And in what may be his last game in an Illinois uniform, quarterback Luke Altmyer looked to just manage the game, relying on his running game to do most of the heavy lifting.

With help from running backs Ca’Lil Valentine and Kaden Feagin, the Illini offense punched in a pair of rushing touchdowns to keep the Illini in front of the Wildcats for a large portion of the contest.

While not the best the offense has looked, Altmyer and company did just enough to help hoist the Land of Lincoln Trophy for the second year in a row.

You gotta see this

Wide receiver Hank Beatty, who played quarterback in high school, shows off his arm in his final game at Gies Memorial Stadium.

Tip drill! Tori Cox Jr. forces the first turnover of the day and also picks up his first interception of the season.

Stat Stuffers

4 turnovers: The Illini’s defense, who has had trouble forcing turnovers in 2025, came away with four on Saturday, with three coming in the fourth quarter.

Miles Scott’s fourth quarter: Two interceptions and one pass break up proved to be the difference when the defense’s backs were against the wall.

120 rushing yards: It might not seem like a lot, but trust me, in these field conditions, the fact that anyone found a way to get traction is amazing.

Up Next …

The Illini will now sit back and wait to see what Bowl Game they will be selected for. It is also important to note what seniors will suit up for the Illini in that game, as there are a couple to keep your eye on to sit and prepare for the NFL draft. And of course, the lovely transfer portal. So while the Illini may be off for a couple weeks, Bielema’s crew will have their hands full.