Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Penn State

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Sep 16, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) passes the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois football had a chance to shock the world, but our offense really let us down on Saturday.

This was actually a competitive game. The Illini had a chance to lead in the first half, but our offense continued to stumble. Interception after interception would eventually doom the Orange and Blue.

I was impressed with what I saw from the Illinois defense at all levels, but there is a much-needed overhaul of the offense that needs to take place.

Here are five observations from the Illinois football loss to Penn State

1. Illinois quarterback situation is a mess

It was a tough loss after the 2022 campaign. Quarterback Tommy DeVito just set the school record for single-season completion percentage, and then he departed for the NFL.

This loss of DeVito hurt, but Illinois was able to snag some quarterbacks who were talented on paper. Ole Miss transfer Luke Altmyer had the starting job all but locked up. He was a former four-star recruit. The Illini also secured transfer quarterback John Paddock from Ball State.

Things seemed to be secure at the quarterback position. I was hoping for a flawless transition from DeVito. That isn’t the case at all, though.

Altmyer’s first two games were so-so, with his running being the best attribute for the sophomore. He threw for 408 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in these two games. But then the third game happened on Saturday.

Penn State came to town and torched Altmyer. In three quarters of action, Altmyer threw for 163 yards, zero touchdowns, and four interceptions.

There were flashes of competence from Altmyer, but he was clearly outmatched by a tough Penn State secondary. Illinois brought in Paddock in the fourth quarter, and he started 1-of-5 on his first drive and looked a little out of sorts.

Paddock did settle in throughout the fourth quarter, though. After that first drive, he went 7-of-9 for 44 yards and a touchdown.

As of right now, I am not sure what to make of the Illinois quarterback situation. It seems to be a bit of a mess. Hopefully, this is just a learning experience situation for Altmyer and he grows from it.

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