CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois came up short in its regular-season finale to Northwestern, 45-43, on Senior Day on Saturday evening at Memorial Stadium.
Casey Washington caught nine passes for a career-high 218 yards, and he recorded a career-high three touchdowns. His first score came on a 9-yard strike in the first half, and he made touchdown receptions of 1 yard and 80 yards in the final period of play.
Reggie Love III ended his evening with 106 yards on 23 carries, his second game with at least 100 yards on the ground this season.
John Paddock finished with 334 passing yards and three scores, while Isaiah Williams, who picked up the fifth passing touchdown of his career on a 14-yard pass to Pat Bryant in the fourth quarter, registered six catches for 57 yards, his 26th consecutive game with at least three receptions.
Miles Scott returned the second interception of his career for a 55-yard pick six, his second defensive score of the year. Tyler Strain also notched a pick, which came in the fourth quarter.
Jer’Zhan Newton tallied two sacks, and his quarterback hurry led to Strain’s third interception of his career.
HIGHLIGHTS
PRESS CONFERENCE
POSTGAME NOTES
Player Notes
- Casey Washington caught a career-high nine passes for a career-best 218 yards and three touchdowns.
- Five receptions for 181 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter
- Tied the Illinois record for receiving touchdowns in a single game (3)
- First Illini with three touchdown catches since A.J. Jenkins vs. Northwestern on Oct. 1, 2011
- 218 receiving yards are the third-most in Illinois history
- Most receiving yards by a Big Ten player this season
- 80-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter was the longest passing play by the Illini this season
- Had two receptions of more than 70 yards in the fourth quarter
- Reception of 73 yards in the fourth quarter was the first passing play by the Illini of more than 70 yards since Josh Imatorbhebhe had an 83-yard catch on Nov. 9, 2019, at Michigan State
- Had two receptions of more than 70 yards in the fourth quarter
- Isaiah Williams caught six passes for 57 yards.
- Williams leads the Big Ten in receptions…
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