CHICAGO -- It was the biggest play of the game: fourth and one for Illinois on Northwestern's four-yard-line down 10 with just over four-and-a-half minutes left in the game. Illini quarterback Wes Lunt went under center, barking out signal to his offensive line. One of them jumped early, pushing Illinois back five yards. So head coach Bill Cubit -- who was just extended for two years leading up to the game -- decided to kick the short field goal and Taylor Zalewski pushed it wide right and Northwestern stayed on top 24-14.
Just like that, the Hat was won and Northwestern won its 10th game of the season over its in-state rival.