Luke Altmyer threw four touchdown passes, leading No. 24 Illinois to a thrilling 31-24 overtime victory against No. 22 Nebraska on Friday night. This remarkable performance showcased Altmyer’s growing prowess as a quarterback and highlighted the Illini’s determination on the field.
The Illini (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) achieved a significant milestone by defeating two ranked opponents in a single season for the first time since 2007. Their 4-0 start marks the best since 2011, solidifying their position as a formidable team in college football. This victory also extended their winning streak against the Cornhuskers in Lincoln, making it three consecutive wins while dampening the celebration of Nebraska’s 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium.
For Nebraska (3-1, 0-1), the loss was another blow, marking 25 straight defeats against Top 25 teams since 2016. The team’s struggles in close games continued, with a record of 8-31 in one-possession games dating back to 2018, raising concerns about their ability to compete at a high level.
Nebraska’s quarterback, Dylan Raiola, had a solid performance, completing 23 of 35 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The game saw both teams exchanging touchdowns in the second half, leading to a nail-biting finish.
The Illini executed a crucial 75-yard drive in nine plays to even the score at 24-all. Altmyer connected with offensive tackle Brandon Henderson, who made a remarkable 6-yard touchdown reception on a fourth-and-2 play with 10:36 remaining in regulation. This marked Henderson’s first career reception, showcasing the team’s creativity in play-calling.
Nebraska’s final possessions in regulation ended in disappointment, with a missed field goal attempt by backup kicker John Hohl, who stepped in for the injured Tristan Alvano. Hohl’s 39-yard attempt went wide left with just under three minutes remaining, leaving the door open for Illinois.
As the game went into overtime, Illinois’ Kaden Feagin made an impressive 21-yard run on the first play, setting the stage for Altmyer’s game-winning touchdown pass to Bryant. The 4-yard completion gave the Illini a 31-24 lead.
Nebraska’s final possession ended in chaos, as Raiola faced relentless pressure, resulting in three sacks, including one on fourth down that sealed the game. This outcome not only highlighted Illinois’ defensive strength but also raised questions about Nebraska’s offensive line performance.
