Luke Altmyer leads Illinois to a win in bowl game after running over an official
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Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer had an incredible night against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Music City Bowl win, but the play in the third quarter caught the attention of college football fans.
The Fighting Illini took a three-point lead in the third quarter and scored first from the Volunteers’ 41-yard line. Altmyer took the kick and stepped back to pass. He passed the ball to his right and took the ball towards the middle of the field.
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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs the ball during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Altmyer evaded Tennessee defenders and ran directly into a referee. The quarterback bounced off the referee and picked up a first down before going out of bounds. It took the official a minute to stand up. He would score a touchdown later on the drive.
Tennessee had a bad comeback. DeSean Bishop scored a 12-yard rushing touchdown early in the frame and the team took the lead with a 94-yard kick return field goal by Joakim Dodson.
Altmyer came back and drove a 13-play, 65-yard drive, setting up David Olano’s field goal for the 30-28 victory.
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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) looks to throw a pass during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Altmyer was 20-of-33 for 196 passing yards and a touchdown. He had 54 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown as well.
Illinois posted the first consecutive nine-win season in program history.
“We don’t need to read about other years anymore,” head coach Bret Bielema said after the game. “I think people generally read about history or write history, and this group is writing history, and I think we’ll continue to do that.”
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema yells at a referee during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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The team is currently 2-1 in bowl games under Bielema.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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