No. 24 Illinois stunned Rutgers with a dramatic 40-yard touchdown pass from Luke Altmyer to Pat Bryant, clinching a thrilling 38-31 victory with just 4 seconds remaining on the clock. This electrifying finish showcased the resilience of the Illinois team, who fought back in a game filled with tension and excitement.
Trailing 31-30, Illinois (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) opted for a long shot with kicker Ethan Moczulski attempting a 58-yard field goal with only 14 seconds left. However, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano strategically called a timeout just before the kick, which ultimately went wide left and fell short by about 15 yards.
With the field goal attempt nullified, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema made a bold decision to keep the offense on the field. Altmyer connected with Bryant on an in-cut at the 22-yard line, and Bryant showcased impressive agility as he maneuvered across the field to score without any defenders in sight. This thrilling sequence marked the third lead change in the final 3:07 of a highly competitive matchup.
In a surprising twist, Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) surrendered a safety on the final kickoff return. As players scrambled in a last-ditch effort for a miracle touchdown, the ball was thrown out of bounds in the end zone, sealing their fate in this unforgettable game.
