Disappointing season ends in 27-10 loss to Wildcats

8:19 PM 11/22/2008 EVANSTON, Ill. - Despite being seven-point favorites, Illinois' season ended with a whimper in a crushing 27-10 loss to Northwestern on Saturday. The defeat kept the Illini from a crucial sixth win and dashed their hopes for a postseason bowl bid. The Illinois offense sputtered in the first half, and Northwestern took advantage of advantageous field position to jump out to a 13-0 lead at halftime. 1