Illinois Illinois’ seniors

Eight Illinois seniors will start in their final game at Memorial Stadium this weekend. Seniors J Leman, Chris Norwell, Antonio Steele, Justin Harrison and Kevin Mitchell will attempt to shut down a high-octane Northwestern offense, while fellow seniors Akim Millington and Martin O’Donnell will look to pave the way for the Illini rushing attack on offense. The Illini senior class has been through its share of ups and downs throughout its members’ careers and has led the Illini to eight victories this season and possibly a New Year’s Day bowl.

Northwestern: #18 C.J. Bacher

Position: Quarterback

Class: Junior

Hometown: Sacramento, Calif.

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 210 lbs.

The Northwestern quarterback scorched the Illini last season in the two teams’ annual meeting. Bacher was 22-of-30 passing for 269 yards and a touchdown in the Wildcats’ victory. This season the Northwestern quarterback heads the Big Ten’s most prolific offense. Bacher has completed 61.2 percent of his passes for 3,346 yards and 17 touchdowns. He is leading the Big Ten with 304.2 passing yards per game, but has also thrown 17 interceptions this season.