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Edwards, Rutgers down Illinois 35-24

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - After a 56-0 beat down by then-No. 11 Ohio State two weeks ago, Rutgers had hit rock bottom - particularly in the Big Ten.

The Scarlet Knights tried to turn their lowest point into a turning point on Saturday, managing nearly 400 yards of total offense in a 35-24 win over Illinois.

Gus Edwards led the way for Rutgers (2-4, 1-2), rushing for 91 yards and two touchdowns as it ended a 16-game losing streak in the Big Ten.

The Scarlet Knights led the entire way for their first conference victory since 2015 at Indiana.

"Nobody gave us a chance to come out here and win a football game," Rutgers coach Chris Ash said. "I know that, but nobody gave up on each other in that locker room."

Rutgers rushed for a season-high 274 yards. Edwards, Raheem Blackshear and Josh Hicks all scored touchdowns. Blackshear provided the most exciting run - a 19-yard gain up the middle on the Scarlet Knights' second possession that he finished by running over defensive back Jalen Dunlap at the goal line.

Jeff George Jr. was 20-of-38 passing for a career-high 308 yards and a pair of touchdowns for Illinois (2-4, 0-3). George also threw two interceptions, totaling 12 in seven career games for the Illini, who have now lost six consecutive Big Ten games.

"Losing at home like that, it's a tough deal," George said. "We've got to find a way to be more competitive as a whole team - each individual player, myself included."

The Scarlet Knights offense wasn't nearly as effective through the air. Ash benched Kyle Bolin - who started in the team's first five games - and went with Giovanni Rescigno, who completed 5 of 10 passes for 89 yards.

However, Rescigno picked up 45 yards on the ground.

"I think the stats speak for themselves," Rescigno said. "So shout out to the o-line. ... They really dominated up front and I think that was huge for our success."

Ra'Von Bonner scored Illinois' only rushing touchdown midway through the second quarter. After a 19-yard reception by Louis Dorsey to start to the drive, Ricky Smalling made a tough catch on the right sideline to put the Illini in the red zone. Bonner finished it with a 1-yard plunge on fourth-and-goal.

Despite its offensive woes, Illinois was still in the game late in the third. Trailing by 11, the Illini forced a three-and-out but Carmoni Green fumbled on the punt return. Rutgers recovered it and took over at the Illinois 21. Two plays later, Edwards scored on a 5-yard rush that put the Scarlet Knights ahead by three scores.

Smalling scored the first touchdown of his career in the fourth and finished with a career-high five catches for 111 yards.

"(This) isn't where we want to be, but that's where we are," Illinois coach Lovie Smith said. "When you have a performance like this, thank God you get a chance to play another game."

EPSTEIN'S INJURY

Running back Mike Epstein will most likely miss the rest of the season for Illinois with a foot injury. Smith made the announcement following the game after Epstein failed to suit up against Rutgers. The loss serves as a huge blow the Illini's offense. Epstein leads the team with 346 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

THE TAKEAWAY

RUTGERS: After being shut out by Ohio State, Rutgers' offense bounced back with a big performance against the Illini. The Scarlet Knights didn't score through the air but rushed for the most yards in program history against a Big Ten opponent.

ILLINOIS: The Illini have taken a few steps back since the beginning of the season. After a strong performance against Western Kentucky, Illinois' offense has continued to struggle. George has made more plays down field than Chayce Crouch - who started in the team's first four games - but his interceptions have made it hard for the team to find a rhythm.

UP NEXT

Illinois will face Minnesota next week on the road.

Rutgers returns home next Saturday to take on Purdue.

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Illinois wide receiver Dominic Thieman (8) makes a catch as Rutgers defensive back Damon Hayes (22) defends during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. Rutgers defeated Illinois 35-24. (AP Photo/Bradley Leeb)
Illinois running back Ra'Von Bonner (21) is tackled by Rutgers defensive lineman Kevin Wilkins (99) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. Rutgers defeated Illinois 35-24. (AP Photo/Bradley Leeb)
Rutgers head coach Chris Ash talks to defensive back Zane Campbell (37) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Bradley Leeb)
An Illinois fan sits alone during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. Rutgers defeated Illinois 35-24. (AP Photo/Bradley Leeb)
Illinois quarterback Jeff George Jr. (3) hands the ball off to Illinois running back Ra'Von Bonner (21) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. Rutgers defeated Illinois 35-24. (AP Photo/Bradley Leeb)
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