CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — In front of a packed crowd at Gies Memorial Stadium, Illinois football stormed back into the win column with a commanding 35–13 victory over Rutgers on Saturday afternoon.
The victory, Illinois’ fourth straight home sellout, improved the Fighting Illini to 6–3 overall and 4–1 at home, solidifying their bowl eligibility for the second consecutive season — a feat the program last achieved in 2010–11.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer amassedv323 total yards (235 passing, 88 rushing) and a career-high five total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing). He orchestrated a 99-yard opening touchdown drive, completing seven of eight passes for 66 yards to give Illinois an early edge they never gave up.
Altmyer connected for touchdown passes with Kaden Feagin, Hank Beatty, Hudson Clement, and Collin Dixon. Clement recorded his first touchdown catch as an Illini, leading the team with five receptions for 84 yards.
Defensively, Gabe Jacas powered the Illini front with 2.0 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, moving into third place on Illinois’ all-time sacks list.
The Illini now enter a bye week before returning home to host Maryland on November 15. For full stats, quotes, and postgame coverage, visit FightingIllini.com.