Tag: Illini

Illinois fights past Tennessee to capture Music City Bowl

Posted on | by Field Level Media

David Olano kicked a game-winning 29-yard field goal as time expired and Luke Altmyer passed and ran for one touchdown apiece as Illinois edged Tennessee 30-28 on Tuesday in the Music City Bowl in Nashville.

Illinois (9-4) secured nine-plus victories in consecutive seasons for the first time. Bret Bielema also became the first Fighting Illini coach to earn a bowl victory in successive campaigns.

A senior and third-year starter, Altmyer shined in his Illinois swan song. He went 20-for-33 passing for 196 yards and a touchdown while rushing 10 times for 54 yards and a TD.

“I am so glad I play in the best conference in America,” said Altmyer, who was selected the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Aidan Laughery gained 77 yards on 13 carries for Illinois, which outgained Tennessee 417-278.

Jordan Anderson’s 13-yard run on fourth-and-1 from the Tennessee 31 helped set up the winning kick for Olano, who also connected from 30 and 28 yards.

Tennessee (8-5) drew within 24-21 on DeSean Bishop’s 12-yard rushing touchdown with 11:40 remaining. Tennessee limited the Fighting Illini to Olano’s 28-yard field goal with 5:14 to go, then stormed ahead as Joakim Dodson returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown and a 28-27 Volunteers lead.

Joey Aguilar was 14-for-18 for 121 yards for Tennessee, while Bishop rushed 19 times for 93 yards and two touchdowns.

The Fighting Illini were in control for much of the game and twice led by 10 points, including when linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. recovered the ball in the end zone after Joe Barna’s strip sack of Aguilar early in the third quarter.

Illinois led 10-7 at halftime as Bielema twice bypassed field goal attempts in favor of going for it on fourth down. Illinois was unable to convert in both instances, turning the ball over on downs from the Tennessee 33 and 29.

Tennessee capitalized on the first such instance, driving 67 yards in 11 plays and punctuating the possession with Aguilar’s 7-yard scoring run with 6:16 remaining in the first quarter.

Illinois answered with a touchdown on the ensuing drive, with Altmyer connecting with Justin Bowick for an 18-yard TD with 36 seconds left in the first.

Olano kicked a 30-yard field goal with 21 seconds left in the second quarter after Volunteers counterpart Max Gilbert was wide right from 39 yards about three minutes earlier.

Tennessee has lost 23 straight games when trailing by 10 points or more in the fourth quarter.

–Field Level Media

Luke Altmyer throws 2 TD passes as Illinois throttles Maryland

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Luke Altmyer threw two touchdown passes to Hudson Clement and Illinois sent Maryland to its sixth straight loss, 24-6 in Champaign, Ill. on Saturday.

Altmyer completed 15-of-25 passes for 172 yards and had one interception as Illinois (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) won its second straight game.

Clement caught three passes for 72 yards and the Fighting Illini rushed for 225 yards, including 81 by Kaden Feagin on 14 carries.

Malik Washington completed 25-of-46 passes for 238 yards and one interception for the Terrapins (4-6, 1-6).

Maryland only rushed the ball for 55 yards on 18 attempts.

Maryland needs to beat Michigan and Michigan State to reach bowl eligibility and the loss will likely fuel further debate about the fate of head coach Mike Locksley.

Leading 14-6 to start the second half, the Illini went 67 yards in seven plays (five runs) to increase the lead to 21-6. On second-and-1 at the 23, Altmyer found Clement all alone at the five and he scored his second touchdown of the day.

On their next possession, Illinois drove 61 yards to the Maryland 1-yard line, but the 14-play drive came up empty after Altmyer’s fourth-and-goal pass from the two was incomplete with 1:31 left in the third quarter.

Washington then led the Terps 95 yards to a first-and-goal at the Illinois three, but the defense stiffened, and Washington’s fourth-down pass was incomplete.

Maryland was 3-for-12 on third down and 0-for-2 on fourth.

Illinois drove again and this time got points. After a holding penalty wiped out an Altmyer touchdown run, David Olano’s 33-yard field goal made 24-6 with 4:19 remaining.

