Wildcats trounce Illinois, 24-14

Justin Jackson rushed for 172 yards and a touchdown, and Number 17 Northwestern beat Illinois 24-14 Saturday.

Freshman Clayton Thorson threw for 146 yards and a score as Northwestern avenged last year’s 47-33 home loss to Illinois.

It was the fifth consecutive win for the Wildcats, putting them in position for a New Year’s Day bowl game.