Illinois Football: Top 5 Moments of a Monumental 2024 Season

5. Pat Bryant’s Game Winner vs Rutgers

4. OT Win vs Nebraska

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. Despite the true freshman gunslinger’s valiant efforts, the connection of Luke Altmyer to Pat Bryant struck gold once more. A breakout effort from Aaron Henry’s defense, who played strong for the entirety of the game, additionally sealed the deal for Illinois, capped with a Dylan Rosiek sack.

A win that, after defeating Kansas, further boosted the Illini’s momentum for the rest of the season.

3. Xavier Scott Pick-Six vs Kansas

Was it the play that won the game vs Kansas? No. However, as momentum started to shift in the direction of the Jayhawks, Xavier Scott sent a rowdy, sold-out Memorial Stadium into a frenzy, with a timely pick-six to give Illinois a 13-10 lead. After some questions coming into the season, this win over Kansas really helped Illinois assert themselves to the fanbase.

2. 100th Year Celebration Victory vs Michigan

No particular moment from this victory stood out as the “best,” but the game as a whole felt like an incredibly special moment for the program.

A strong defensive effort from the jump gave Illinois the juice needed to dominate the Wolverines and their mightily struggling offense led by backup Jack Tuttle.

I was fortunate to attend with some of my closest loved ones and had the privilege of celebrating the legacy of the “Galloping Ghost” Red Grange, as well as the century-long history of Memorial Stadium. All capped, of course, with a 21-7 victory.

1. Victory Number #10 – Citrus Bowl Champs

It was certainly a long-awaited moment of bliss for Illinois Football fans.

Despite the absence of star wide receiver Pat Bryant, the Illini 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 Big Ten 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. What a season for Bret Bielema and the Illinois fighting Illini.

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