Illinois picked up their first win this season on the road against a tough Minnesota team.
Luke Altmeyer has struggled as of late and all eyes were on him, as talks coming out of Champaign was that Cal Swanson was playing well in practice and could step in if Altmeyer struggles. It didn’t take long for Coach Hail to make the decision to give the freshman QB a shot.
Minnesota opened up the game strong and marched down the field capped off by a 31 yard run by Darius Taylor who gashed the Illini ground defense all day. The ensuing kickoff had Kenari Wilcher take the KO 98 yards to the house showcasing a much needed playmaker on this struggling Illini team.
Minnesota was able to move the ball at will against this Illini defense however Illinois was able to make key stops on the goal line holding Minnesota to 3. Illinois answered back by driving the field and capped it off with a 7 yard TD run by speedy QB Swanson. His first of two on the day.
None more important than the second. After a booth review called a questionable spot it put Illinois at the 1yard line with just over two minutes remaining up 1 at 14-13. Under heavy pressure Hail decided to go for it and Cal Swanson came up big with a QB sneak to put Illinois up 8 late.
Minnesota was not done however and made timely plays and two great play calls on 3rd and long and 4th and long to extend the drive. Minnesota answered with a TD with 49 seconds to play to pull Minnesota within 2. On the ensuing 2pt try, Illinoi sold out and created havoc in the backfield and was able to stop Brosmers pass.
Illinois garnered a first down on the ensuing drive and was able to clock the ball for their first win of the season.
When asked about his faith in the young QB Swanson, Coach Hail stated “We are here to win, whoever gives us the best chance and doing so will be in the game”. All eyes remained fixed on Champaign-Urbana to see who will win this new QB battle going forward for Illinois.
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:
WHOS ONLINE:
, usmarine7t and 16 Guests in the last 5 minutes Legend: NDL Admin | Conference Commish | Media Team | NDL Coaches
NDL Hall of Fame:
664 Coaches Newest Member: OracleHCR
HOME
Discord