Illinois Football Featured 4 Times in ESPN’s “100 best college football games of the 2024 season”

While I wouldn’t claim the following list necessarily represents the Illini’s best games in a specific order, each of these matchups undoubtedly delivered big time in terms of pure thrill factor. That said, I can certainly see why these victories landed where they did among Connelly’s rankings.

Dec 31, 2024. Orlando, FL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh McCray (6) celebrates winning the MVP. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images.

#71 – Illinois Edges Nebraska 31-24 in OT Thriller

What an early statement victory by Bret Bielema’s squad. For the Illini to secure their first conference win in front of a sold-out road crowd of over 85,000, in overtime,  against a ranked opponent (No. 22 at the time), is truly impressive.

Nebraska young gun Dylan Raiola was as good as advertised and gave the Illini a tough game. However, despite the true freshman gunslinger’s valiant efforts, the connection of Luke Altmyer to Pat Bryant was too much to handle for the Huskers. A breakout effort from Aaron Henry’s defense that played strong for the entirety of the game additionally sealed the deal for Illinois with a sack by Dylan Rosiek.

#21 – 21-17 Citrus Bowl Victory vs South Carolina

Despite the absence of Pat Bryant, Illinois Football boasted an all-around effort in Orlando to claim victory over Shane Beamer and South Carolina, who possessed a ton of momentum entering bowl season. After barely missing the 12-team college football playoff, the Gamecocks were looking to make a statement vs. Illinois.

Fortunately, Luke Altmyer and the Illini were up to the challenge.

In the end, standing in a shower of orange and blue confetti, hosting a Citrus Bowl trophy, the Illini celebrated their first bowl game victory since the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in 2011. 

#19 – Pat Bryant’s Game Winner (38-31) at Rutgers

Illinois likely would not have made it to Orlando for the Citrus Bowl without Pat Bryant’s heroics against Rutgers. His electrifying 40-yard touchdown in the final seconds secured a lead for the Illini with just 4 seconds left on the clock. The dramatic victory ignited late-season momentum and also set Illinois up for a strong finish—and they delivered.

While it wasn’t their cleanest win of the season, the Illini’s 38-31 victory was an absolute thriller in Piscataway.

#12 – A Sloppy, Yet Exciting OT win vs Purdue

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