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Brandon Peters throws game-winning TD as Illinois caps epic comeback
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Trailing 28-3 early in the second quarter of Saturday’s action at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, it looked as if the Illinois Fighting Illini might have to wait until November 23 to secure their bowl eligibility.
Instead, Illinois outscored Michigan State, 34-6, over the final 31 minutes to complete the largest comeback in program history.
Finishing 22-42 for 367 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, redshirt junior Brandon Peters found sophomore Daniel Barker for the game-winning score with five seconds left to play.
Our own Dustin Schutte provided footage of the play on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/SchutteCFB/status/1193323917794009089
Averaging over 20.5 yards per catch this season, redshirt junior Josh Imatorbhebhe continued his strong campaign with four catches for 177 yards and two touchdowns.
Moving to 6-4 with the win, the Illini have punched their ticket to a bowl game for the first time since the 2014 season when Tim Beckman was still roaming the sidelines.
Losing their fourth straight contest, Michigan State is now below .500 at 4-5. Looking to get back in the win column, the Spartans will battle their in-state rival, the No. 14 Michigan Wolverines, on Saturday at 12:00PM ET on FOX.
A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Rydquist has been contributing to Saturday Down South and Saturday Tradition since 2019. He can be found on Twitter @TeddyRydquist.