The Illini (8-3, 5-3) flew over 800 miles to take on the Scarlet Knights (6-5, 3-5) for one of their final games of the season. In their first road matchup in nearly a month, the Illini endured a whirlwind of trials and tribulations but ultimately stayed resilient.
In the end, the Illini obtained their eighth victory in the birthplace of college football. The final moments of the game were jam-packed with action and intensity, but it was all worth it.
Battle of the running backs
Rutgers has one of the most talented running backs in the NCAA. Senior Kyle Monangai was again the go-to guy for the Scarlet Knights, and the Illini couldn’t hold him back much. Monangai was strong and had excellent contact balance. Even after he got hit, he continued to fight through the defense and gain ground on Illinois. It’s hard to beat speed, strength and smarts all at once.
As for Illinois, junior running back Josh McCray led the charge once more, but the whole running back unit was utilized today. Freshman Ca’Lil Valentine demonstrated how quick he can run when he’s got the ball, and sophomore Aidan Laughery secured his first touchdown of the season. While Monangai showed his dominance, McCray demonstrated his expertise and scored a touchdown and two-point conversion later in the game.
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On the ground, in the air
If Monangai didn’t run, senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis did. Kaliakmanis spotted gaps in Illinois’ defense and was decisive on his feet. Not only that, but he got things done in the air and found his receivers down the line.
At the half, Rutgers already had 215 yards on offense. Kaliakmanis completed 10 of his 17 passes in the first 30 minutes. Contrastingly, junior quarterback Luke Altmyer completed five passes in 11 attempts, and Illinois only had 135 yards. Before this game, Rutgers was 6-0 when it led at halftime, so Illinois needed to fight hard to break this streak.
Neither quarterback had that impressive of a game in terms of accuracy, but the motors on their feet aided them tremendously. Also, once Altmyer found a rhythm with senior wide receiver Pat Bryant, things started to turn in their favor.
Inconsistent defensive pressure
Kaliakmanis had favorable conditions to succeed against Illinois’ defense. There was a lack of urgency to blitz, and Kaliakmanis had plenty of time in the pocket to make efficient plays. Usually, Illinois can frustrate its opponent and hurry the quarterback, but that didn’t happen in this game. Because of this, Kaliakmanis picked up 84 rushing yards himself.
The Illini missed tackles and allowed the receivers to pick up extra yards after they caught the ball. The most riveting moment came from a forced fumble by sophomore defensive back Matthew Bailey. In dire moments, the defense could not prevent the Scarlet Knights from scoring, so the offense had to pick things up on their end.
Pain from penalties
It seemed as though a flag was thrown on the field during or after every play. Things started rough with junior offensive lineman Melvin Priestly getting three penalties called on him in the first quarter alone. Pre-snap penalties were a killer, and personal fouls destroyed the Illini, too. In total, the Illini finished with 10 penalties and lost 88 yards because of them.
Fourth quarter finale
In the final 15 minutes of the game, the Illini amped up their offensive efforts and illustrated how clutch they can play. The team put up two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and got their first lead of the game. Despite another touchdown from Rutgers, Illinois never gave up.
In the final minute of the game, with the skills of Bryant, the Illini miraculously made their way into the Scarlet Knights’ territory. It appeared as though the Illini would need to settle for a field goal to achieve a victory. However, a timeout from Rutgers forced a change in playcalling. On a fourth and 13 attempt, Altmyer threw a dart to a wide-open Bryant, who ran into the end zone to retake the lead.
Then, to make things even sweeter for Illinois, Rutgers attempted numerous laterals out of desperation. But, these laterals resulted in a safety, and the Illini emerged with their second road win of the season.
@tess_eken
