Ad Disclosure
Luke Altmyer, Pat Bryant reflect on stunning last-second win vs. Rutgers: ‘What a cool moment’
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Illinois pulled off a dramatic win at Rutgers on Saturday, improving to 8-3 to move a victory away from the program’s first 9-win season since 2007 — and staying on pace for double-digit wins for the first time since 2001.
Luke Altmyer connected with Pat Bryant for a touchdown with just 4 seconds remaining, just after Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano called a timeout to try to ice the Illinois kicker after Bret Bielema sent his field goal unit out. Bielema ultimately sent his offense back out with the Illini due to the windy conditions, leading to a wild finish.
“I didn’t think for a second Pat Bryant was going to do down. He was going for the end zone. What a cool moment,” Altmyer said.
The Illinois quarterback was able to spot what he saw was a defensive breakdown, leading to Bryant’s 40-yard score and the game-winner.
“I was like, ‘Why are they not doubling him?'” Altmyer recounted.
Altmyer and Bryant’s heroics caught Bryant by surprise. It was the senior wide receiver’s ninth touchdown of the season, part of a career-best 197-yard performance.
“I was kind of shocked myself. I couldn’t believe I did it,” he said.
All that aside, there was plenty of confidence on the part of the Illini, who look to move to 9-3 with a win against Northwestern to end the regular season.
“There was no panic,” Altmyer said. “We go through two-minute drills and practice those situations.”