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Illinois kicker James McCourt set 2 school records during UTSA game
By Nick Schultz
Published:
Illinois might have lost to UTSA, but its kicker made history in the process.
James McCourt hit a 52-yard and a 53-yard field goal in the game — making him the first Illini kicker to hit two 50+ yard field goals in the same game. Those kicks also gave him 6 50+ yard field goals in his career, which is the most in program history.
.@McCourtJ_38 kicked his way into history.
☑️ Most 50+ yarders by an Illini (6)
☑️ First Illini to hit two 50+ yarders in a game#famILLy pic.twitter.com/pwWP7Ef7g7— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) September 8, 2021
There’s something to be said about a reliable kicker, right?
McCourt has hit some big field goals during his time in Champaign, none bigger than his walk-off game-winner to stun Wisconsin at Memorial Stadium last season. Overall, he’s made 66.7% of his attempts since taking over the kicker job in 2019.
Illinois has only played two games, so McCourt might have more opportunities to add to his tally. The Illini are set to play Virginia on Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. CT on the ACC Network.
Nick Schultz is a columnist and breaking news writer for Saturday Tradition. A 2020 graduate of Loyola Chicago, he covered the Ramblers' 2018 Final Four run from beginning to end and has worked at NBC Sports Chicago. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickSchultz_7.