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Illinois Football makes Program Statement in win over Nebraska

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Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Terrance Brooks (8) smiles after the Fighting Illini defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Terrance Brooks (8) smiles after the Fighting Illini defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

History has been made. The Illinois Football team is 4-0 for the first time since the 2011 season. They were able to go into Lincoln, Nebraska, and steal the spotlight from the #22 ranked Cornhuskers. The Illini came out victorious, 31-24 in a thrilling overtime battle. Illinois football has now beaten two ranked opponents this season. This marks the first time since 1990 when Illinois won the Big Ten Championship.

Keys to the Victory

This Illinois Football offense is operating at a level that we have not seen from an Illini offense in some time. After some conservative play-calling in the past two weeks, Barry Lunney Jr. served up an absolute masterclass.

Lunney and Luke Altmyer were always in sync in this one it felt. This led to Luke Altmyer’s best game as an Illini. Altmyer finished the game 21-27 for 215 yards and four touchdowns in the overtime win. Luke looked like he was in command from the word go tonight taking the Illini down the field on their opening drive and ultimately finding Pat Bryant for the touchdown.

Additionally, the offensive line proved everyone wrong and played their best game as a unit. They protected Altmyer all night and helped the running backs grab chunk plays. The Illini rushing attack finished with 169 total yards and was led by sophomore running back Kaden Feagin who had a nice 69 yards on 12 carries. Josh McCray also chipped in with nine carries for 38 yards.

Illinois Football Defense

This Illini football defense continues to impress this season. Kudos to second-year play-caller Aaron Henry who just had a tragic loss in his family.

The best part of this Illini defense thus far through four games is their ability to stop the run. They held a solid running back Dante Dowdell to just 72 yards on 20 carries. Just a great all-around performance from the Illini defensive front and their linebackers to slow him down. Also, who could forget Torrie Cox Jr. making an incredible play taking the ball away from him and changing the entirety of the game?

Final thoughts

 

Illinois football has beaten two ranked teams in a matter of three weeks and could be on their way to a top-20 ranking.

The hard tests for this team do not stop in Lincoln. Next week the Illini have another road test taking on the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Nittany Lions will be a stern test for the Illini, however, we know they will be ready.

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Dylan is an experienced content creator who brings years of experience to Armchair Illini. He has had work featured on Writing Illini, Fansided, SI and more.

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