No. 23 Illinois snuck away with a win after an unlikely shootout against Big Ten bottomfeeder Purdue in Champaign this weekend. 

While junior quarterback Luke Altmyer was set to go into this game for redemption after last year’s loss against Hudson Card, Card’s concussion kept him out of the game, leaving Altmyer to face off against redshirt freshman quarterback Ryan Browne.

Illinois slow to gain momentum

While the Illini scored three touchdowns and a field goal in the first half, the game delivered minimal excitement early. The first quarter was a total snooze fest save for a junior running back Josh McCray touchdown with 10 seconds left. The only other score came earlier in the first quarter when sophomore kicker David Olano secured the Illini three points with his 30-yard attempt. 

The second quarter promised excitement, however the Illini did not deliver offensively, at least for the first 13 minutes. Time and time again the Illini showed they cannot run the ball, and today was no different, posting only 28 rushing yards at the half. 

97 seconds, 14 points

With less than two minutes to go, senior wide receiver Zakhari Franklin scored Illinois’ second touchdown after a connection from Altmyer. On the following kickoff, a strong wind blowing in caused Purdue to missplay the reception, allowing Illinois to jump on the ball and regain possession deep in Purdue territory.

A drop by freshman running back Ca’Lil Valentine and a sack on Altmyer sputtered the Illinois offense, however, McCray came to the rescue with his second touchdown of the day. At the end of the half, Illinois led Purdue 24-3. 

Illinois defense stops Purdue’s first-half offense 

From only scoring six points via two field goals last week, it was expected for the Boilermakers to underperform offensively. Illinois’ defense exemplified this in more than one way.

They successfully stopped Purdue at third down numerous times, which allowed Illinois to hold Purdue to only three total points in the first half and nine total passing yards. Later, the Illini defense put a stop to them once again in the red zone, blocking the Boilermakers from a crucial touchdown opportunity.

Eight seconds, 14 points 

Illinois ended out the first half strong, but Purdue took matters into its own hands coming out of the locker room. The Boilermakers scored 17 points in the third quarter, compared to a mere three by the Illini. In these 15 minutes, Purdue picked up the pace and quickly turned things around.

If fans thought Illinois’ 14 points in under 100 seconds was impressive, Purdue’s 14 points in under 10 was shocking. Backup quarterback Browne threw a 53-yard bomb to obtain Purdue’s first touchdown of the game, which also served as the kickstarter for Purdue’s passing attack. 

Then a few unfortunate seconds Illinois’ next drive, Altmyer fumbled the ball. The Boilermakers scooped it up and walked right into the end zone, just eight seconds after their first touchdown. In the blink of an eye, a 24-point lead turned into a 10-point lead.

Fourth quarter fight

Neither team held back for the final 15 minutes of the game. With Illinois dominating the first two quarters and Purdue the third, it was anyone’s game at 27-20. Altmyer started strong in the fourth. He scored his first rushing touchdown this season, furthering the Illini’s lead to 34-20. 

Purdue was quick to fight back, scoring another touchdown, still trailing 34-28 after a successful two-point conversion. With the winner still up in the air, the battle continued. 

Illinois regained momentum as McCray scored his third touchdown of the day. The Illini missed the subsequent two-point conversion, leaving the score at 40-28.

Purdue did not let the 12-point lead stop them. With Illinois’ disappearing defense, Purdue marched down the field capping off the drive with a two-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 40-35. 

Once again Illinois’ defense performed poorly, allowing Purdue to score yet another touchdown and two-point conversion after a successful onside.

Down 43-40 with seconds left, late-game heroics led by Altmyer’s passing drove the Illini to field goal range, allowing Olano to tie the game from 38 yards as time expired. 

Overtime

With the game still in anyone’s hands, senior wide receiver Pat Bryant’s hands took control, snagging a 25-yard touchdown from Altmyer. Now seven points ahead of the Boilermakers, the Illini gave it their all to end the game. 

Purdue still countered with a touchdown of their own but opted to go for the win with a two-point conversion. Game on the line, Illinois’ defense finally showed up, sacking Browne to end the game.

After the overtime thriller, the final ultimately rounded out at 50-49, with the Cannon Trophy back in Champaign for the first time since 2019.

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