Thursday's N-G sports cover features @mdaniels_NG's Daily Pitch, plus @JoeyWright2000, @ngphotostaff and @zachpiatt13 on our 22nd All-Area boys' cross-country team and @srrichey and @BobAsmussen on #Illini football's 2026 recruiting class. @APSE_sportmedia

Wednesday's @news_gazette sports cover: Our 22nd All-Area girls' cross-country team, headlined by Runner of the Year Kate Foltz from @TuscolaAD with other First Team athletes from @FisherBunnies, @mshsathletics, @SagesAthletics, @CHAR_GERS,@SJOsports and @UnityRockets

Tuesday's N-G sports cover features @zachpiatt13 on @SJOGirlsHoops1's 65-42 victory against Tuscola, plus @mdaniels_NG's Daily Pitch and our latest high school Athlete of the Week nominees. @APSE_sportmedia @ngphotostaff

The weather was the real story on Saturday night in Champaign. But so was the play of several #Illini seniors. Enough to give Illinois reason to celebrate after another Land of Lincoln Trophy win against Northwestern https://t.co/UBqcPLJTUY

A happy Luke Altmyer

Celebrating on a snow bank with the Land of Lincoln Trophy. Didn't have that on the bingo card at the start of the 2025 #Illini football season https://t.co/1cfFzf6ajD

Victory celebration on the snow bank in the south end zone

Illinois celebrating its second straight win against Northwestern

The hat will remain in Champaign after the Illini force a turnover on downs with 36 seconds left. Illinois wins 20-13

Illini going to have to punt, leading 20-13 with 1:43 left. Northwestern out of timeouts

Miles Scott with second INT of the quarter to possibly seal it for Illinois, who leads 20-13 with 1:58 left in fourth quarter

Olano makes a 27-yard field goal into the wind #Illini 20, Northwestern 13, 3:00 left in fourth quarter

Fourth and 1 coming up for the #Illini at the Northwestern 8. David Olano coming out for a field goal

Second interception of the game for the #Illini and second of the season for Miles Scott

Scott read Stone's eyes and stepped in front of the throw. Huge turn of events here in Champaign

Doesn't matter. Miles Scott with the interception for the #Illini

Ruling upheld. #Illini lose a timeout and can't challenge for the remainder of the game

Illinois calling timeout to challenge the spot on the field for first down call. Interesting

Missed opportunity for the #Illini, who have a quick three-and-out. Keelan Crimmins back out to punt into the wind

Jack Olsen makes 26-yard field goal, but could have been a lot worse for the #Illini #Illini 17, Northwestern 13, 7:46 left in fourth quarter