Kafka leads ’Cats past Illini

CHAMPAIGN – Mike Kafka spent the third quarter carving up the Illinois’ defense and building a 21-3 lead for Northwestern.

When the Wildcats needed a stop to thwart an Illini comeback, Sherrick McManis pulled one out.

Kafka threw for 305 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score, McManis’ interception with 32 seconds left was upheld by replay review, and Northwestern defeated the Illini, 21-16, on Saturday.

Illinois redshirt freshman quarterback Jacob Charest was benched at halftime of his first start but came back in the fourth quarter to run for a touchdown and throw for another score to lead the Illini back.

McManis sealed it for the Wildcats, pulling the ball away from Jarred Fayson’s chest as the two rolled on the ground at the Illinois 35. Officials on the field ruled that Fayson never had possession, and replay officials decided they didn’t have enough evidence to change the call.

“It was a blur – I just know it didn’t hit the ground, and I caught the ball and came up with it,” said McManis, who has four interceptions this season. “I was pretty confident (that the call wouldn’t be overturned). But you never know with those things.”

Illinois coach Ron Zook declined to blame the officials, but hinted he was not happy with the call.

“Everybody has bad games,” he said. “Players have bad games, coaches have bad games, officials have bad games. That’s just the way it is.”

The win all but ensured Northwestern (7-4, 4-3 Big Ten) of going to a second consecutive bowl game.

Illinois (3-7, 2-6) is guaranteed of a second consecutive losing season and no bowl.