Ad Disclosure
WATCH: Illini defender Bennett Williams makes spectacular one-handed interception at the goal line
Published:
Bennett Williams is putting it all on the line in the final game of the year.
Late in the first quarter, Northwestern was knocking on the door of the end zone, trying to respond to an early Illinois touchdown. With the ball inside the 10-yard line, it appeared as if the Wildcats were going to be able to punch the ball across the goal line.
But Illini defenders Bennett Williams was able to step in front of a Clayton Thorson pass, tip the ball up into the air and haul in the interception to deny Northwestern a chance at six points.
That’s a play that will wind up as a Big Ten Network “Stand out” at the end of the night.
.@bennettw04 said nah, not today. ☝️@IlliniFootball denies Northwestern at the goal line thanks to this one-hand pick: pic.twitter.com/BzJrummEHW
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 25, 2017
That pick was the third of the season for Williams, a team high. He’s also recorded 55 tackles in his freshman season with Illinois.
Williams has played in 10 games for the Illini this year and is expected to be a key contributor over the next several seasons.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB