Mikel Leshoure’s career day leads Illinois to 48-27 win over Northwestern..
Written by The Go-To-Man Mattie T. on November 20, 2010
Mikel LeShoure set a new school record with 330 yards rushing, as the Illinois Fighting Illini ran for an eye-popping 519 yards on the ground during their 48-27 rout over the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday afternoon from Wrigley Field.
He was able to break Robert Holcombe’s old mark of 315 yards, which was done against Minnesota on November 16th, 1996.
It’s the highest individual rushing total in college football this season, as it surpassed a 307-yard effort by Nebraska’s Roy Helu Jr. against Missouri on October 30th.
The win also means that Illinois is bowl eligible for just the 2nd time in the last 9 years, as their last apperance was during the 2008 Rose Bowl against USC. (Lost 49-17)
Northwestern was unable to make up for the loss of quarterback Dan Persa, who suffered a season-ending ruputured Achilles tendon during their 21-17 win over Iowa on November 13th.
Backup Evan Watkins struggled in his first start of the season, as he completed just 10 of 20 passes for 135 yards & 1 interception.
Mike Trumpy had an impressive game despite the loss, as he rushed 12 times for 126 yards & scored 2 touchdowns on the ground.
