Nov. 29--Another season is ending with a thud after the Illini lost 24-14 to Northwestern on Saturday at Soldier Field. Illinois finished the regular season on a three-game losing streak. The Illini (5-7, 2-6 Big Ten) are likely out of the bowl picture. The same problems that plagued the Illini all season flustered them right up until the end.
Offense
D. It's easy to imagine quarterback Wes Lunt putting his receivers through drills all summer. The receivers had numerous drive-killing drops. Lunt went 20-for-41 for 241 yards, but a fourth-quarter interception snuffed out another drive. After a first-quarter touchdown, Illinois' offense never got in the end zone again.
Defense
C+. Linebacker Mason Monheim's pick-six temporarily swung momentum Illinois' way. Chunky Clements forced a fumble and tipped a pass that led to Monheim's interception. But the unit allowed Northwestern running back Justin Jackson to gain 172 yards on 37 carries.
Special teams
D-. A special-teams penalty kept a Northwestern scoring drive alive. Taylor Zalewski missed two field-goals attempts, including a 27-yarder in the fourth quarter.
Coaching
D+. Illinois coach Bill Cubit received a two-year contract before the game. But the players did not compete with much inspiration or focus for long stretches in the game. Illinois could take a step forward next season with the return of injured playmakers to the lineup.
