NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Chambana Today) — David Olano never hesitated. As the final seconds ticked away inside Nissan Stadium, the Illinois kicker lined up from 29 yards out and drilled the game-winning field goal as time expired, lifting the Fighting Illini to a dramatic 30-28 victory over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl on Tuesday afternoon.
The kick capped a composed, clock-draining drive and sealed another milestone moment for Illinois under coach Bret Bielema. The Illini finished 9-4, marking the first time in program history they have won nine or more games in consecutive seasons and the first time they have captured bowl victories in back-to-back years.
Illinois appeared in control late before No. 23 Tennessee surged ahead on a stunning special teams play. With 4:58 remaining, true freshman Joakim Dodson returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown, giving the Volunteers a 28-27 lead and briefly swinging momentum to the SEC side.
The Illini, however, never gave the ball back.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer calmly guided Illinois 64 yards on 13 plays, converting key third and fourth downs while bleeding the clock. A Tennessee offside penalty and a fourth-down run by Aidan Laughery helped sustain the drive, setting the stage for Olano’s decisive kick.
Altmyer, playing in his final collegiate game, was named the Music City Bowl MVP. He completed 20 of 33 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown, added 54 rushing yards and scored on the ground. It marked his seventh career game-winning drive in the final minute or overtime at Illinois.
Illinois leaned heavily on its ground game, finishing with 221 rushing yards. Ca’Lil Valentine totaled 93 scrimmage yards on 11 touches, while Laughery rushed for 77 yards. The Illini also benefited from a pivotal defensive touchdown in the third quarter, when a forced fumble led to a recovery in the end zone.
In the end, the afternoon belonged to Illinois as the Illini closed a memorable season with a signature win over the SEC and another step forward in Bielema’s rebuilding effort.