Greg Schiano ripped on social media for decision that led to Illinois' last-second victory
Greg Schiano is taking massive heat on social media after a major late-game decision went against Rutgers in a dramatic 38-31 loss to Illinois on Saturday.
The Illini, who improved to 8-3 with the win, trailed 31-30 with 14 seconds to go with the ball at the Scarlet Knights’ 40-yard line. Bret Bielema originally called for his field goal unit to come out before Schiano called time out in an attempt to ice Illini kicker David Olano.
During the time out, though, Bielema had second thoughts and sent his offense back on the field with a chance to potentially win the game. Luke Altmyer’s pass found Pat Bryant, who evaded tacklers to get into the end zone to give the Illini a 36-31 lead with 4 seconds left.
Here’s video of how it happened:
PAT BRYANT SCORES THE GAME-WINNING TD ON 4TH DOWN! 😱@IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/ndso5u3X8B
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) November 23, 2024
Saturday’s victory meant the Illini matched the most games they’ve won in the Bielema era. A win against Northwestern or in a bowl would give the program nine wins for the first time since 2007.
Meanwhile, it was a demoralizing loss for the Scarlet Knights, who dropped to 6-5 in their final home game of the regular season. And Schiano, at the helm of the Rutgers program for his second stint, received plenty of blowback on social media, as you can see below:
Greg Schiano just lost a football game by icing the kicker.
— Power Mizzou (@PowerMizzoucom) November 23, 2024
Might be the most absurd ending to a football game I've witnessed here. Illinois had no business attempting a 58-yard field goal attempt into a stiff wind, and Greg Schiano's timeout helped them rethink it.
— Jerry Carino (@NJHoopsHaven) November 23, 2024
Greg Schiano putting on a masterclass coaching performance calling a timeout late so Illinois can see their kick is gonna be 15yds short and then not dropping back and playing coverage on 4th and 13 with 14 seconds left L O L
— Josh Wells (@OhWellsyy) November 23, 2024
Remember when Tennessee fans got ripped on by just about the entire country for not wanting Greg Schiano?
I do.https://t.co/Of35Sh5hKY https://t.co/atT1JB3BOW
— Mark Nagi (@MarkNagi) November 23, 2024
Greg Schiano has single-handedly cost Rutgers 3 games this year
— Conor Donnelly (@KingCdonn) November 23, 2024
Greg Schiano meet Chris Webber. I’ll call a time out so you two can get to know each other better.
— Tom Luicci (@TomLuicci) November 23, 2024
Greg Schiano has done a lot of great things for rutgers but that was extreme ineptitude to finish that game let a good ranked win slip away from sheer foolishness
— Deebo (@Deebo_55) November 23, 2024
A Greg Schiano special. Happy Senior Day.
— On the Banks (@OTB_SBNation) November 23, 2024
Can someone tell me the percentage of times that "icing the kicker" has worked in pro and college football?
Because Greg Schiano just turned a #Rutgers win into a loss.
— FabianNicieza (@FabianNicieza) November 23, 2024
Greg Schiano just fumbled away a home win against Illinois. Meanwhile, Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers control their own destiny for the College Football Playoff. Makes you think!
— Graves (@WBGravey) November 23, 2024
I see “icing the kicker” worked out well for Greg Schiano pic.twitter.com/WBstzUIoF9
— Paul Zeise (@PaulZeise) November 23, 2024
Greg Schiano just cost Rutgers the win.
Singlehandedly.
Unbelievable.
Horrible.
— Jesse Kolodkin (@JesseKolodkin) November 23, 2024
I’m probably good on Greg Schiano for the rest of my life.
— Matt Russell 🇨🇦 (@mrussauthentic) November 23, 2024