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After missing two 4th quarter field goals, James McCourt bounces back with game-winner for Illinois
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Illinois fans endured a wild roller coaster ride of a fourth quarter on Saturday. Despite all of the ups and downs and turnovers, the Illini got some much needed joy.
With three seconds remaining in regulation and the game tied at 20, Illinois kicker James McCourt lined up for a 47-yard field goal. McCourt absolutely nailed it to give the Illini a 23-20 win and get Lovie Smith’s squad its first victory of the season.
Game-winning FG for @IlliniFootball‼️🔸@McCourtJ_38 drills the 47 yarder to give Illinois their first win of the year! pic.twitter.com/VF4WyWPevH
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 14, 2020
In order to get to McCourt’s kick, fans on both sides dealt with a whole lot of drama. Heading into the final 15 minutes of play in Piscataway, Illinois trailed 20-17. McCourt hit a 23-yard chip shot to tie the game at 20.
Following McCann’s chip shot, the teams showed off some real incompetency. Rutgers came out and punted. Then, McCann missed a 54-yard attempt.
Rutgers responded by turning the ball over via interception. Then, McCann missed a 46-yard field goal.
With under two minutes to go, the Scarlet Knights threw yet another interception. That helped set up Illinois. And after two consecutive misses, McCann redeemed himself as he drilled the 47-yard field goal to give the Illini their first win of the season.