Maryland took a 3-0 lead on Sean O’Haire’s 29-yard field goal on the opening drive.

Late in the first quarter, Maryland went for it on fourth-and-1 at the Illinois 49 and failed to convert. Seven plays later, Altmyer found Clement for a 22-yard touchdown and Illinois led 7-3.

After a short punt midway through the second quarter, the Terps started on the Illini 46 and O’Haire later connected from 43 yards to make it 7-6.

Illinois took the ensuing kickoff and went 75 yards in 13 plays. Altmyer hit Clement for 27 yards to the 25 and, seven plays later, Feagin went up the middle for a three-yard touchdown with 1:38 left in the first half.

–Field Level Media

Oct 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) waves over running back Jonah Coleman (1) before a play against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Washington rolls over No. 23 Illinois behind Demond Williams’ 4 TDs

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Demond Williams passed for four touchdowns, Denzel Boston caught a score and passed for another and the Washington Huskies rolled to a 42-25 win over No. 23 Illinois on Saturday in Seattle.

The Huskies (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) jumped ahead with a pair of time-consuming scoring drives in the first quarter, going 75 yards in 5:23 and 67 yards in 4:12, each culminating in 13-yard Williams scoring strikes to Dezmen Roebuck.

Washington’s early 14-3 lead as a result of the two scores faded in the second quarter when Illinois (5-3, 2-3) scored on a pair of Luke Altmyer TD passes.

The Illini quarterback found Collin Dixon for a 2-yard score midway through the second quarter, then hit Tanner Arkin for a 5-yard touchdown just moments after a would-be Tacario Davis interception was negated for pass interference.

Davis made good on another defensive opportunity in the third quarter, however.

With Washington leading 28-17 but Illinois driving into Huskies territory, Zaydrius Rainey-Sale rocked Hank Beatty just as Beatty pulled in a long reception. Davis was on the spot to snag the carom and return the interception into Illini territory.

Williams cashed in the ensuing possession when, rolling out of the pocket, he fired a pass on the move to a sliding Boston. The resulting 5-yard grab marked the culmination of 21 straight Washington points after a pair of Jonah Coleman scores.

Coleman ran for a 7-yard TD midway through the third quarter and caught another just before halftime. Washington ran a trick, double-pass with Williams throwing to Boston wide on the left side, then Boston lobbing a 12-yard rainbow to a wide-open Coleman for the score.

Boston’s two-way scoring performance highlighted a 10-reception, 153-yard game. Coleman caught four passes for 32 yards and rushed 14 times for 75 yards.

Jordan Anderson finished a 75-yard Illini drive with a goal-line touchdown run in the fourth quarter but Washington tacked on one more score. Williams threw a 2-yard TD pass to Decker DeGraaf, then the Huskies successfully snuffed out any hope of an Illinois rally thanks to a running-into-the-kicker penalty on a late punt.

Williams completed 26 of 33 passes for 280 yards and ran for 66 yards on 10 carries. Altmyer was 22-of-34 passing for 199 yards for Illinois, and his 48 rushing yards led the team.

–Field Level Media

Indiana's E.J. Williams Jr. (7) catches a touchdown during the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025

No. 19 Indiana smashes No. 9 Illinois behind 5 Fernando Mendoza TDs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Fernando Mendoza threw for five touchdowns and No. 19 Indiana took ninth-ranked Illinois behind the woodshed for a 63-10 Big Ten spanking in Bloomington, Ind. Saturday night

Mendoza was nearly perfect, completing 21 of 23 passes for 267 yards as the Hoosiers (4-0, 1-0) rolled up 579 total yards and dominated in every facet of the game. Kaelon Black added 89 yards on 10 rushes and a touchdown.

Indiana’s defense stifled the Fighting Illini (3-1, 0-1), who entered the game averaging 45 points per game. Illinois managed only 161 total yards and nine first downs, gaining two yards on the ground in 20 attempts. Quarterback Luke Altmyer hit 14 of 22 throws for 146 yards and a score but was sacked seven times.

