Bowl eligible Illini bounce back in win over Rutgers
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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — There is no secret it was loud following the Illini’s third loss of the season against Washington. Dropping out of the AP Top 25 poll, fans calling for coaches’ jobs and worst of all, any hope of sneaking into the college football playoff was gone.
But that didn’t deter Bret Bielema’s squad in front of a sold out crowd at Gies Memorial Stadium, it made them hungrier for win number six. The magic number to go bowling.
And the Fighting Illini (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) did just that, hammering the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-5, 1-5 Big Ten) 35-13.
This does not happen a lot in Champaign. It is the first time since the 2010 and 2011 seasons that the Illini are bowl eligible in back to back seasons, and only the second time Illinois has accomplished this feat since 1992.
There is one man who the Illini leaned on all day. Luke Altmyer.
In what some may argue is the best quarterback Illinois has seen since Kurt Kittner, Altmyer displayed his dominance through the air and on the ground. He had one of the best performances of his career, throwing for four touchdowns and running another one in himself.
After an early interception, he did not flinch. He led the Illini down the field time and time again, scoring touchdowns on five of their first six possesions.
Known for his arm, Altmyer also was a force in the ground game. He used his legs to escape the pocket, on designed runs and even on trick plays where he lined up at running back.
While many will not forget the connection that he had with Pat Bryant, it was another 13 that No. 9 clicking with today. Every ball thrown Hudson Clement’s way seemed to be hauled in, none more impressive than this touchdown catch.
Altmyer finished his career day 19/31, with 235 yards through the air and four touchdown passes, while picking up 88 on the ground with another touchdown, and even leading the Illini in rushing.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Henry faced a lot of scrutiny following his defense’s perfomance against Washington. But with their backs against the walls, they responded, only allowing 59 rushing yards and a garbage time touchdown.
Granted Rutgers offense was nothing compared to the high powered offenses of Washington and Ohio State, but the resurgence of the pass rush and the fight the Illini showed was encouraging.
Edge Gabe Jacas was apart of the lively pass rush, picking up two sacks — his first in almost a month.
The final score does not indicate just how lopsided this game was. Take away the garbage time touchdown and the Illini defense pitched themselves a good bounce back game.
And to put the cherry on top, Tyson Rooks broke up the final pass of the game as Rutgers was looking to punch in another score with one second remaining.
You Gotta See This
You can’t teach this stuff. Clement went full extension to pull this ball in.
Barry Lunney Jr. loves wildcat, and the Illini use trickery again to get in the endzone. Read more about this neat play here.
No better way to celebrate Dad’s Weekend than with Josh and James Kreutz’s dad Olin, who also happens to be a Chicago Bears legend.
Stat Stuffers
- Altmyer lead the Illini in rushing with 88 yards, totaling 210 as a team. That is the most rushing yards as a team in a single game this season for the Illini.
- Gabe Jacas is back totaling two sacks and pushing his season total to 6.5, leading all Illini.
- Hudson Clement had five catches for 84 yards, and a touchdown — all career highs for him in an Illini uniform.
Up Next
The Illini get another bye week before their final three games. So next Saturday sit back and enjoy stress free college football, before getting ready to watch Illinois take on Maryland, Wisconsin and Northwestern to round out the 2025 season.
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