After a win on the road against Wisconsin last week, the Wolverines’ Big Ten record now stands at 1-2 following a loss versus the Illini. In the first 20 minutes of the game, the Illini took a 17 – 0 lead through strong forward running and open back play. Two more scores capped the half, giving the Illini a 27 – 0 lead at the break. To open the second half, the Wolverines held amazing defense, holding the Illini scoreless for the first twenty minutes. Further, flanker Langston Sholl scored a try along with a conversion by Nathan Feldman for a 27 – 7 score. However, late in the game, the Illini scored another try and the Wolverines ended the game with a 32 – 7 loss.
The Wolverine second side also took on the Illini second side with a final score of 38 – 28 favoring the Illini. The first half went the way of the Illini, ending with a 26 – 7 score. However, the second half went to the Wolverines’ favor, including a try by Conor McNabnay on a break by Jamie Willcox, a penalty try drawn by flanker Måns Mannerfelt, and tries by Jackson Dabagia and Jamie Willcox. Further, Devin Riley made all his conversions. Although the Wolverines added 21 points to the board in the second half, some late scoring secured the victory for Illinois, 38 – 28.