The pregame hype concerned the fact this was the first time in 75 years these teams met as ranked foes. It lived up to the hype for a quarter before the Hoosiers exerted their will in all three phases.

They initiated scoring at the 9:26 mark of the first quarter when D’Angelo Ponds lugged a blocked punt 11 yards for a touchdown. The Illini responded 62 seconds later on Altmyer’s 59-yard strike to Collin Dixon.

Mendoza put Indiana ahead for good with 4:41 left in the period on an 11-yard touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. It became 21-7 with 11:05 remaining in the half on Mendoza’s 11-yard scoring strike to E.J. Williams Jr.

Next came a 43-yard touchdown toss to Riley Nowakowski and a 9-yard strike to Elijah Sarratt that made it 35-7 at the 1:09 mark. David Olano’s 46-yard field goal as time expired trimmed the margin to 35-10 at halftime.

Any thoughts of a miracle rally for Illinois lasted long enough for Black to sprint 40 yards with 11:38 remaining in the third quarter for a 42-10 Hoosiers cushion. Mendoza and Surratt hooked up again for a 5-yard touchdown at the 5:02 mark.

Indiana tacked on two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Khobie Martin peeled off scoring jaunts of 31 and 8 yards, enabling him to finish with 107 yards on 12 carries.

–Field Level Media

Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) drops to throw against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Luke Altmyer, No. 24 Illinois pull out OT win over No. 22 Nebraska

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Luke Altmyer’s fourth touchdown pass of the night, a 4-yarder to Pat Bryant in overtime, led No. 13 Illinois to a 31-24 win over No. 22 Nebraska on Friday in Lincoln, Neb.

Illinois (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) started overtime with a 21-yard run by Kaden Feagin. Altmyer then connected with Bryant into the right corner of the end zone.

Nebraska (3-1, 0-1) began its overtime drive with a false-start penalty, and matters only grew worse for the Cornhuskers. Dylan Raiola took two sacks, completed a pass, then was sacked on fourth-and-29 to end the game.

Altmyer completed 21 of 27 passes for 215 yards. Bryant caught two touchdown passes among his five catches for 74 yards. Tanner Arkin and offensive lineman Brandon Henderson each had a red-zone TD reception, and Feagin led the Fighting Illini with 69 rushing yards on 12 carries.

Raiola wound up 23 of 35 for 284 yards with three touchdowns passes and one interception. Isaiah Neyor had four receptions for 90 yards and two scores, and Jahmal Banks hauled in seven passes for 81 yards. Dante Dowdell ran 20 times for 72 yards.

Both teams had chances to break a tie late in the fourth quarter.

The Cornhuskers’ Ceyair Wright forced a fumble while sacking Altmyer with 8:24 remaining, and teammate Mikai Gbayor recovered at the Nebraska 38. The ensuing drive ended when Nebraska kicker John Hohl missed wide right on a 39-yard field-goal attempt.

The Fighting Illini were aided by a key play in the second quarter that was first called a Cornhuskers touchdown on the field. After a review, Torrie Cox Jr. had his arm between Neyor and the ball and stripped the ball away in the end zone, keeping possession with the lone interception for either team on the night.

Nebraska senior defensive back Tommi Hill left the game in the first half because of an apparent head injury.

It was a historic game for Nebraska despite the loss, as it was the school’s NCAA-record 400th straight sellout.

–Field Level Media

Aug 29, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) throws a pass during the first half against the Lindenwood Lions at Children's Mercy Park. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

QB Jalon Daniels leads No. 19 Kansas against Illinois

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Last year, Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels got to play just three games before he suffered what developed into a season-ending back injury.

Illinois was one of the unfortunate three foes to face him.

Daniels threw for two touchdowns in the first quarter last Sept. 8 – and wound up 21 of 29 for 277 yards – as the Jayhawks rolled to a 34-7 lead that wound up as a 34-23 non-conference win. No. 19 Kansas (1-0) visits Illinois (1-0) for a rematch Saturday night at Champaign, Ill., with a healthy Daniels at the controls.

“People are talking about them being a (BCS) playoff team – and (I) could definitely see that before they even played a snap this year,” said Illinois coach Bret Bielema. “I think their football team and program really channels through their quarterback. When he has been able to be in the lineup, they obviously have a record that is pretty special.”

