CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Over the past three seasons, Illinois football has boasted an 11-4 record in games decided by a single score. The constant factor over these seasons is the quarterback leading the team.

Luke Altmyer has orchestrated six game-winning drives in his college career at Illinois, including a standout performance against USC, where his 49-yard drive paved the way for David Olano’s decisive field goal as the clock ran out. No other quarterback nationwide has engineered more late-game drives to secure a win for his team.

“I have a lot of confidence in our quarterback,” head coach Bret Bielema said regarding Altmyer’s reliability during high-pressure moments. “We place significant emphasis on situational football as coaches. I have high expectations in these situations, and our players take pride in meeting them. Luke exemplifies this perfectly.”

The tally of one-score victories features last season’s overtime triumph against Purdue, one of five such wins in the 2024 season. Illinois will visit the Boilermakers on Saturday, October 4, with the game set for 11 a.m.