No. 24 Illinois triumphed over No. 22 Nebraska with a thrilling 31-24 overtime victory on Friday night in Lincoln, marking a significant achievement for the Fighting Illini. This win makes Illinois the first team nationally to secure two victories over AP Top 25 opponents this season, and they improved to 4-0 for the first time since 2011.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer delivered an impressive performance, completing 21 of 27 passes for 215 yards and four touchdowns, including the decisive touchdown to Pat Bryant in overtime. This marked Altmyer’s second game of the season with four touchdown passes, connecting with nine different receivers throughout the match.
Pat Bryant had a standout game, recording five receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns, further solidifying his impact this season with three multi-touchdown performances already. Kaden Feagin led the rushing attack with 12 carries for 69 yards.
On the defensive front, the Illini recorded a season-high five sacks, including three crucial sacks during overtime, which proved instrumental in stifling Nebraska’s attempt to score.
The game opened with Illinois quickly seizing the lead after a 78-yard touchdown drive that culminated in Altmyer finding Bryant for a 27-yard touchdown. Nebraska responded, taking a 17-10 lead into halftime after scoring late in the second quarter. However, Illinois rebounded after halftime, showcasing resilience and tying the game on multiple occasions.
Regulation ended in a 24-24 tie, pushing the contest into overtime. In the extra period, Illinois needed only two plays to score, starting with a 21-yard rush from Feagin followed by Altmyer connecting with Bryant for the game-winning touchdown. Illinois’ defense then stepped up, forcing Nebraska into multiple difficult situations and ultimately sealing the victory.
Illinois will continue their road journey next week, facing No. 10 Penn State on September 28, with kickoff scheduled for either 6 PM or 6:30 PM CT.
This season marks the second time in the program’s history that Illinois has opened with two victories against ranked teams in September. Under head coach Bret Bielema, Illinois has found success in overtime games, showcasing his ability to guide the team effectively in high-pressure scenarios.