It's been a wild first half in Evanston between Northwestern and Illinois, and after two quarters of play the Wildcats have a 27-14 lead.
As it has been all season, the running game carried Northwestern in the first half. Running back Venric Mark tallied 94 yards rushing and a touchdown score, while quarterback Kain Colter has added both a rushing and passing touchdown to the scoreboard as well. Kicker Jeff Budzien added a pair of field goals as well.
Meanwhile, after a hot start, things have slowed down for Illinois.
The Illini got on the scoreboard first Saturday after a 15-yard Donovonn Young run, and later added a Reilly O'Toole score early in the second quarter as well. However, the Illini offense has struggled to move the ball otherwise. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase has completed 7 of 10 passes early, but also threw an interception.
If Illinois can come back and somehow pull the upset, it would be a signature win in an otherwise disappointing season. The Illini entered Saturday just 2-9 overall and 0-7 in Big Ten play.
Northwestern on the other hand, is looking to notch their ninth win of the season.