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Illinois cashes in perfectly-executed fake punt on key TD drive vs. Michigan

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Illinois is firing on all cylinders against Michigan, and a trick play dialed up by Bret Bielema worked to perfection in the second half.

Looking for a spark to keep their lead going, the Illini went for a fake punt on a 4th-and-7 play near midfield. It caught the Wolverines flat-footed and led to a massive pickup.

Instead of being snapped all the way back to the punter, the 4th-down snap went to Tanner Arkin, a tight end who was a member of the blocking wall. There was a huge stretch of green grass open on the left side, and he picked up the first down and then some.

The play went for 36 yards and the longest play for either team so far in Week 8. Arkin has also been instrumental for the Illini after catching their first touchdown of the game.

Luke Altmyer would cash in the trick play by capping the drive with a short run for the touchdown. Bielema said at halftime the focus in this one involved the red zone, and Illinois capitalized on its first try of the second half.

In a weird twist, Altmyer’s helmet came off during the scrum at the goal line. He would be removed for the 2-point try, but Donovan Leary delivered a high pass that Zakhari Franklin was able to high point and deliver an impressive grab to complete the try.

Facing Michigan, these points will be crucial when the final whistle blows:

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.