Illinois Beats Rutgers 38-31 After Iced 58-Yard FG Leads to Last-Second 40-Yard TD from Altmyer to Bryant

Nov 23, 2024, 09:07 PM

Illinois secured a dramatic 38-31 victory over Rutgers after scoring a 40-yard catch-and-run touchdown on fourth-and-13 with four seconds remaining. In the game's closing moments, Illinois lined up for a 58-yard field goal attempt into the wind, but Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano called a timeout to ice the kicker. The initial kick, which was blown dead due to the timeout, fell short and to the left. Subsequently, Illinois opted against retrying the field goal and decided to go for it on fourth down. Quarterback Luke Altmyer connected with receiver Pat Bryant for the game-winning score. As a coda, Illinois added a safety to reach the final score of 38-31. The teams combined for three touchdowns in the final 3 minutes and 7 seconds of play, culminating in a dramatic finish that spoiled Rutgers' senior day.