Illinois Football: Barry Lunney Jr.’s Masterclass vs Nebraska

Shoutout to Barry Lunney Jr. And the Illini Offense

Illinois Football is 4-0 following their statement win over the 22nd-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers.

85,000 rowdy Huskers fans packed tightly into Memorial Stadium, for the exciting matchup between two ranked, and up-and-coming programs. The Illini played their best overall game of the season thus far and snuck out of Lincoln with a huge win to remain undefeated.

The odds were certainly stacked against Illinois. Going and getting a win on the road is hard enough, but facing a sold-out night game crowd, and a ranked opponent, makes everything more interesting. Prior to this week, Illini fans were hoping that the offense would come alive.

Could OC Barry Lunney Jr. find ways to get Kaden Feagin and the run game going to avoid one-dimensional play? Can Illinois convert on 3rd/4th and manageable vs Nebraska’s stifling defense?

A big shoutout to Lunney Jr, because his offense answered the call. Furthermore, the offense was key in securing a huge win for the Illinois Football program.

Lunney’s Offense Pushes Illinois Football Past Nebraska

What a well drawn up game plan from Lunney Jr. and the Illini offense.

Over 60 mins, Illinois Football executed a well balanced offensive attack, that the Huskers aggressive defense ultimately couldn’t stop. Luke Altmyer accounted for 215 yards trough the air, while Kaden Feagin and the Illini run game improved, totaling 168 yards. That is an impressive 383 total offensive yards earned against a tough Cornhuskers defense.

Lunney’s gameplan also allowed Quarterback Luke Altmyer to flourish. Luke looked like a pro on Friday night, finishing the evening 21 for 27, for 4 touchdowns and zero interceptions. It’s apparent that Luke has developed a new level of confidence and swagger about his game. Lunney Jr. has so much trust in his talented Junior QB, therefore, Barry is putting him in positions to unlock his potential, and excel.

Of course, in order for Luke to succeed, the Illini O-line needed to improve. The big guys up front were solid overall in pass protection, minus a few creative blitzes from Nebraska’s defense. However, I am more impressed with Illinois improved rushing attack. The Fighting Illini tabbed up an impressive 166 yards on the ground vs the Cornhuskers 16th ranked rush defense. That marked the 2nd most rushing yards in an individual game this season, behind Eastern Illinois in week 1.

Sep 20, 2024; Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Shoutout to Barry Lunney for continuing to develop and improve upon Illinois offense. His efforts place individuals in positions to succeed, furthermore, sparking confidence within his progressing units.

MVP – Luke Altmyer (21-27, 215 yards, 4 TD’s … 0 INT’s – QBR: 81.4)

Honorable Mention – Pat Bryant (5 Receptions, 74 Total yards, 2 Touchdowns )

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