CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — James McCourt kicked a 39-yard field as time expired and Illinois pulled off the biggest upset of the college football season, knocking off No. 6 Wisconsin 24-23 on Saturday.
Tony Adams picked off a pass for the Illini (3-5, 1-3 Big Ten) at midfield with 2:33 remaining, which led to the winning field goal.
Dre Brown‘s tackle-breaking 13-yard run got Illinois to the Wisconsin 25 to help set up McCourt’s game-winner.
The Illini closes as 30.5-point underdogs at Caesars Sportsbook. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Illinois become the first team to win outright as more than a 30-point underdog since Iowa State (+30.5) did it against No. 3 Oklahoma on Oct. 7, 2017.
Wisconsin had not trailed this season and was looking to roll into a showdown with No. 3 Ohio State next week in Columbus. Instead, the Badgers (6-1, 4-1) blew a nine-point lead in the final 9:46 of the fourth quarter.
Heisman Trophy contender Jonathan Taylor rushed 28 times for 132 yards and one touchdown for Wisconsin, but he also had a fumble in Illinois territory in the fourth quarter to help fuel the Illinois comeback.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.