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Illinois’ Blake Hayes bombs 80-yard punt vs. Purdue
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The Illini didn’t see much offensive success in their 13-9 road loss to the Purdue Boilermakers, but there was plenty on special teams.
On Saturday, Illini senior punter Blake Hayes punted the ball six times for 291 yards for an average of 48.5 yards per punt.
His best punt of the day came just past the beginning of the second quarter when he sent a punt 80 yards down field. Here’s the play:
Yes, this was an EIGHTY yard boot by @hayesblake14 of @IlliniFootball 💣#ForTheBrand @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/lASTr5ORly
— Illinois on BTN (@IllinoisOnBTN) September 25, 2021
He punted the ball from the Illini 10-yard line and traveled over the head of the returner where it first touched down at the opposing 20-yard line, finally bouncing back into the end zone.
The punt traveled in the air for about 70-yards before taking a bounce for another 20-yards. Because it went into the end zone, it was officially credited as a 60-yard punt.
This play earned the attention of two-time Pro Bowl punter and SiriusXM analyst Pat McAfee:
This dude is stallion #ForTheBrand https://t.co/2lvAd2j9BB
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 25, 2021
The Illini will face the Charlotte 49ers (3-1) this next Saturday.