COLLEGE PARK, Maryland. — Three years later Caleb Griffin made a basket to help Illinois beat MarylandFighting the Illini kicker Ethan Moczulski connected on his own game-winning 26-yard field goal to clinch a 20-17 victory for Illinois.
Just 19 days after hand surgery, Katin Houser returned and passed for 223 yards, a touchdown and an interception to help Illinois (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) win its third straight game and move one step closer to winning a third straight bowl bid, something the program hasn’t done since 1992.
Despite some key declines, Illini star expands Colin Dixon had six catches for 103 yards, his fourth 100-yard receiving game of the season.
Javari Barnett ran for 80 yards, highlighted by a 64-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to give Illinois its first lead, while Jordan Anderson had 44 total yards on the final drive to help set up the game-winning field goal.
The Illinois defense kept Maryland in check with two red zone putbacks in the first quarter and five forced punts in the final three quarters.
Illini Inquirer breaks down three takeaways and three stars from the Illini victory.
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