Since head coach Lance Leipold arrived at Kansas prior to the 2022 season, the Jayhawks have produced a 9-4 record when Daniels starts – but only 7-7 when he has been too hurt to play.

To preserve the fifth-year junior’s health, there was speculation Daniels would sit out last week’s opener against Lindenwood. Instead, he threw 15 times, completing nine passes, for 148 yards and a score. He also threw an interception (but did not carry the ball) before taking a seat in the Jayhawks’ 48-3 victory last Thursday.

The danger for Illinois is focusing too heavily on Daniels. In last year’s game, running backs Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. combined for 218 yards and two touchdowns in just 22 rushes.

Both guys are back and Neal (3,189 yards, 35 TDs) remains on pace to break June Henley’s school records for career rushing yards (3,841) and touchdowns (41). Hishaw, who owns 16 career touchdowns, could start at most schools. Leipold suggested earlier this week that Kansas’ rushing game, which features seniors at left tackle (Bryce Cabeldue/39 career starts) and left guard (Michael Ford/32 starts), will be crucial to the Jayhawks’ efforts to sweep the home-and-home series.

“On the road, to give yourself normal down and distance and try to keep the crowd out of it (is huge),” Leipold said. “When you stay in those regular-type situations, you can pretty much dial up anything – run or pass.”

Coincidentally, Illinois opened its 2024 season just like Kansas – with a 45-point win over a Football Championship Subdivision foe on Aug. 29.

Another coincidence that developed during the Illini’s 45-0 victory over Eastern Illinois? They believe they have multiple threats at running back in sophomores Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin to take some pressure off junior quarterback Luke Altmyer.

The 245-pound Feagin earned more opportunities last year (95 carries and nine receptions compared to 16 carries and two catches), but Laughery started Thursday’s win over EIU and used his sprinter’s speed to produce 79 yards in 10 carries. Feagin entered later and finished with 16 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown.

“Aidan brings a skill set that’s kind of unique to that room,” Bielema said. “Kaden is the typical ‘what-you-see-is-what-you-get,” but I do think he has an exceptional burst.”

Leipold, whose defense posted six sacks in last year’s game, noticed a difference on the tape.

“They’re a physical Big Ten team,” he said. “They’ve improved over last year, you can see. They’ve made some adjustments in the O-Line.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 29, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) runs the ball against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Jaeden Gould (8) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Chase Brown, defense carry No. 17 Illinois past Nebraska, 26-9

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Illinois star running back Chase Brown raced for 162 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns as the No. 17 Fighting Illini defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 26-9 in their Big Ten matchup in Lincoln, Neb., on Saturday.

Illini quarterback Tommy DeVito completed 20 of 22 passes for 179 yards and two scores as Illinois extended its lead in the conference’s West Division at 4-1 (7-1 overall). Purdue, which is second at 3-2, was idle. Nebraska fell to 2-3 and 3-5.

The Illini defense, which entered the weekend leading the nation in scoring defense and total defense, picked off Nebraska quarterbacks three times. Sydney Brown snared two, including one that set up Illinois to take the lead for good.

Cornhuskers quarterback Casey Thompson, who was coming off a 354-yard passing performance in a loss at Purdue on Oct. 15, threw for 172 yards in the first quarter and a half before leaving with an injury to his throwing hand.

With Nebraska leading 9-6, Thompson was hit as he tried to throw downfield. Sydney Brown grabbed the fluttering pass and returned it 37 yards to the Cornhuskers’ 11. Chase Brown carried twice from there, scoring from 1 yard out with 6:03 left before halftime to lift the Illini to a 13-9 lead.

After Nebraska went three-and-out, Illinois put together an 11-play, 72-yard drive, capped by DeVito’s 12-yard pass play to Chase Brown, who coasted into the end zone.

Chase Brown finished with 32 carries for 149 yards and three catches for 13 yards.

Sophomore Logan Smothers finished the first half at quarterback for Nebraska, and redshirt freshman Chubba Purdy took over to start the second half. Purdy went 3 of 8 passing for 15 yards and one interception.

