CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Behind a dominant run game and a defense up to the task, the Wildcats claimed their fifth straight win over Illinois on the road Saturday, 29-10.
Northwestern has now won the Land of Lincoln Trophy a program-record five times in a row.
The 'Cats ran rampant over the Illini with 378 yards on the ground. It was the first time the Wildcats have rushed for over 350 yards since Sept. 29, 2012 against Indiana, and only the sixth occurrence since 2000, with two of the previous five occurrences also coming against Illinois.
Sophomore quarterback Andrew Marty rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns while also tossing one of his own. First year running back Coco Azema, a converted defensive back, led the ground game with 123 yards on just seven carries, the first seven of his career, including a 62-yard scamper and a 24-yard touchdown late to ice the game. It was the first time two Wildcats have rushed for over 100 yards in the same game since Justin Jackson and John Moten IV did so on Nov. 26, 2016, against Illinois.
The Wildcat defense allowed just 111 yards of total offense, the second-lowest figure since at least 2000. The defense also forced two takeaways, including a forced fumble from Trent Goens and an interception from A.J. Hampton.
Senior defensive end Joe Gaziano capped off his incredible Wildcat career with another forceful performance. He finished the afternoon with two TFL and a sack, bringing his career sack total to 30. He finished his career as the active leader in TFL in the country with 48.5.
Goens also posted a career day with three TFL, a pass breakup, a QBH and a forced fumble. Only one Wildcat since 2000 has replicated that stat line – Malcolm Arrington on Sept. 20, 2008 against Ohio.
Junior wide receiver Riley Lees caught the lone passing touchdown of the day on a career-long 34-yard reception from Marty. It was the seventh touchdown catch of his career.
Northwestern also saw contributions to the running game from Drake Anderson and Raymond Niro III. Anderson rushed for 87 yards to pass Darnell Autry (1994) and Dennis Lundy (1991) for the fifth most rushing yards by a first year in program history. Niro added 56 yards including a career-long 39 yard rush.
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Northwestern has now won the Land of Lincoln Trophy a program-record five times in a row.
The 'Cats ran rampant over the Illini with 378 yards on the ground. It was the first time the Wildcats have rushed for over 350 yards since Sept. 29, 2012 against Indiana, and only the sixth occurrence since 2000, with two of the previous five occurrences also coming against Illinois.
Sophomore quarterback Andrew Marty rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns while also tossing one of his own. First year running back Coco Azema, a converted defensive back, led the ground game with 123 yards on just seven carries, the first seven of his career, including a 62-yard scamper and a 24-yard touchdown late to ice the game. It was the first time two Wildcats have rushed for over 100 yards in the same game since Justin Jackson and John Moten IV did so on Nov. 26, 2016, against Illinois.
The Wildcat defense allowed just 111 yards of total offense, the second-lowest figure since at least 2000. The defense also forced two takeaways, including a forced fumble from Trent Goens and an interception from A.J. Hampton.
Senior defensive end Joe Gaziano capped off his incredible Wildcat career with another forceful performance. He finished the afternoon with two TFL and a sack, bringing his career sack total to 30. He finished his career as the active leader in TFL in the country with 48.5.
Goens also posted a career day with three TFL, a pass breakup, a QBH and a forced fumble. Only one Wildcat since 2000 has replicated that stat line – Malcolm Arrington on Sept. 20, 2008 against Ohio.
Junior wide receiver Riley Lees caught the lone passing touchdown of the day on a career-long 34-yard reception from Marty. It was the seventh touchdown catch of his career.
Northwestern also saw contributions to the running game from Drake Anderson and Raymond Niro III. Anderson rushed for 87 yards to pass Darnell Autry (1994) and Dennis Lundy (1991) for the fifth most rushing yards by a first year in program history. Niro added 56 yards including a career-long 39 yard rush.
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Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!