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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois capped off an upset win over USC in dramatic fashion with a walk-off field goal on Homecoming weekend.
No. 23 Illinois hosted No. 21 USC in the Illini’s Big Ten home opener. In an exciting weekend that featured Homecoming festivities and an REO Speedwagon reunion, the game itself proved to be the most exciting event.
Illinois took a 14-10 lead into halftime in what could’ve been a two-score game if not for a controversial Kaden Feagin redzone fumble. Feagin later made up for his mistake with a 64-yard receiving touchdown to put the Illini up two scores in the third quarter.
Illinois found themselves up 14 in the fourth quarter, but another redzone fumble and two USC touchdowns found the orange and blue down 32-31 with under two minutes to go.
But a drive led by the strong rushing attack of the Illini then set up David Olano for the game-winning 41-yard field goal as Illinois fans rushed the field. This was a significant win for the Illini after a 53-point loss to Indiana in their conference opener, marking the most lopsided defeat in the Bielema era.
Illinois now sits at 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play. The Illini will look to make it two wins in a row as they head to West Lafayette to take on Purdue next Saturday.