CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Land of Lincoln Hat Trophy will stay in Champaign after Illinois battled through heavy snowfall to secure a 20–13 victory over Northwestern at Gies Memorial Stadium. Nearly six inches of snow, the most ever recorded for a home game in Illini history, blanketed the field and forced the consolidation of spirit squads and fan seating—but energy remained electric throughout the win.
Northwestern opened the scoring with a field goal, but Illinois answered early in the second quarter when Ca’Lil Valentine powered into the end zone on a six-yard rush. A short touchdown from Kaden Feagin later in the quarter sent the Illini into halftime with a 14–10 lead.
The Illini defense delivered a dominant performance. Senior Miles Scott celebrated his final home game with two second-half interceptions, marking his first career multi-pick outing. Torrie Cox also snagged an interception late in the first half, helping Illinois maintain momentum in a game defined by turnovers and tough field conditions.
Illinois successfully defended the Hat Trophy for the first time since Head Coach Bret Bielema’s first two seasons. Under Bielema, the Illini have now won four of the last five rivalry matchups after previously dropping six straight before his arrival.
Illinois concludes the regular season with an 8–4 record and now turns its attention to an upcoming bowl game announcement. Last season, the Illini topped South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl.