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John Paddock comes off the bench, leads thrilling game-winning drive for Illinois

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

John Paddock did not see action for much of Illinois’ game against Minnesota. However, he came off the bench for the most clutch of performances you will ever see in a college football game.

With the game on the line and trailing Minnesota 26-21, starting QB Luke Altmyer was knocked out of the game after taking a sack on 3rd-and-11. Paddock was immediately thrust into the game to face a 4th-and-11 from his own 15-yard line.

Paddock did the unthinkable, connecting with Isaiah Williams for 22 yards and a first down up to the 37-yard line. On the very next play, Paddock found Pat Bryant for 17 yards and another first down.

Paddock did not stop there. On the very next play, Williams ran a deep route and was able to get behind Minnesota’s secondary. The QB took the shot with Paddock dropping a throw on the money for Williams to run under it and score from 46 yards out.

Illinois would miss the 2-point conversion, but this throw gave Illinois a 27-26 win over the Golden Gophers:

Somehow, Paddock remarkably finishes the game 3-for-3 on that game-deciding drive for 85 yards and a touchdown. Illinois improves to 4-5 overall with that last-minute comeback.

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.