Northwestern Wildcats vs. Illinois Fighting Illini: 2023 Week 13 Recap

Quick answer

Northwestern Wildcats defeated Illinois Fighting Illini 45–43 in Week 13, 2023. Final score: Northwestern Wildcats 45, Illinois Fighting Illini 43.

Game summary

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Northwestern Wildcats	6	18	6	9	45
Illinois Fighting Illini	3	9	3	24	43

Stars of the game

Top passers, rushers, and receivers from cfbfastR play-by-play.

Passing

• John Paddock (Illinois) — 327.0 yds · 3 TD · +0.34 EPA/play +12.38 EPA
• Ben Bryant (Northwestern) — 226.0 yds · 2 TD · +0.35 EPA/play +11.61 EPA
• Isaiah Williams (Illinois) — 14.0 yds · 1 TD · +3.27 EPA/play +3.28 EPA

Rushing

• Reggie Love III (Illinois) — 108.0 yds -0.07 EPA
• Cam Porter (Northwestern) — 69.0 yds -0.19 EPA
• Anthony Tyus III (Northwestern) — 42.0 yds · 2 TD +0.80 EPA

Receiving

• Casey Washington (Illinois) — 9 rec · 228.0 yds +1.89 EPA
• Cam Johnson (Northwestern) — 7 rec · 124.0 yds +1.49 EPA
• Isaiah Williams (Illinois) — 6 rec · 57.0 yds +0.21 EPA

Quarterback report card

Attempts, efficiency, and EPA.

Player	Team	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	EPA/play	Total EPA
John Paddock	Illinois	36	66.7%	327	3	+0.34	+12.38
Ben Bryant	Northwestern	33	72.7%	226	2	+0.35	+11.61
Isaiah Williams	Illinois	1	100.0%	14	1	+3.27	+3.28

Team EPA comparison

Stat	Northwestern	Illinois
Plays	69	67
EPA / play	+0.084	+0.223
Total EPA	+5.81	+14.91
Success rate	49.3%	47.8%
Pass EPA / play	+0.120	+0.423
Rush EPA / play	+0.050	-0.025
Yards	443	477

Drive chart

Key possessions and results.

Qtr	Offense	Plays	Yards	EPA	Result
Q1	Illinois	3	6	-2.52	Punt
Q1	Northwestern	3	7	-2.36	Punt
Q1	Illinois	2	4	-5.28	Interception
Q1	Northwestern	5	26	+2.65	Pass TD
Q1	Illinois	11	59	+4.41	Field goal
Q1	Northwestern	9	68	+4.29	Rush TD
Q2	Illinois	9	57	+4.89	Pass TD
Q2	Northwestern	3	1	-1.72	Punt
Q2	Illinois	8	43	-0.03	Field goal
Q2	Northwestern	5	75	-7.05	Touchdown
Q2	Northwestern	7	76	+6.49	Rush TD
Q2	Illinois	1	-1	0.00	Ended
Q3	Northwestern	9	89	+7.42	Pass TD
Q3	Illinois	9	49	+0.71	Field goal
Q3	Northwestern	10	48	+0.49	Missed FG
Q3	Illinois	7	83	+6.84	Pass TD

Biggest EPA swings

1. Q4 · Illinois Fighting Illini · Fumble returned for a touchdown (-8.78 EPA)
2. Q2 · Northwestern Wildcats · Interception returned for a touchdown (-7.54 EPA)
3. Q4 · Illinois Fighting Illini · John Paddock pass to Casey Washington for a touchdown (80 yards) (+6.62 EPA)
4. Q4 · Illinois Fighting Illini · John Paddock pass to Casey Washington for 73 yards (2nd & 5) (+5.85 EPA)
5. Q1 · Illinois Fighting Illini · John Paddock pass intercepted (-5.13 EPA)
6. Q4 · Northwestern Wildcats · Punt (-3.85 EPA)
7. Q4 · Illinois Fighting Illini · John Paddock pass intercepted (-3.41 EPA)
8. Q4 · Illinois Fighting Illini · Isaiah Williams pass to Pat Bryant for a touchdown (14 yards) (+3.27 EPA)

Key takeaways

• Northwestern Wildcats controlled the final (45–43) in Week 13.
• Passing edge: John Paddock (Illinois) — 327.0 yds, 3 TD.
• EPA edge: Illinois at 0.223 EPA/play.
• Full EPA, scoring map, and play-by-play live in CFB Analytics Box & Scores.

Frequently asked questions

What was the final score of Northwestern Wildcats vs Illinois Fighting Illini?

Northwestern Wildcats 45, Illinois Fighting Illini 43 in Week 13 of the 2023 college football season.

Who won Northwestern Wildcats vs Illinois Fighting Illini?

Northwestern Wildcats won with a final score of 45–43.

Where can I find the Northwestern Wildcats vs Illinois Fighting Illini box score?

See EPA, scoring timeline, and full play-by-play on FantasyHQ CFB Analytics: /cfb-analytics?game=401520431.

Who led Northwestern Wildcats vs Illinois Fighting Illini in passing?

John Paddock (Illinois) led passers with 327.0 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Full analytics box score

Explore every snap, drive chart, and the interactive scoring map for Northwestern Wildcats at Illinois Fighting Illini in FantasyHQ CFB Analytics Box & Scores.