3 Illinois football players who deserve the game ball after beating Northwestern

'The Hat' stays in Champaign, as the Illinois football team knocks off their in-state rival Northwestern by a score of 20-13.

Bret Bielema's bunch has now won in back-to-back years in the battle for the hat, bringing the program's record to 59-55-5 against the Wildcats. This win brings the Illini to 8-4 on the year, as we now wait for their bowl game to be announced in the coming weeks.

It was a blistery cold game in Champaign for the navy and orange. There were plenty of people on this roster who contributed and who made this win possible. But out of the entire bunch, there were three individuals who deserved game balls for their performances.

Here are three Illinois football players who deserve the game ball after beating Northwestern

1. Miles Scott

If we're talking about game balls on Senior Night, then we need to talk about Miles Scott. The safety from Dolton, Illinois, was all over the place against the Wildcats in Champaign on Saturday night. He was a ball hawk, racking up two crucial interceptions late in the fourth quarter to help seal the game for the Illini.

Scott finished the game with four total tackles (three solo) to go along with two pass deflections as well, cementing him as one of the brightest spots for the Illini in their final game of the regular season.

2. Ca'Lil Valentine

It is hard to talk about a snowbowl like this without tipping our cap to the run game. In a contest with winds ranging from 20-30 miles per hour at some points, Illinois needed a big game from Ca'Lil Valentine to help make this win possible.

Thankfully, that is exactly what they got from their second-year halfback. Valentine, who averaged just 4.4 YPC this season, was able to rack up 74 yards (5.3 AVG) and a touchdown on just 14 carries on the ground. This marked number five's fourth rushing touchdown on the year, trailing only Kaden Feagin with six.

3. David Olano

If the great Pat McAfee is reading this for some reason, then he needs to have David Olano on his show. The Naperville, Illinois, native had himself an evening on Saturday night, converting on all four of his kicks (field goals and PATs), including a 47-yard field goal in the third quarter that is now his longest of the season.

The junior place kicker was basically automatic in the middle of a blizzard during Rivalry Week. With the offense failing to find the end zone in the second half, they needed Olano to step up at the most crucial time. Thankfully, he was able to put two of the biggest kicks of his season away, while the defense finished the job on the other side of the ball.