Illinois scored on the game’s first possession, moving 75 yards on five plays, capped by DeVito’s 46-yard touchdown connection to Isaiah Williams. Williams finished with nine catches for 93 yards. The extra point kick failed.

Nebraska got on the board late in the first quarter on Timmy Bleekrode’s 26-yard field goal, which followed a nine-play drive.

The Cornhuskers then took the lead on their next possession, using five plays to go 93 yards, the last 56 as Thompson threaded a pass to Travis Vokolek down the left sideline for a catch-and-run. The extra point attempt was blocked, and Nebraska led 9-6 with 9:38 to go before halftime.

Caleb Griffin added field goals of 36 and 41 yards in the second half for Illinois.

–Field Level Media

Indiana's Jack Tuttle (14) prepares to throw a pass during fall football camp at Indiana University on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. Iufb Qb Jack Tuttle 1

Hoosiers try to keep Illini guessing until Friday night affair

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Illinois broke in a new quarterback and crashed into the win column, and now Tommy DeVito and the Fighting Illini take the show on the road for the team’s first matchup with Indiana since 2017.

The Hoosiers are taking a page from Illinois coach Bret Bielema’s book by withholding the identity of the starting quarterback for the Friday night affair in Bloomington, Ind.

DeVito, a transfer from Syracuse named the starter for Illinois (1-0) days before the opener, leaned on Illini running back Chase Brown (three TDs) to bury Wyoming 38-6. The Illini’s bruising offensive line will be tested by the Hoosiers.

“Just impressed with what Coach Bielema’s done there in a short time he’s been there,” Indiana coach Tom Allen said Monday. “Their running back, Chase Brown, is very special. He had a great season last year and showed it again on Saturday.”

Indiana, 2-10 last season, follows Week 1 with home dates against Idaho and Western Kentucky before a Top 25 meeting at Cincinnati on Sept. 24. The stretch in September might allow the Hoosiers time to determine which quarterback gives the team the best chance to compete.

Fifth-year senior Jack Tuttle started two games in 2021 but wasn’t handed the starting job. He said he has carried himself “with a chip on my shoulder” since the end of last season, but he’s locked in a duel with Missouri transfer Connor Bazelak. The former Tigers quarterback made 20 starts at Mizzou and passed for 5,058 yards with 23 touchdowns, 17 interceptions and a 66.3 completion percentage.

“I’m not happy,” Tuttle said of the competition. “I’m motivated.”

DeVito played more of a game-manager role in the opener with Illinois running downhill at will against Wyoming. Allen’s defense has seven returning starters, and they largely will be keyed on Brown — 19 carries, 151 yards last week — and the ground game.

DeVito completed 27 of 37 passes for 194 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Wyoming.

“I liked Tommy’s demeanor. Thought he did some things that don’t go in the newspaper,” Bielema said. “Just getting rid of the ball on early downs so we don’t get in negative situations. He distributed the ball to a lot of players, 12 players caught passes.”

Indiana has won three consecutive games in the series, which is led by Illinois 45-24-2.

–Field Level Media

Nov 27, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema waits to take the field with his players during Saturday s game with the Northwestern Wildcats at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Bret Bielema to keep Illini QB secret until Saturday

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Bret Bielema knows and his starting quarterback is aware, but the Illinois head coach plans to keep the rest of the world guessing until Saturday.

Bielema said he has informed his starting quarterback of his status for Saturday’s opener against Wyoming, but his intention is to shield that information from others until gameday.

“I know who the starting QB is,” he said Monday, “our starting QB knows who it is and our team does. So, we’ll kind of stick to that messaging.”

Bielema said he treats quarterback as he would any other position and won’t publicly identify starters from depth chart competitions.

“I don’t see the advantage of (who’s starting) being known before Saturday,” he said.

Art Sitkowski and Syracuse transfer Tommy DeVito have been competing since spring practice to take over the Fighting Illini offense.

Illinois was 5-7 in 2021, Bielema’s first season at Illinois. Wyoming went 7-6 last season and won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

–Field Level Media