INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 26: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini speaks at Big Ten football media days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 26: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini speaks at Big Ten football media days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Illinois' Luke Altmyer Saves Game with Big 4th Down Throw

Illinois was in a back-and-forth game with Toledo having come back from a 19-7 deficit and held a 27-19 lead 13 minutes into the 4th quarter before Toledo took the lead back 28-27 with three minutes remaining.

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Illinois faced a 4th and 4 at their own 31 with two minutes left in the game. Illinois Quarterback Luke Altmyer was under heavy pressure, threw the ball downfield as he was getting hit, and completed it to Casey Washington for 33 yards to the Toledo 36.

As seen in the tweet below by Illinois Football Focus, the ball is placed perfectly by Altmyer, and a great diving catch for Washington in tight coverage.

 

https://twitter.com/IlliniFB/status/1698167930587144264?s=20

Illinois would go on to kick a 29-yard field goal with five seconds left to take a 30-28 lead and win the game after Toledo failed to score on the lateral drill after the ensuing kickoff. Luke Altmyer finished with 211 yards passing, two touchdowns, and one interception in Illinois' first win of the season.

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