Luke Altmyer’s fourth touchdown pass of the night was a 4-yard pass to Pat Bryant in overtime, leading Illinois to a 31-24 victory over No. 22 Nebraska on Friday in Lincoln.
Illinois (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) started the overtime period with a 21-yard run by Caden Feagin, after which Altmeyer linked with Bryant for a pass into the right corner of the end zone.
Nebraska (3-1, 0-1 SEC) began its overtime offense with a false start penalty, and things only got worse for the Cornhuskers. Dylan Raiola was sacked twice and completed a pass, but was sacked on fourth down and 29 yards to end the game.
Altmyer completed 21 of 27 passes for 215 yards. Bryant caught two of his five passes for 74 yards, including two touchdown passes. Tanner Arkin and offensive lineman Brandon Henderson each had touchdown receptions in the red zone, and Feagin ran 12 times for 69 yards to lead the Fighting Illini.
Raiola completed 23 of 35 passes for 284 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Isaiah Neyo caught four passes for 90 yards and two scores, Jamal Banks caught seven passes for 81 yards and Dante Dowdell rushed 20 times for 72 yards.
Both teams had chances to break the tie late in the fourth quarter.
With 8 minutes, 24 seconds remaining, Cornhuskers guard Ceair Wright sacked Altmeyer and forced a fumble, and teammate Mikai Gbayor recovered the ball at the Nebraska 38. The ensuing drive ended when Nebraska kicker John Hall missed a 39-yard field goal attempt wide right.
The Fighting Illini won the game on a key play in the second quarter that was initially ruled a touchdown on the Cornhuskers’ field, but after the call, Torrey Cox Jr. put his arm between Neyo and the ball and snatched it in the end zone, giving them possession for the only interception of the night for either team.
Nebraska senior defensive back Tommy Hill left the game in the first half with a head injury.
Despite the loss, it was a historic game for Nebraska, as it marked the school’s 400th consecutive sellout game, an NCAA record.