Matt Manninger Assistant Strength Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Matt Manninger Assistant Strength Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois cornerback Xavier Scott has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Monday. Scott played a pivotal role in Illinois' 23-17 victory over #19 Kansas, marking the Illini's highest-ranked nonconference win since 1995.
In the game against Kansas, Scott recorded two interceptions—one of which he returned for a touchdown—forced one fumble, registered 1.0 sack, and made eight solo tackles. He is currently a leading candidate for national defensive player of the week honors and is the only player in the nation to have forced three turnovers in a single game this season.
Scott began his standout performance with an interception during Kansas' first series. He then delivered a critical pick-6 with 36 seconds remaining in the first half, giving Illinois a 13-10 lead at halftime. He concluded his efforts with a strip-sack forced fumble on the final play to secure Illinois' victory.
Looking ahead, Scott and the Illini will face Central Michigan for Homecoming this weekend. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. CT at Memorial Stadium.
"Xavier Scott balled out in @IlliniFootball's upset win over No. 19 Kansas," tweeted Big Ten Network on September 8, 2024.
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