The Day After: Illinois Football Peaking at the Right Time

Illinois keeps its bowl hopes alive with a come-from-behind win at Minnesota.

Next man up is one of the oldest cliches in football. That maxim rang true Saturday afternoon as Illinois kept its slim bowl hopes alive against Minnesota with a 27-26 comeback road win. Starting quarterback Luke Altmyer sustained an injury in the fourth quarter, and backup quarterback John Paddock had to enter the game. Paddock had to lead the Illini to a touchdown to keep their postseason hopes alive. Paddock now has a story to tell his children and grandchildren about.

The Ball State transfer went 3-3 for 85 yards, including the go-ahead 46-yard touchdown pass with 50 seconds left to win the game. “It can always happen at a moment’s notice. You never know when it’s going to hit,” Paddock said. Illini head coach Brett Bielema spoke about his team’s growth over the last month of the season.

“I don’t want to be 4-5, but we have done so much growth in the last three games,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said. “Our guys feel where they’re starting to get, and we can only go up.”

The Golden Gophers had their own stakes in this game. They came into the game tied with Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Iowa for first place in the Big Ten West. Nebraska and Wisconsin lost, while Iowa defeated Northwestern. The loss puts Minnesota in a three-way tie for second in the division.

Luke Altmyer and the Illini offense are finding their stride at the right time.

Although he was knocked out of the game late in the fourth quarter, Luke Altmyer and the Illinois offense played arguably its best game of the season. Altmyer’s best throw was one that was called back. He threw a perfect pass to Pat Bryant on the run. It was unfortunately called back due to a holding penalty. Altmyer’s two turnovers were outstanding plays by the Gopher defense. One was a strip sack, and the other was a tremendous interception by Tyler Nubin, undercutting the route.

The offense did not miss a beat with Paddock in the game. He came into the game and showed tremendous poise and command of the offense. All three of his throws were on the money in a high-pressure situation. Freshman Kaden Feagin was solid once again in the run game. However, the Illini need someone to relieve him.

Illinois’ defense played well.

The Illini defense limited Minnesota’s running game and did an excellent job of keeping them in the game. The defense allowed nine points in the second half; a turnover set up their lone touchdown. Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for just 37 yards in the second half. The Illinois front played well against the run, allowing 93 yards and 2.7 yards per rush attempt.

Defensive tackle Jerry Newton returned in the second half. The NCAA suspended Newton for the first half because of a targeting penalty. He came into the game and immediately impacted with a sack and tackle for loss. Newton forced double teams, and the holes closed quickly for the Gophers.

What’s next?

The margins are still tight for Illinois. However, Saturday’s win makes the postseason attainable. Indiana and Northwestern are the most winnable games left on the schedule, with Iowa on the road at Kinnick. Illinois might play Northwestern for The Hat and a bowl game.

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